Lynyrd Skynyrd perform at Knebworth England August 21, 1976

Lynyrd Skynyrd pause for a vintage photo at the beginning of their rise to stardom in Jonesboro, Georgia 1973 -

‘Lynard Skynyrd’ band
scheduled at Saratoga
Bennington Banner, Thursday. May 29. 1975 —
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK

Take a group of poor boys from a North Florida Swamp… take three guitars…Take a sound that is pure, gut-wrenching Southern metal…add the whiskey throated voice of a lead singer named Ronnie Van Zant. Now you have a band known as Lynyrd Skynyrd… Pronounced leh-nerd skin-nerd. The Lynyrd Skynyrd band will perform at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center June 17 at 7 p.m.Lynyrd Skynyrd is riding high on the Top-40 charts with a song called “Sweet Home Alabama,” their answer to all guilt and media abuse heaped on the south. The band was formed by singer Van Zant, lead guitarist Allen Collins and ex drummer Bob Burns, while they were still in high school.

The name was derived from that of an unpopular gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. Guitarist Ed King joined the group a few years after and Atlanta became home base for the band. Gary Rossington carne along later, as the third of the dueling, triple threat guitar section. The band is rounded out by Leon Wilkeson, bass; Billy Powell, keyboards and its newest addition, Artimus Pyle, on drums.

Discovered by Al Kooper of MCA, Lynyrd Skynyrd has paid its share of dues playing warm up gigs for other bands, among them Golden Earring, Eric Clapton and The Who. Peter Townshend of the latter group once called them the best band ever to tour with his.

When the album, “Second Helping” flew up the charts and turned gold, Lynyrd Skynyrd was home free and playing warm-up for other bands became history. Their most current album, “Nuthin’ Fancy,” provides further information about cheatin’ women, men and guns and the private wars of the South. It is currently number 11 in the country and moving up. Appearing with Lynyrd Skynyrd will be Wet Willie and the smash German band featuring Inga Rumpf…Atlantis. Tickets for the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert are $5 and $4. They can be purchased at the SPAC Box Office and all Ticketron outlets.

Lynyrd Skynyrd the great American band pause briefly for this classic photo in 1977, at the height of their popularity

Lynyrd Skynyrd Dixie - Lynyrd Skynyrd with Rebel Flag, an iconic symbol of the south.

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Great American Rock Band from The South in 1977, at the summit of their musical glory

Lynyrd Skynyrd Girl in front of American Flag