Legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with a fiery slice of Southern style guitar rock heaven in Last of a Dyin' Breed, their newest release on Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records set for release next month. Currently on tour throughout North America, the band has added a stop at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Wednesday, October 24 at 8 pm. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, August 4 at noon. This will be the band's first performance at Ruth Eckerd Hall since 2006.
With a catalog of more than 60 albums, sales beyond 30 million worldwide and their beloved classic American rock anthem Sweet Home Alabama having sold more than two million ringtones, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remain a cultural icon that appeals to multiple generations with their legendary songs That Smell and Free Bird. But far from resting on their laurels, any illusions that this may be a band at anything less than the height of its powers are quickly lost with the distorted fury of the fiery guitar licks that open their latest album's title track and further put to rest with the gritty triumphs that follow.
Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlock (guitar), Skynyrd has recorded an album that continues to build on the legacy that began over 35 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida. Joining them in the studio and on the road are new bassist Johnny Colt (Black Crowes, Train) guitarist Mark "Sparky" Matejka (a "Nashville cat, just a pickin' fool," according to Rossington), and keyboardist Peter Keys, who replaced Billy Powell on the God & Guns tour.
Their first studio album after 2009's God & Guns, which debuted at #18 on the Billboard Top 20 and was their highest debut since 1977, Last of a Dyin' Breed is sure to delight fan's new and old. Founding member Gary Rossington explained "For me this is one of the happiest and most fun albums I've ever done, we didn't have a lot of problems goin' on; it was just fun goin' to work every day." Those searching for traditional Skynyrd solos and fierce instrumental breaks will have plenty to love on Breed, with every song featuring ample fretwork from one, two or even all three guitarists. "We love to do the harmonies and stuff with lead guitars, that's a Skynyrd staple," says guitarist Ricky Medlock. The triple guitar assault has never sounded more on point, with passionate musicality, expert harmonics and of course, plenty of attitude to burn.
Complete with instantly memorable songs like Poor Man's Dream and One Day at a Time, the band incorporated the struggles of working class Americans into the album. Medlock explains "We just go in and write about stuff we believe in, our experiences." The band is tuned in to the tough times many Americans are going through, and they sing songs that might well help on that journey, or at least help let off some steam.
Reserved tickets priced at $96, $76, and $61 will be available at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office located at 1111 McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater or by calling 727.791.7400. The Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office is open Monday through Saturday, from noon to 6 pm and one hour prior to showtime. Patrons may also purchase tickets at www.RuthEckerdHall.com 24/7. A very limited number of VIP tickets will also be available, which include a premium seat and a meet & greet opportunity. For more information, please contact the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office.
Designed by the prestigious Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Ruth Eckerd Hall is consistently ranked in the top 5 venues in the world with seats of 2,500 or less by industry trade publications and is known for its 2,180-seat, acoustically perfect auditorium. Artists from America and around the world, ranging from classical, rock, opera, Broadway, jazz, pop and more are included in the stellar lineup of more than 200 performances a year. Ruth Eckerd Hall is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Lynyrd Skynyrd in Cconcert at Ruth Eckerd Hall Wednesday, October 24 at 8pm
July 30th, 2012

