October 20th marked the anniversary of the untimely passing of Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Over thirty years ago, both musicians perished in a plane crash near Gillsburg Mississippi that also took the lives of other members of the band’s entourage as well as both pilots of the Convair 240 tour plane the band was leasing.
Today, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the most celebrated rock bands in history and Ronnie Van Zant is a legend. But in 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd was still a hardworking band, a band that had not reached its iconic status. From 1973 to 1977, the band released six albums and toured relentlessly. On October 17, just three days before the accident, the band released the final studio album from the Ronnie Van Zant-era, Street Survivors. When the accident occurred, the band had just embarked on a major supporting tour for what was arguably their finest album to date. Their first headlining gig at Madison Square Garden was on the itinerary – a symbol that the band had indeed hit the big-time.
Ronnie Van Zant was a rock star. But it wasn’t because of Greek God looks or an angelic voice. Ronnie was rocker. For a time, he lived hard with bouts of intoxication and brushes with the law. His behavior contributed to his legend, but he was best know for his love of the South and more importantly, his incredible skill as a songwriter and arranger. Bandleaders, front-men and songwriters like Ronnie Van Zant don’t come around very often. He was a tremendous talent.
Steven Gaines had only been in the band for a year when he passed away, however, Gaines’ creative stamp on the band was instant. Gaines was a gifted songwriter, dazzling guitarist and impassioned vocalist. His influence and drive gave Lynyrd Skynyrd a jolt of creative energy it had been lacking at the time of his arrival. Ronnie publicly marveled at the diverse talents of Gaines, even claiming that he and the rest of the band would one day be in Gaines’ shadow.
Who knows what kind of heights Lynyrd Skynyrd could have reached had the accident not occurred.* If there was ever a need for documentation of a creative rebirth within the band, look no further than the triumphant Street Survivors album. This is one bad-ass rock album. It has it all: great hooks, strong melodies, fantastic vocals by both Van Zant and Gaines, inspired guitar work, introspective lyrics and a whole lot of groove. Street Survivors is testament to the greatness of Lynyrd Skynyrd – and the monster talent of Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines.
The music still lives and breathes. That is what great rock and roll does. Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines are not forgotten.
*Lynyrd Skynyrd reformed a decade after the accident with Ronnie’s younger brother Johnny Van Zant handling the lead vocal duties. A revolving line-up of musicians including some original members have been parading around the world performing the Lynyrd Skynyrd catalogue for twenty years now, but the true creative greatness of the band ended in 1977.
Today, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the most celebrated rock bands in history and Ronnie Van Zant is a legend. But in 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd was still a hardworking band, a band that had not reached its iconic status. From 1973 to 1977, the band released six albums and toured relentlessly. On October 17, just three days before the accident, the band released the final studio album from the Ronnie Van Zant-era, Street Survivors. When the accident occurred, the band had just embarked on a major supporting tour for what was arguably their finest album to date. Their first headlining gig at Madison Square Garden was on the itinerary – a symbol that the band had indeed hit the big-time.
Ronnie Van Zant was a rock star. But it wasn’t because of Greek God looks or an angelic voice. Ronnie was rocker. For a time, he lived hard with bouts of intoxication and brushes with the law. His behavior contributed to his legend, but he was best know for his love of the South and more importantly, his incredible skill as a songwriter and arranger. Bandleaders, front-men and songwriters like Ronnie Van Zant don’t come around very often. He was a tremendous talent.
Steven Gaines had only been in the band for a year when he passed away, however, Gaines’ creative stamp on the band was instant. Gaines was a gifted songwriter, dazzling guitarist and impassioned vocalist. His influence and drive gave Lynyrd Skynyrd a jolt of creative energy it had been lacking at the time of his arrival. Ronnie publicly marveled at the diverse talents of Gaines, even claiming that he and the rest of the band would one day be in Gaines’ shadow.
Who knows what kind of heights Lynyrd Skynyrd could have reached had the accident not occurred.* If there was ever a need for documentation of a creative rebirth within the band, look no further than the triumphant Street Survivors album. This is one bad-ass rock album. It has it all: great hooks, strong melodies, fantastic vocals by both Van Zant and Gaines, inspired guitar work, introspective lyrics and a whole lot of groove. Street Survivors is testament to the greatness of Lynyrd Skynyrd – and the monster talent of Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines.
The music still lives and breathes. That is what great rock and roll does. Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines are not forgotten.
*Lynyrd Skynyrd reformed a decade after the accident with Ronnie’s younger brother Johnny Van Zant handling the lead vocal duties. A revolving line-up of musicians including some original members have been parading around the world performing the Lynyrd Skynyrd catalogue for twenty years now, but the true creative greatness of the band ended in 1977.
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