Few bands out there have a history that goes back as many years as Lynyrd Skynyrd‘s. It’s a history that has been marked by great triumphs and heartbreaking tragedies. As a result, there is an endless desire learn more about the rock band that has been deemed as one of the best of all time.
There have been many times in recent years that the members of Skynyrd have sat down to talk about the group’s history. But one of the most in-depth and personal interviews is one that took place over a decade ago.
That interview was conducted by TV host Matt Pinfield for his axs TV series, Sound Off with Matt Pinfield. During the interview, Matt sat down with guitarists Rickey Medlocke and Gary Rossington to talk all things Skynyrd.
The guys offered some interesting insights into the group’s history. One of the main topics of conversation was late lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. The two of them proved just how brilliant he was by describing his writing style:
“Ronnie was just really incredible how he wrote stuff. It was all up here, it was all really in his head,” said Rickey.
“He never wrote nothing down ever,” Gary added.
“He was just the best at that,” Rickey said, “He was just a genius ya know?”
At the time, Gary and keyboardist Billy Powell were the only surviving members of the original band that were still in Skynyrd. Billy has since passed away, but Gary’s words about how Skynyrd honors their fallen brothers still ring true today.
“We feel ’em on stage and we know they’re there,” he said. “They’re in our hearts and souls…they’ll always be with us.“
Tune in below to watch the full interview. You’ll learn so much about Skynyrd by the time you’re done!
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!