Following the death of final original member Gary Rossington, Lynyrd Skynrd were left with a pulsating question: Do we continue the tour or not? Is it really Skynyrd without any original members? After much deliberation, it appears that the band has decided to continue with their 50th anniversary tour.
The band issued a statement laying out that family members met, discussed and unanimously decided that ‘keeping the music alive, is in the best interest of the fans and everyone involved.’ The question is, will people bite? It’s already a hard enough sale with only one or two original members of band. But none? I don’t know.
I’m sure that their fanbase is loyal and big enough to support Skynyrd no matter what. And Johnny Van Zant (brother of original front man Ronnie Van Zant) is still leading the charge. So, things are still in the family. Making the situation a little more grey than say KISS or Judas Priest. And the families have all blessed the situation. With Rossington’s wife stating: ‘He was a world class musician and songwriter. His music touched so many millions of people around the World. And Gary was always the first to say how, “Skynyrd’s music is bigger than me or any one person.”‘
There you have it. A justified reason to keep going. If the fans want it and understand what they’re going into then there’s nothing wrong. And the band should fulfill their 50th anniversary celebration. Which is now a dedication to Gary Rossington and all who have fallen in the name of Lynryd Skynyrd.
