Making A Statement: Skynyrd Bares It All In Gritty Live Performance Of ‘Needle And The Spoon’

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Lynyrd Skynyrd‘s second studio album, Second Helping, is packed full of some of the greatest songs in the history of Southern rock. Each and every song on the album deserves its place in history, including the seventh track “The Needle and the Spoon.”

Written by guitarist Allen Collins and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, the song serves as a major warning to all who listen to it. At the time they wrote the song, hard drugs were starting to gain popularity, and the members of Skynyrd were learning more about them. Ronnie was particularly concerned about this, which is why he decided to write “Needle and the Spoon” as a warning message about such drugs.

Years later, the song continues to have an impact on all who listen to it. In 1999, Skynyrd chose to perform the song in Austin, Texas while they were traveling on their Edge of Forever Tour.

At first, lead singer Johnny Van Zant took a step back so that the band could show of their signature triple guitar attack. Guitarists Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke, and Hughie Thomasson rushed the front of the stage, and filled up the room with their vibrant, contrasting sounds. 

Then they stepped aside, Johnny took his place center stage, and ended up blowing everyone away with the strength of his voice. The way in which he conveys the song’s painful story is so mesmerizing, you won’t be able to look away.

Prepare to watch greatness in action. You can check out Skynyrd’s live performance of “The Needle and the Spoon” below.

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!