In November 2024, Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Johnny Van Zant revealed in a SiriusXM radio interview that the band was planning to release a live album and concert video capturing late founding guitarist Gary Rossington’s last performance with the group. Now, new official details have been announced about the release of the historic show.
Videos by American Songwriter
Frontiers Music label announced that it will be putting out an album and DVD titled Celebrating 50 Years – Live at the Ryman in conjunction with a new deal Lynyrd Skynyrd has signed with the company.
The upcoming release will showcase Lynyrd Skynyrd’s November 2022 concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, which was a celebration of the Southern rock legends’ 50th anniversary. The event featured a variety of guest performers. They included Jelly Roll, Marcus King, John Osborne, Shinedown frontman Brent Smith, and Donnie Van Zant.
Rossington, who had been struggling with heart problems at the time, joined Skynyrd for most of the concert. It marked Gary’s last performance with the band he co-founded. Rossington died of heart disease in March 2023 at age 71.
A press announcement notes that the Celebrating 50 Years release “showcases the band’s unparalleled energy, their signature blend of blues rock and Southern hard rock swagger and stands as both a heartfelt tribute to Rossington and a celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s lasting legacy in music history.”
A release date hasn’t been announced yet.
Statement from Johnny Van Zant
Van Zant reflected on the upcoming release and the historic concert in a statement.
“[In 2023] we lost the great Mr. Gary Rossington,” the singer said. “We unknowingly were able to have captured his final performance with us. It’s bittersweet but what a special place to have had his final performance, the mother ship of music—The Ryman Auditorium!”
He added, “It was a very special night with incredibly talented guests as we honored the iconic musicality of Skynyrd. We are so grateful to the Ryman and to all of those who have worked so hard to make this project become a reality! This will forever be a keepsake in our hearts, and we are so happy to be able to share it with our Skynyrd Nation.”
More About Lynyrd Skynyrd’s New Label Deal
Frontiers Music announced that in addition to releasing Celebrating 50 Years – Live at the Ryman, the label is “looking ahead to exciting new projects” involving the group.
“Few bands have left such a lasting impact on rock music as Lynyrd Skynyrd,” said Frontiers Label Group president and CEO Serafino Perugino in a statement. “It is an honor to work with such an iconic name, and we can’t wait to bring fans something truly special.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 2025 Tour Plans
Lynyrd Skynyrd has more than 35 concerts lined up for 2025 in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The band’s upcoming itinerary kicks off with a April 5 performance in Livingston, Louisiana, and part of the Rock the Country tour.
Skynyrd will play 15 summer dates in Europe, spanning from a June 27 performance in Barcelona, Spain, through a July 19 show in London. The group’s schedule is plotted out through an October 4 appearance at the Field & Stream Festival 2025 in Winnsboro, South Carolina.
You can checkout a full list of the band’s concerts at LynyrdSkynyrd.com.
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