Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Post-Crash


New Lynyrd Skynrd

Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records announced today the release of Last Of A Dying Breed from Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band’s first studio album since the September 29, 2009 release of God & Guns which debuted at #18 on the Billboard Top 20 and gave the band their highest debut since 1977.  Last Of A Dying Breed reunites the band with producer Bob Marlette who produced God & Guns.

“It was great to get back in the studio with Bob for this new album,” said Gary Rossington “we kind of went back old school this time.   All of us playing together in the studio as a band, tracking songs and creating licks.  We had a lot of fun and the music really flowed for us, so that’s when you know you are on to something good.  We can’t wait to let the fans hear these songs and play ‘em live.”

Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, Lynyrd Skynyrd have recorded an album that continues the tremendous legacy that began over 35 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida, a legacy that was halted for a decade after the 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, including Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. Since then, the band tragically lost Billy Powell, Ean Evans, Allen Collins, Leon Wilkeson and Huey Thomasson, yet they rock on.

Joining Lynyrd Skynyrd will be bass player Johnny Colt, an original member of the Black Crowes who has also played with Train and Rockstar Supernova.  When asked about receiving a phone call from Rickey Medlocke on behalf of Lynyrd Skynyrd to join the band, Johnny said, “What else do you say to Medlocke, Rossington and Van Zant? We’re talking southern rock royalty.  We’re talking Lynyrd Skynyrd. The only thing out of my mouth was when and where!”

With a catalog of over 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American rock anthem “Sweet Home Alabama” having over two million downloaded ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to all generations.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will be on tour throughout the summer in North America and Europe.  View a complete list of dates here.

North American tour dates as follows:
5/4/2012            Pier Six Concert Pavilion                                   Baltimore, MD
5/5/2012            Celebrate Virginia Live                                       Fredericksburg, VA
5/11/2012          Virginia State Park Pavilion at Hooper Park        Crewe, VA
5/12/2012          Harrahs Chester Downs                                     Chester, PA
5/18/2012          Shooting Star Casino                                        Mahnomen, MN
5/19/2012          Treasure Island Resort & Casino                         Welch, MN
5/25/2012          Indianapolis Motor Speedway                            Indianapolis, IN
5/26/2012          Riverfest Amphitheatre                                      Little Rock, AR
7/6/2012            Maddies Place                                                  Kahnawake, QUE Canada
7/7/2012            Buffalo Hill Village                                             Varysburg, NY
7/8/2012            Theatre at Westbury                                           Westbury, NY
7/13/2012          Toyota Park                                                      Bridgeview, IL
7/14/2012          Jackson County Fairgrounds                             Jackson, MI
7/19/2012          Great Jones County Fair                                    Monticello, IA
7/20/2012          Jamboree in the Hills                                         Belmont, OH
7/21/2012          FunFest @ Johnson Memorial Stadium              Kingsport, TN
7/22/2012          Bayside Toyota Pavilion Saint                            Leonard, MD
8/3/2012            Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre                           Charlotte, NC
8/4/2012            Time Warner Pavilion @Walnut Creek                 Raleigh, NC
8/9/2012            Buffalo Chip Campground                                 Sturgis, SD
8/11/2012          Fortune Bay Resort and Casino                          Tower, MN
8/16/2012          Sands Bethlehem Event Center                          Bethlehem, PA
8/17/2012          Oakdale Theatre                                                Wallingford, CT
8/18/2012          Havelock Country Jamboree                              Havelock, ON Canada
8/24/2012          CenturyLink Center                                            Bossier City, LA
8/25/2012          Amphitheater at the Wharf                                  Orange Beach, AL
8/31/2012          Memphis Botanic Gardens                                 Memphis, TN
9/1/2012            Turner Field                                                       Atlanta, GA
10/4/2012          Paul Paul Theatre                                              Fresno, CA
10/5/2012          Stockton Arena                                                 Stockton, CA
10/6/2012          The Mountain Winery                                         Saratoga, CA
10/27/2012        Simple Man Cruise 2012                                    Miami, FL

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Current Line Up:
Gary Rossington- Guitar
Johnny Van Zant- Vocals
Rickey Medlocke- Guitar
Mark "Sparky" Matejka- Guitar
Michael Cartellone- Drums
Johnny Colt - Bass
Peter Keys - Keyboards
Dale Krantz Rossington- Honkettes Backing Vocals
Carol Chase- Honkettes Backing Vocals