Close Menu
  • Home
  • NBA
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • WNBA
  • Ice Hockey

Subscribe to Updates

Stay informed with the latest news and insights from Matchshakers.

What's Hot

This book isn’t just another rock ’n’ roll tell-all. It’s a love letter to the place where it all started—Birmingham.

July 10, 2025

Speaking exclusively to Billboard ahead of the farewell show, Sharon Osbourne opened up once more about the mystery artist who was…

July 10, 2025

According to Sharon, however, not everyone involved approached the moment with the reverence it deserved. “There was a band that wanted to turn it into their own promotion,” she said. “It wasn’t about Ozzy, it wasn’t about Black Sabbath—it was about them.

July 10, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Trending
  • This book isn’t just another rock ’n’ roll tell-all. It’s a love letter to the place where it all started—Birmingham.
  • Speaking exclusively to Billboard ahead of the farewell show, Sharon Osbourne opened up once more about the mystery artist who was…
  • According to Sharon, however, not everyone involved approached the moment with the reverence it deserved. “There was a band that wanted to turn it into their own promotion,” she said. “It wasn’t about Ozzy, it wasn’t about Black Sabbath—it was about them.
  • The Crowned Prince Turned King Ozzy’s reign began the moment Black Sabbath released their eponymous debut in 1970, laying the foundation for everything metal would become.
  • Each of the five paintings is titled after one of my songs, a little personal touch that connects this project to my music and…
  • We are honored — deeply and sincerely — to show our eternal love for Ozzy and Black Sabbath by performing “War Pigs” at every single show…
  • While Ozzy’s career has been larger-than-life, Jack hinted that the emotional center of the film will be Ozzy and Sharon’s complicated…
  • “She looked me in the eye,” Ward recalled, “and she said, ‘Bill, if this is the end, don’t let it end with silence. Let it end with love. Come home.’”
Thursday, July 10
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Sportylive360
Subscribe
  • Home
  • NBA
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • WNBA
  • Ice Hockey
Sportylive360
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
  • Home
  • NBA
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • WNBA
  • Ice Hockey
Home » “He’s the Real Deal. He Came in Reeking of Pot”: Johnny Van Zant Opens Up on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s New Live Album, Life Without Gary Rossington, and What’s Next
Uncategorized

“He’s the Real Deal. He Came in Reeking of Pot”: Johnny Van Zant Opens Up on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s New Live Album, Life Without Gary Rossington, and What’s Next

adminBy adminJune 27, 2025No Comments5 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Email

“He’s the Real Deal. He Came in Reeking of Pot”: Johnny Van Zant Opens Up on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s New Live Album, Life Without Gary Rossington, and What’s Next

In a candid and emotional interview, Johnny Van Zant, longtime frontman of Lynyrd Skynyrd, has opened up about the legendary Southern rock band’s new live album, the impact of Gary Rossington’s passing, and the future of Skynyrd as they navigate uncharted territory without their last original founding member.

The new live album, titled “Still Unbroken: Live in the South,” is both a tribute and a triumph — capturing the spirit of a band that has endured tragedy, change, and decades in the spotlight while still firing on all cylinders. The album was recorded during their 2024 Southern U.S. tour, which saw thousands of devoted fans show up to honor the group’s enduring legacy and to mourn, together, the loss of one of rock’s greatest guitarists.


Remembering Gary Rossington: “He Was Our Heart and Soul”

Gary Rossington, the last original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away in March 2023, leaving a void that can never fully be filled. Johnny Van Zant, who joined the band in 1987 after the death of his older brother Ronnie in the 1977 plane crash, described Rossington as more than just a guitarist.

“Gary wasn’t just the last original member — he was the heart and soul of this band,” Johnny said. “He had a way of making his guitar cry, like it was telling you a story. Every night on stage, we still feel him with us.”

Though Rossington had stepped back from regular touring due to health concerns before his passing, he remained a guiding force behind the scenes. His death cast a long emotional shadow over the band, but also pushed them to dig deeper and carry forward his legacy.


The Live Album: A Tribute in Every Note

“Still Unbroken: Live in the South” is raw, unfiltered Skynyrd — a mix of hits and deep cuts, delivered with the ferocity and soul fans have come to expect. The album includes iconic tracks like “Free Bird,” “Simple Man,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Gimme Three Steps,” performed with a renewed intensity.

One standout addition on the live record is a blistering 12-minute version of “Tuesday’s Gone,” introduced with a spoken-word tribute to Rossington, which Johnny performs every night with mist in his eyes.

