Review & photos by Joe Schaeffer
Lynyrd Skynyrd played loud and proudly during a crowd-pleasing Saturday night show at Laughlin’s E Center. The show was a one-off as the band prepares to head out with ZZ Top for a summer tour, hitting amphitheaters, pavilions and arenas as part of their 23-concert Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour.
On March 5, 2023, Gary Rossington, the only surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away due to previous heart issues (See a review of his final show in Nashville). Guitarist Damon Johnson, who filled in for Rossington during previous absences, is now in his place. He joins the guitar duo of longtime members Rickey Medlocke and Mark Matejka, alternating on lead and slide guitar solos.
“Thank you, Lord, for this tonight,” front man Johnny Van Zant proclaimed at one point.
Tonight, concertgoers heard all the hits, from “Saturday Night Special” to “Simple Man” to “Sweet Home Alabama.” They also pulled out “That Smell,” “Workin’ for MCA,” “What’s Your Name,” “Gimme Three Steps” and their cover of J. J. Cale’s “Call Me the Breeze.”
“Red, White and Blue (Love it or Leave it)” made the setlist as a stirring tribute to the military and first responders on this Memorial Day weekend.
The evening ended with an encore of the band’s most famous epic, “Freebird,” featuring a vocal track and video of original lead singer Ronnie Van Zant.
Despite the half a century since Lynyrd Skynyrd’s debut album, the band’s music still resonates with fans both young and old. In 2006, they earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“Thank you so much for keeping Lynyrd Skynyrd music alive for all these years,” Van Zant told the audience before exiting the stage. “Goodnight and we love you.”
