Last Tuesday Buzzard, Janis and I attended the Lynyrd Skynyrd Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour at Rogers Place. I was hesitant about going to this show as there is only one original member left in the band, but I heard nothing but good things about their show the previous times they have come through town, and Janis bought me a ticket for my up-coming birthday, so I was going now.
Opening the show was Canadian legend Randy Bachman who has played in the Guess Who and BTO previously. This time around he is touring with his own solo band. This would be my third time seeing Randy play solo. And he didn't disappoint at all. Opening the show with the Bachman Turner Overdrive song "Roll On Down The Highway", then into another BTO song "Let It Ride". We were of to a great start, it was one classic Canadian AM/FM classic rock after another. Lots of Guess Who songs as well such as "No Sugar Tonight", "American Woman" and "Laughing". Joining Randy in his band was his son Tal Bachman who did his one big song "She's So High". Randy and his band closed their hour long set with the BTO classic "Takin' Care of Business". A great opening set that had the crowd singing along and warmed up good for the headliners.
Randy Bachman's setlist.
Randy Bachman Band.
Now it was time for southern rockers from Jacksonville, Florida, Lynyrd Skynyrd. The only original member left in the band is co-founder guitarist Gary Rossington. On vocals was Johnny Van Zant who took over vocals in 1987 when the band reformed after the death of his brother Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines died in an airplane crash in 1977 just after the release of their album Street Survivors. Also joining the band and a long time member was Rickey Medlocke on guitar who played briefly in the band in the early 70's. He has been back in the band since the reformation in 1987.
The band opened with the song "Workin' for MCA" and after that it was classic southern rock for the hour and a half show. It was like listening to a best of album "What's Your Name", "That Smell", "Saturday Night Special", "Simple Man" you get the idea, just great musicianship from the whole band. I thought Johnny Van Zant did a great job on vocals keeping the spirit of Johnny alive and well. I really liked the cover of J.J. Cale's "Call me The Breeze". Last song of the set before encore was "Sweet Home Alabama" which had the crowd on their feet as they were for most of the night. For the encore of course they did "Free Bird", but what was really cool is that they had on the big screen behind them archive footage of Ronnie Van Zant singing, with the band playing along, while his hat rested on the vacated mic stand. Along with that they had old photos of the band, paying respect to all those that have been in the band. A great night of badass southern rock. Way better then I was expecting. Good times!!!
Checkout the setlist.
Lynyrd Skynyrd.
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