Johnny Van Zant Shares How Skynyrd Nation Makes Him Feel ‘Blessed’ Every Time He Steps On Stage

James Beech via Otago Daily Times

Few bands today are able to say that they appeal to multiple generations, but Lynyrd Skynyrd can. The group’s original fanbase from when they first got their start in the 70’s still carries a passion for Skynyrd’s music in their hearts. It’s a passion that they’ve passed on to their children, and their children have since passed it on to their own children. 

Because of this, Skynyrd’s lead singer Johnny Van Zant says the band likes to describe their fanbase as being “three generations bold.” With millions of fans around the world, the band doesn’t just view them as fans, but as a “Skynyrd Nation.”

During an interview with country radio station 99.5 WKDQ in 2013, Johnny spoke about Skynyrd Nation and how thankful he is for all of their support.

“We’re very blessed,” he said. “Any time on stage you can look out and go, ‘hey, you know what, there’s three different generations out there’…It’s a pretty amazing thing.“

Johnny feels the reason Skynyrd’s music has been able to appeal to so many people over the years is because the band members are all “normal” people just like their fans. Because of that, their music also reflects issues, topics, and experiences that their fans can connect with:

“We’re not some starry band that thinks we’re better than our fans. We go home, take out our garbage, take our kids to school, cut our grass and do normal things, and I think that’s the connection….I think Skynyrd’s music, it relates to common people, and hard working people, and good people, and that’s what’s kept this music around all these years.”

Skynyrd may be three generations bold at the moment, but we have no doubt that they’ll be able to maintain a strong fanbase many more generations from now. They’ve proven they have that staying power. 

If you want to hear Johnny talk more about Skynyrd Nation and how it has grown over the years, you can listen to his interview here. After that, enjoy the band’s performance of one of their greatest songs 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!