Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Outlaws Live “In the House!”

Michael Hepworth

Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Outlaws Live!

“In the House!”

By Michael Cohan

Pomona,CA(Perfect Music Today)9/22/15/–In the Grandstand Concourse at the L. A. Fair Friday night Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Outlaws delivered their version of some prime southern rock that won’t soon be forgotten.

Hailing from Florida, The Outlaws formed in 1967 and during their set divulged to the crowd the comradery these bands have had through the years. They have toured extensively together and are all tremendous fans of each other. Their bond was proven in 1974 when Clive Davis, then President of Arista Records, attended one of their concerts with new Outlaws manager Charlie Brusco in Columbus, Georgia. Ronnie Van Zant then lead singer of the Skynyrd band happened to walk by the duo and remarked to Mr. Davis ,”if you don’t sign The Outlaws you’re the dumbest music person I’ve ever met – and I know you’re not.” They became the first band signed to the Arista label.

The Outlaws hit the stage for their fiery too short set for 45 minutes and 5 hit songs from their platinum and gold selling catalogue of “boogiefried” southern rock. Opening with “There Goes Another Love Song” charting at #34 is a classic 1975 from their first album. Then they rolled into the title track “Hurry Sundown” from 1977 which charted #60 on Billboard 100. Cruising into another chart topper “Freeborn Man” at #17 and the rocking “Born to be Bad” a new tune from the 2012 album “It’s About Pride.” The song reminded this reviewer like he was back in 1977 again!

What sets The Outlaws apart from their competition would be the musicianship of their three lead guitar attack. Band founder and lead vocalist Hughie Thomasson signature guitar playing style and their use of three and four part harmonies set them apart from other bands who usually relied on a single lead vocalist. He was nicknamed “The Flame” for his flaming fast guitar work. The second lead guitarist, Billy Jones, went back and forth between a clean and distorted sound. A defining example of this can be heard on their classic concert finisher from their debut album “Green Grass and High Tides.” The Outlaws definitely left us “Wanted” and wanting more!

But there’s no competing with perhaps the best southern rock band of all time, Lyrnyrd Skynyrd. They are a rock band best known for popularizing the southern hard rock brand during the 1970’s. Originally formed in 1964 as My Backyard in Jacksonville, Florida, the band used various names such as The Noble Five and One Percent, before naming the band after their High School physical education teacher Leonard Skinner, Lynyrd Skynyrd became synonymous with southern rock. The Outlaws founder Hughie Thomasson joined them in 1996 and played with them until his untimely death during his sleep from an apparent heart attack in 2007.

The band rose to international stardom on the basis of its live performances and signature tunes. “Sweet Home Alabama” became their biggest hit of all time reaching #8 on the U.S. singles charts and “Free Bird,” its tribute to Duane Allman is one of the most classic rock songs ever recorded. Reminiscent of “Simple Man” and Gary Rossington’s lightning leads of “Tuesday’s Gone” from their 1973 debut album, “Free Bird” begins slow and meditating until the attacking triple guitar assault launches about halfway through building to its classic climatic finish.

In 1977 at the peak of their success a tragic plane crash occurred right after the release of “Street Survivors.” The chaos that followed propelled the album to 2x platinum status reaching #5 on the U.S. album charts. The loss claimed 6 lives, gone were band members Ronnie Van Zant and Steve and Cassie Gaines. The other members (Collins, Rossington, Wilkeson, Powell, Pyle, and Hawkins) were seriously injured along with other tour personnel. The album garnered more chart topping hits included in the evening’s stellar performances of “What’s Your Name,” “That Smell,” “I Know Little,” and “You Got That Right.” Obviously, the band decided to call it quits in 1977.

After 10 years the 5 members of the pre-crash band reformed with returning guitar member Ed King and younger brother Johnny Van Zant took over as the primary songwriter and new lead singer. The present lineup now consists of Van Zant, Rossington, Michael Cartellone, Randall Hall, Mark Matejka, Peter Keys, and Ricky Medlocke.

When hitting the stage Friday night lead singer Johnny began loudly ranting like he’s a rapper, “Skynyrd’s In The House!, in the house..!” In the House of southern rock that’s for sure! He kept reminding us of this throughout the evening. Wouldn’t you want them to come to your house to entertain you!? With hits like the opening song “Workin’ for the MCA” and “Saturday Night Special” please keep on rockin’ Lynyrd Skynyrd!

Michael Hepworth

287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211