7
The opening line of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic song “Free Bird” reads, “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?” If the band was truly looking for an answer on Friday they got it from the 11,000+ crowd at Excel Energy Center. Skynyrd treated the audience to what was nothing shy of a greatest hits performance and every attendee went home with “memories” of the greatest Southern Rock band of all time on their last stop ever in the North Star State.
Earlier this year, Lynyrd Skynyrd announced they were going to stop touring and announced dates for their final tour; “Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour”. The original schedule did not include a stop in Minnesota but as luck would have it, a final date in St. Paul was announced.
The band has seen numerous lineup changes over the years since the tragic plane crash in 1977 leaving only Gary Rossington as the last remaining original member. But if you asked anyone at the nearly sold out crowd on Friday they didn’t care. That was Skynyrd on stage and a Van Zant was behind the mic.
Skynyrd’s 17 song set featured every 70’s classic hit they ever recorded. The three guitar lineup of Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke and Mark Matejka and Van Zant’s vocals kept the St. Paul crowd on their feet for the entire 98 minute show.
The night started out with their 1973 hit “Workin’ for MCA” then quickly rolled into their 2009 song, “Skynyrd Nation”. It was as if they wanted to show the range and years this band has captured. The rest of the night was dedicated to all the classic hits the band is best known for including “Simple Man”. During the song the crowd was treated to clips of home movies on the video wall of band members who are no longer with us including the great Ronnie Van Zant who died tragically in the band’s 1977 plane crash.
The night was capped off with Skynyrd’s two best known and timeless hits, “Sweet Home Alabama” and an unbelievable 12 minute version of “Free Bird” featuring an amazing three guitar jam.
If this is truly Lynyrd Skynyrd’s last ride they definitely did what they set out to do. They made “memories” and lasting ones at that.
St. Paul, MN 10/05/2018
Review by K.S.
Photos by Adam Grim