One of the most well-loved and well know Southern rock bands to have graced our lifetime.
Lynyrd Skynyrd celebrates their half a century as one of the most prominent rock bands by announcing their 4 CD 50th anniversary box set Fyfty.
Slated for an October 13th release via Geffen/UMe Recordings, this historic CD set takes you through each decade of the band, appealing to each era of the band’s fans.
Fittingly the boxset includes fifty tracks that start in the ’70s, where Lynyrd Skynyrd defined their sound, then moving through the years, visiting the historic 1987 show that ignited the band getting back together, through their newest singles that still appeal to the day one fan and their younger demographic with tracks like “Last Of A Dyin’ Breed” and “Last Of The Street Survivors.”
The band’s legacy is written across their 14 studio albums, highly developed sound, and rich songwriting with lyrics appealing to all.
Founding member and guitarist Gary Rossington says in box set’s notes:
“We just kind of notice what’s going on around us and write songs so people relate to them.
That’s always been our style. We learned that from Ronnie; he always had a great way to take a subject and write a cool story around it so people could relate. We’re just trying to keep that going.”
The band tells the tale of living through tragedy, from officially forming in 1969, touring non-stop, and writing integral songs of their discography like “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” to becoming a household name in the ’70s as one of America’s biggest bands.
Fyfty highlights one of their most iconic performances from this decade of the band, featuring an unreleased live performance from The Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia,
Right after they came off this high, tragedy struck the group on October 20, 1977, when the plane taking the group to a show in Baton Rouge crashed, taking the life of vocalist Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. As members and Ronnie’s brother, Johnny, processed the loss of family, friends, and bandmates, the group ceased to exist for a decade.
When they got back together, they were determined to have the legacy of Ronnie and Steve continue to live on through new music and memories made on stage.
Most recently, founding member Gary Rossington passed away at the age of 71.
“We miss him so much. What kept me going was calling [Rossington] and having these conversations. He was my cheerleader.
So now I’m gonna have to remember his voice to keep my spirits up and keep this thing going. . . as a tribute, and so people remember him and Ronnie and all the others who have been part of this.”
Said Johnny Van Zant about his bandmate and lifelong friend Gary.
Fyfty is more than an album. It is a treasure chest filled with not only a unique listening experience but also comes with a 40-page booklet featuring opening notes penned by a longtime friend of the band, Cameron Crowe, along with liner notes, a track by track analytic from respected rock journalist Gary Graft, and numerous unreleased photos of of the band from then and now.
While Lynyrd Skynyrd is still touring with their current lineup, Fyfty honors the band’s successes, tragedies, stories, and sound. There is no better way to celebrate half a century of a band than through this specialized collection.
As Cameron Crowe notes in the opening booklet comments:
“Through it all, doggedly making one authentically great record after another, Lynyrd Skynyrd had risen through the ranks to become one of America’s greatest bands.”
Long live Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Pre-order Fyfty here.
“Free Bird”
“Cry For The Bad Man”
“Sweet Home Alabama”
