Skynyrd’s Scorching Performance Of ‘Needle And The Spoon’ Will Make Your Head Spin

Lynyrd Skynyrd on MV YouTube Channel

It’s challenging for Lynyrd Skynyrd fans to pick their favorite songs off of the band’s second studio album, Second Helping, and it’s no wonder why. The album contains some of the group’s most iconic songs of all time, including “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Don’t Ask Me No Questions.” 

But many times if you ask a Skynyrd fan to name their favorite song off of the album, they’ll often point to its seventh track, “The Needle and the Spoon.” Written by guitarist Allen Collins and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, the song has an element of raw, brutal honesty to it that makes it stand out in Skynyrd’s vast catalog of outstanding music.

When Allen and Ronnie wrote “The Needle and the Spoon,” hard drugs were starting to become all the rage. As these drugs gained more nationwide popularity, Skynyrd’s members started to learn more about them and their uses. This was something that alarmed Ronnie, which is why he decided to write the song.

Through the lyrics, Ronnie hoped he’d be able to discourage his bandmates and others from using such drugs. He warns all who listen about the toll that hard drugs take on a person’s body and mind, singing “Seven doctors couldn’t help my head, they said/You better quit, son before your dead.

In 1976, Skynyrd took “The Needle and the Spoon” straight to the famed Wintlerand Ballroom in San Francisco. Ronnie was totally in his element that day, which gave his performance the extra edge to push it over the top. The way he growled through the notes added further to the raw, gritty mood of the song.

To top it all of you have Skynyrd’s phenomenal guitar work and instrumental expertise. All of these elements combined make for a performance that will make your head spin. Check it out 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!

Want to save this article?

Get this sent to your inbox, plus, get new articles & videos from us every week!

Sponsors / Partners


Interested in becoming a partner?

Contact us for more info

Unapologetically Country

Receive daily updates with the best country music videos, news, and more!