Lynyrd Skynyrd - Live from Freedom Hall

By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

The great American Southern rock institution known as Lynyrd Skynyrd has just released a passionate, hit filled CD/DVD combo entitled “Live from Freedom Hall.” This CD/DVD combo is a fitting tribute to and celebration of a band, which has faced more adversity and heartbreak then any band on the face of the planet. This spectacular concert was recorded on June 15th, 2007  at Kentucky’s Freedom Hall and was one of the last performances with original keyboardist Billy Powell and bassist Ean Evans in the line-up. Tragically, both Powell and Evans passed away in 2009 while the band was in the middle of recording their 2009 release “Gods & Guns. “

During the intro on the DVD, Lynyrd Skynyrd members Gary Rossington-guitar, Johhny Van Zant –vocals and Rickey Medlocke discuss the fact that it’s been 30 years since infamous plane crash that killed vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and injured many of the other band members.  But because of the strength and timelessness of the songs, the band has been able to carry on even with all of the line-up changes the band has endured. Johnny Van Zant eloquently states “They are great songs and great songs will out live all of us.”

After the short interview intro, “Live at Freedom Hall” kicks off with a “Travelin’ Man” a hard rocking anthem which features a unique duet with vocalist Johnny Van Zant and a video tape of his late brother Ronnie Van Zant. Throughout this performance there is several times that video footage of the classic Skynyrd line-up appears to the delight of the diehards.  The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers crank though 15 classic tracks including a newer ballad called “Red, White and Blue.”

The most amazing aspect of this concert is the chemistry of the band. Van Zant is a great frontman and really engages the audience. He is truly the only person on the face of the earth that could have stepped in and replaced his older brother. Guitarist and former Blackfoot member Ricky Medlocke is a guitar god. He is charismatic and just rips through note for note perfect renditions of the classics and he looks like he really appreciates the opportunity to be in Skynyrd.  Original guitarist Gary Rossington is still sharp and even with his health problems he was facing at the time he was still an integral part of the band. Keyboardist Billy Powell was flawless and it’s truly heartbreaking that we will never see him play again. And the same goes for Bassist Ean Evans who was only in the band for a short time, but will not be forgotten.

The  DVD ends with one of the greatest songs in rock history “Free Bird.” This line-up does it great justice; Medlocke is brilliant on this one. This is an appropriate conclusion to a phenomenal performance. And while this isn't the original line-up of the band, this version of Skynyrd deserves great respect. So,if you are a fan of southern rock or even classic rock for that matter, you need to find a spot in your collection for this fantastic and historical release.

for more info including tour dates check www.lynyrdskynyrd.com