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Arts & Entertainment

Lynyrd Skynyrd to Play Jones Beach

Southern rockers join Doobie Brothers for show Tuesday evening at Wantagh venue.

There have been so many incarnations of Lynyrd Skynyrd at this point one would have to sit down for at least an hour just to have enough time to list them all. 

So, with that in mind, here’s the story of the classic rock band, which is hitting Wantagh’s Tuesday night, in a nutshell:  The southern rockers pretty much dominated FM radio in the 1970's with a massive collection of southern tinged rock hits like "Sweet Home Alabama," "That Smell," "Gimme Three Steps," and of course, arguably the most famous rock song of all time, "Free Bird."  A plane crash in 1977 killed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines, and several others who were in some way affiliated with the band. 

Skynyrd went on a 10- year hiatus, eventually reforming in 1987 with Ronnie's brother Johnny as lead singer.  Over the years, several other key members, such as bassist Leon Wilkeson, guitarist Allen Collins, and pianist Billy Powell have died and others, like drummer Artimus Pyle, have left.  These days, Lynyrd Skynyrd is essentially a southern rock all star band which includes the aforementioned Johnny Van Zant, former Blackfoot front man and guitarist Rick Medlocke, ex-Damn Yankees drummer Michael Cartellone, and guitarist Gary Rossington, who is the only original member left.

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Their co-headliners on Tuesday night, the Doobie Brothers, have gone through quite a few changes themselves over the years.

Much like Skynyrd, they dominated the FM airwaves in the 1970's with big hits like "China Grove," "Black Water," "Listen to the Music," and "Long Train Runnin'."  In 1976, lead singer Tom Johnston became too ill to tour or record, so Michael McDonald, a sometimes contributor to Steely Dan, stepped in.  With McDonald, the Doobies went in a more pop oriented direction, but one that would prove to be very successful. 

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By 1983, the band was in hibernation, but a 1987 reunion to help raise money for Vietnam Veteran got their creative juices flowing again.  In 1989, they decided to start recording and touring again and they have been ever since, though throughout the various incarnations during those 22 years, original singer Tom Johnson and founding member and lead guitarist Pat Simmons have remained a constant.

With all of the hits from these two bands, Tuesday night’s show at Jones Beach should one where nobody needs a lyric book to sing along.

For more info or to purchase tickets, visit livenation.com.

 

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