Although
after all that, Lynyrd Skynyrd were put on ice for almost exactly 10
years, until the day, when guitarist Gary Rossington and Johnny VanZant,
the youngest brother of the original Ronnie VanZant, who had also died
within the plane crash, decided to give the flagship of Southern Rock
new life, and all this without any Voodoo magic. |
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Since their reunion, the Southern Rock legend is trying to feed the peace pipe also with european tabacco from time to time. Last time they were here 2 years ago, they have played some single dates in Germany but not in Munich, where they were here for the last time eight years ago. So it's about time to return, ain't it? - and this with the line up, I mentioned above. Unfortunately Billy Powell, Leon Wilkinson and Ean Evans, who actually came in for Wilkinson have passed away since last in Munich. And so the heart of the band is presently Gary Rossington, Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke. And it is indeed Rickey Medlocke who is promising us today:..... The
average middle aged german music lover is holding tight on the
traditions and also on his idols of the youth - todays Oldies but
Goldies. And so Germany should rather be a good ground for Lynyrd
Skynyrd in Good Old Germany. At least that's what we think... whereby
our Zenith venue tonight on june 5 counts aprox. 2.500 friends of the
Southern Rock culture. And also Rossington and Co. hold on tight on
their traditions and also on their management, which is the same, since
- I can think off. Photo contracts are here for to get signed. But they
are useless here in Germany, when they are not translated, the
photographer doesn't get a copy and it's not signed by the
management as well. So what?! |
The threesome from Grimsby northeast England are since quite a while around and brighten the Bluse Rock sky, most of all because of their 23 year young guitarist jason Barwick, who slowly develops from a sparkling star into a supernova. It is indeed his young attitude and huge talent, providing the great reputation the Brew have reached so far in Europe. Since the year 2005, the band has released 4 albums and tour their buts off. And though the usual 45 minutes are miles not enough to show their full repertoir, and the lights are too low, so you can still feel, that this band is something special. The Brew is: Tim Smith on bass, his son Kurt Smith on drums and the new messiah on guitar and vocals - Jason Barwick. What
we get offered here, is a rather Best of... more than the current
release 'The third Floor'- And over all the spirit of Jimi Hendrix is
sailing across our heads, who had been dead already for 17 years, when
Jason was born. But whatever Manitou is for the red indians, Jimi
Hendrix is for Jase. And though Jase is getting already close to his
idol (no kiddin') it still will be a hard and stoney way up in the
present modern times to reach a similar reputation, though he certainly
would already deserve this. |
Soon after, finally the Southern State flag gets risen and the swelling heat in here is waiting for the start to a nostalgic rocking flashback of a musical milestone provided by back then and still legend. |
Whereby the heat has nothing to do with the Southern States Swamp atmoshpere, but rather with the rather poor airconditions in here. And so you've gotta say almost thank god, there are only 2.500 in here and not 6.000, which actually fit in here. But this last mentioned figure is pretty much utopical anyway for a band who shows up only now and then, even they've got a legend status.. On the other hand 2.500 are pretty good. And those welcome the band obviously very much, when those start off. the phyiscall movement of most of them is rather limited, exept our Blackfoot chief Medlocke, who, even beyond sixty, takes care for the neccessary show effect with his flying hair and guitar and the open shirt 'till his belly button. |
Apart from that, the others are more or less laid back. what's up to the physical condition, mind me that has never been the big strength of a Johnny VanZant and Gary Rossington. Well we all don't get any younger, do we?! Although we do get presented the whole list of Skynyrd's smash songs. And I've gotta give 'em that much, - apart from the newbe's in the band, the other's visually haven't changed a wink within the last 10 years. In July we are getting a new album with the suitable title 'the Last Of A Dying Breed'. - Well you can think of that what you want. But the question rather is: whether Southern Rock is really dying or not. I assume, we get the answer in a few years, when the oldies have smoked their peace pipe and have moved over to Manitou's eternal hunting grounds. But for now, I've got the feeling, that these species is still feeling pretty well on this earth. |
And as at every show Lynyrd Skynyrd end also the Munich show with their two biggest hits - 'Sweet Home Alabama' and how could it be any other way - 'Free Bird'. Whereby you can watch the audiance singing along to the first song, but only tolerating the second one... - hmm - that's Europe, I guess.... |
Well in Europe the clocks are going a little different way.Last conclusion: Lynyrd Skynyrd have shown, that they are still alive, and they are not dying yet, but still going for a rather comfi mid tempo with only a few real highlights. Let's put it that way: okay, it has been really nice to see you guys again, but including all nostalgic aspects, it hasn't thrown me out of my Doc Martins boots ... Howgh, - I have spoken.... http://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com/ |
Pre - & Aftershow
Snapshots and the Interview can be found at the Diary |