Lynyrd Skynyrd Drops Brand-New Song, “Last of the Street Survivors”

Lynyrd Skynyrd / Facebook

While legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has had to postpone their massive farewell tour due to the coronavirus pandemic, that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped working!

On Wednesday (April 1), Lynyrd Skynyrd members took to their official Facebook page to tease something “new” for their fans, which they repeatedly said would be available on Thursday at 12pm EST.

First, lead singer Johnny Van Zant said, “We have a surprise for you tomorrow…we hope you dig it, we love all ya and wanted to do something special for you.”

Then, Rickey Medlocke posted a video echoing Johnny’s sentiments.

“Hope everybody’s being safe, staying healthy, playing it smart. During these times I know everybody might be riding low a little bit and a little down, but I’m coming to you to tell you we’ve got something that hopefully will pick your spirits up and make you smile a little bit,” he said.

When 12 Eastern Time rolled around on Thursday (April 2), these legends did not disappoint.

Their surprise was a brand-new song titled “Last Of The Street Survivors,” which is also the name of their farewell tour. 

Written by Gary Rossington, Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke and Tom Hambridge, the song is now available for streaming. The band has also made it available to download for free for one week.

Fans will know that Street Survivors is the title of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1977 album. Just three days after the album’s release, the band’s airplane crashed, killing the pilot, co-pilot, the group’s assistant road-manager Dean as well as lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines, while severely injuring most who survived the crash.

Gary Rossington is the lone original Skynyrd member still in the band, being the last man standing of the “Street Survivors.”

The artwork for the song appears to be Rossington holding up a microphone stand with Ronnie Van Zant’s hat placed on top, which is how the band has performed the song “Freebird” for many years, paying tribute to their fallen frontman. The names of all the members who have passed away are next to Rossington’s image.

Click here to listen and download the song. Note: you must use a computer to access the download. 

Watch the “Freebird” tribute below.