Book Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, honored for popularizing Southern rock with anthems such as "Sweet Home Alabama," "Free Bird," "Simple Man" and "Gimme Three Steps." The band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964 as My Backyard, with singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarists Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, bassist Larry Junstrom and drummer Bob Burns, and spent four years playing small venues before settling on its name in 1968. Their debut, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) (1973), was followed by Second Helping, Nuthin' Fancy, Gimme Back My Bullets and Street Survivors, as the group built a reputation for a three-guitar attack. On October 20, 1977, a plane crash killed Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backing singer Cassie Gaines. Lynyrd Skynyrd reformed in 1987 for a tribute tour with Ronnie's brother Johnny Van Zant on lead vocals, and he has fronted the band ever since. Later albums include 1991, The Last Rebel, Endangered Species, Edge of Forever, Vicious Cycle, God & Guns and Last of a Dyin' Breed (2012). Their concerts are built around a catalog of classic rock radio staples, closing with an extended "Free Bird."