The tour title is the “Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour,” and while giving nods to ZZ Top and Outlaws, Johnny Van Zant made it clear, “You’re on Skynyrd time now!” The band has recorded new music since it reformed in 1987 after a 10 year hiatus from the plane crash that claimed his brother and others, but Johnny has been the face and voice for the band for 37 years. The cast of players has evolved, but he’s clearly the master of ceremonies for the event.
Skynyrd is perhaps the epitome of southern rock, music for the masses that speak to southern pride, not as a remnant of civil war bitterness (though critics might point to the controversial use of a Confederate battle flag in the 70’s), but a way of life and values – freedom and individualism, resistance towards outside influences, loyalty, musical traditions, and working class values. Today, Zant carries boh a theme of patriotism and a US flag tied to his microphone stand throughout the show. Zant called for a somber moment of silence for those impacted by the school shooting in Winder, GA the prior day, and followed it up with a call of appreciation for first responders, the police, the fire department and US troops. Why the US flag he carries is shredded and soiled could be cause for further criticism for those wanting to pick a fight. But, come on, a Skynyrd song is about the music.
“Skynyrd Nation,” the second song of the night, fits thematically recognizing the legacy of the band and its fans. “Their legacy lives on” was shown on the video boards throughout the evening, a refreshing acknowledgement that they recognize that with Garry Rossington’s passing in 2023, there are no longer any original members of the band. It’s also a very smart way of saying they’re not a tribute band, either, but rather part of that legacy as many of them have played with the surviving members of the original band over the decades.
And they’re damned good at it. Johnny has every inflection that drives each song home, and almost every song provides an opportunity for guitarists Rickey Medlocke, Mark Matejka and newcomer Damon Johnson to gather at the center of the stage and play their trademark layered and harmonized leads. It’s a high energy show from start to finish that keeps the fan moving and dancing at their seats.
The setlist is below, but favorites were “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” “Call Me the Breeze” with Billy Gibbons adding yet another guitar, and, well, every fan should hear “Sweet Home Alabama” and encore “Freebird” live.
Right?
Setlist:
Encore:
ZZ Top. Not much more needs to be said of the iconic Texas boogie blues rock band. Bassist Dusty Hill passed away in 2021, and that role has been filled by longtime guitar tech Elwood Francis. Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard remain from their 1969 origins, and there didn’t seem to be any letup in the music. The video camera frequently focused on Gibbons guitar, and those hands look like they still have a lot of years ahead.
For what might be considered a routine performance, ZZ Top still remains entertaining. Gibbons and Francis continue with the synched steps they’re known for. After a bluesy intro to “My Heads in Mississippi,” Gibbons offered “Don’t get too excited. We’re just making this sh*t up.” We can hope they were that loose. Gibbons was clearly having fun when he changed the lyric to “my heads in jawww-ja.” Watching his slide guitar on “Just Got Paid” was also a treat. Gibbon’s voice may lack the strength it once had, but don’t bother making up reasons not to see them, just go for it.
As for Francis’ 17 string bass… don’t take it seriously.
Setlist:
Encore:
Like many elder generation bands, Outlaws (at times The Outlaws) feature only one original member of the lineup that released their first album, singer/guitarist Henry Paul. The band opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1974 in Columbus, GA, and Ronnie Van Zandt made industry shaker Clive Davis aware of the band. Hughie Thomasson would later leave Outlaws to play guitar for Skynyrd from 1996-2005.
Younger audiences may be most familiar with “Green Grass and High Tides,” featured in video game Rock Band, a classic country-rock rager with sterling dual guitar interplay. They played that and only three other songs, each with extensive guitar solos. Though brief, it was a great set of the best songs from the band.
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EXTRAORDINARY IMAGES AS WELL AS TOP DRAWER REVIEWS OF THESE TWO ICONIC BANDS.