Jacksonville’s Shining Stars Mark Celebrated Return To Their Stomping Grounds With ‘Poison Whiskey’

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Lynyrd Skynyrd is a group deeply rooted in tradition, which is why the current band often revisits some of their old songs that are long time fan-favorites.

In 2015, Skynyrd booked a two night gig in their hometown at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, during which they played hit songs from their first two albums, 1973’s Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin’nérd  and 1974’s Second Helping. The performances were recorded and later turned into a DVD, CD, and Blu-ray called ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin’nérd & Second Helping – Live From Jacksonville at the Florida Theatre. One of the tracks they performed on the first night of the gig was a song that was originally on their first album, called “Poison Whiskey.”  

“Poison Whiskey” was written by the band’s original lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, and bassist/guitarist Ed King. The lyrics tell the story of an alcoholic man who eventually drinks himself to death. Through the man’s story, the narrator tries to warn the listener about addiction and alcoholism, singing, “Take a tip from me, people… brothers can’t you see/Ain’t no future in ole poison whiskey.“

The new, live version of “Poison Whiskey” opens with a nearly 30 second instrumental solo, which sets the grooving, almost bluesy rhytmn to the song. Once lead vocalist Johnny Van Zant jumps in and makes his voice follow that same rhytmn, making it ebb and flow to the point of letting his voice completely fade out at times. It’s at those points that the instrumentals take over, and there is certainly no shortage of Skynyrd’s signature instrumental solos in this track.

Tune in below to listen to Skynyrd’s live version of “Poison Whiskey,” recorded in their hometown of Jacksonville.

Who out there has been lucky enough to see this iconic group perform this song live? 

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd & Second Helping Live’ is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats – it’s the perfect gift for the Lynyrd Skynyrd fan in your life. Buy it here on Amazon!