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Revisiting Lynyrd Skynyrd of 2003; Ean, Billy and Hughie

I was looking through the archives of our old GRITZ print magazine when I happened across a review of a show I saw in Clemson, SC where 38 Special opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd. It dawned on me that this was the only time I was to ever see Ean Evans on bass. Then it dawned on me that while that great show was only six years ago, three of the band members were now dead. Hughie Thomasson, Billy Powell  and now Ean. And when the show took place, they were all still sad over the recent loss of Leon Wilkeson.

I can think of no better way to tip my hat to the great Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd than to pull out this old review. Brings back fond memories.

Lynyrd Skynyrd
38 Special
Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, S.C.
November 14, 2003

On a brisk fall evening,my buddy Scott Greene and I joined the legions of Southern rock fans who filed to the venue in Tiger Town to experience  two of the all-time best loved Southern Rock bands, and it would be a great show. One for the books.

I have had the good fortune of catching 38 Special about seven times since the early 1980’s, but never have they sounded better than they did tonight. Everyone in the band was giving 110% at least. There were two huge monitors suspended at both sides of the stage, making it easy to see the guys close up, no matter where y our seat. I really enjoyed watching Don Barnes play his very heart out on his character riddled Gibson Les Paul Junior. Man, Don smoked, as did guitarist Danny Chauncey who sported a short hair cut for the first time since I’ve seen them last. Don’s vocals were as good as ever, proving once again that he is one of rock’s finest voices. Donnie Van Zant’s singing was great as well, especially on “Rebel To Rebel,” dedicated, as always to his brother Ronnie.

Outstanding live renditions of “Rockin’ Into The Night,” “Hold on Loosely,” and my personal favorite, “So Caught Up In You,” highlighted a tight set that featured the dynamic rhythm section of Larry Junstrom and Gary Moffatt, and the keyboards of Bobby Capps. Speaking of Bobby, he does a simply fantastic job on lead vocals on “My Heart Needs A Second Chance” during the medley that also included the very excellent “Stone Cold Believer,” among others.  Like I  said earlier, 38 Special were at the top of their game in Clemson.

Lynyrd Skynryd hit the stage running, and took no prisoners, celebrating 30 years since the release of their first album. Sure, the only original band members are Gary Rossington and Billy Powell, but by no means does that diminish their quality or sheer power. After all, when you have the former front man of one of Southern rock’s all time most energetic bands, Rickey Medlocke  ( Blackfoot), along with another Southern icon, the former front man of The Outlaws, Hughie Thomasson, and a powerhouse drummer that used to play with Ted Nugent in Damn Yankees - and add in the precission bass playing of the extremelty talented Ean Evans, along with Ronnie's baby brother Johnny front and center, it would be hard to go wrong.

All three guitarists had shining moments during the show, Ricky Medlocke jumped around onstage like a guy half his age, hamming it up and playing like a man on a mission. Hughie Thomasson’s guitar pyrotechnics that served as a prelude to “Sweet Home Alabama” were smoldering. Gary Rossington was as good as ever, although he did look tired - understandable after a quadruple bypass. The whole band played great, and Dale Rossington and Carol Chase sounded good as ever.

Highlights included “Simple Man,” dedicated to the late Leon Wilkeson, with it’s accompanying film of the old band; “Red, White and BLue.” And of course, the timeless flight of the “Freebird.” The last time I saw Skynryd was in 1977 - and 26 years later, they still rock.

Keep it Real. Keep it Southern.

Buffalo

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