“This album isn’t perfect — and we didn’t want it to be,” Johnny explained. “It’s live. It’s honest. And every single song, we’re thinking of Gary.”


A New Guitarist Joins the Family: “He Came in Reeking of Pot”

Filling Gary Rossington’s shoes on stage is no small feat. Enter Taylor Grant, a 29-year-old guitar phenom from Georgia, handpicked by the band after a nationwide search for someone who could not just play the parts but embody the spirit of Skynyrd.

“He’s the real deal,” Van Zant said with a chuckle. “He came in reeking of pot, hair down to his waist, and a Stratocaster slung low like he was born to play it. I looked at Rickey [Medlocke] and said, ‘Well, hell, maybe he’s one of us already.’”

Despite the unconventional first impression, Taylor quickly won over both the band and the fans with his soulful tone and reverence for the music.

“Taylor doesn’t try to be Gary. He honors Gary. And that’s what matters.”


Life on the Road: Still Rocking, Still Healing

Skynyrd’s 2024 tour was as much a healing process as it was a celebration. Thousands turned out in each city, holding lighters and phone lights aloft during “Free Bird,” often in tears. The band, now entering its sixth decade, continues to draw fans both old and new.

“Every night, we see three generations out there,” said Johnny. “Grandparents, parents, kids. That’s the power of music. That’s the power of Skynyrd.”

While age and loss have slowed them down physically, the energy remains. Rickey Medlocke and Mark Matejka continue to deliver blazing guitar solos, while drummer Michael Cartellone and bassist Keith Christopher hold down the groove with classic Southern grit.


New Music on the Horizon?

Fans eager for fresh Skynyrd material were thrilled to hear Johnny tease the possibility of new studio recordings.

“We’ve been writing again — not trying to reinvent the wheel, just telling stories the way we always have. There’s a song we’re working on called ‘Long Way Back Home’ that I think Gary would have loved. It’s about going through hell and still standing.”

Though no official release date has been announced, sources close to the band suggest that a new EP or even a full album could arrive in 2026 — possibly their first since 2012’s Last of a Dyin’ Breed.


What’s Next for Skynyrd?

With Gary Rossington gone and Johnny Van Zant nearing retirement, many wonder how long Lynyrd Skynyrd will continue. Van Zant admits that time is catching up but insists they’re not ready to hang it up just yet.

“We ain’t immortal, but the music might be. As long as there’s people who still want to hear these songs and sing them loud, we’ll keep showing up. Gary would want that. Ronnie would want that. That’s why we do it.”

Skynyrd is already booking shows for 2025, including a rumored return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a joint tour with another classic Southern rock band to be announced later this year.


Final Thoughts: Still Unbroken

Lynyrd Skynyrd has been through more than most bands could ever endure — plane crashes, lineup changes, tragedy, and time itself. But through it all, they’ve stayed true to their sound and their fans.

“Still Unbroken: Live in the South” isn’t just an album. It’s a statement. That even after all these years — and now without Gary Rossington — the flame still burns.

“We’re not just a band,” Van Zant said. “We’re a family. And the Skynyrd Nation? They’re our family too. And we ain’t done yet.”

Johnny Van Zant Lynyrd Skynyrd
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleBREAKING: Sunderland Hit with Points Deduction — Premier League Spot Now in Serious Jeopardy
Next Article HORROR INJURY: West Ham Star Jarrod Bowen Suffers Serious Setback While Playing Basketball
admin
  • Website

Related Posts

This book isn’t just another rock ’n’ roll tell-all. It’s a love letter to the place where it all started—Birmingham.

July 10, 2025

Speaking exclusively to Billboard ahead of the farewell show, Sharon Osbourne opened up once more about the mystery artist who was…

July 10, 2025

According to Sharon, however, not everyone involved approached the moment with the reverence it deserved. “There was a band that wanted to turn it into their own promotion,” she said. “It wasn’t about Ozzy, it wasn’t about Black Sabbath—it was about them.

July 10, 2025
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Latest Posts

This book isn’t just another rock ’n’ roll tell-all. It’s a love letter to the place where it all started—Birmingham.

July 10, 2025

Speaking exclusively to Billboard ahead of the farewell show, Sharon Osbourne opened up once more about the mystery artist who was…

July 10, 2025

According to Sharon, however, not everyone involved approached the moment with the reverence it deserved. “There was a band that wanted to turn it into their own promotion,” she said. “It wasn’t about Ozzy, it wasn’t about Black Sabbath—it was about them.

July 10, 2025

The Crowned Prince Turned King Ozzy’s reign began the moment Black Sabbath released their eponymous debut in 1970, laying the foundation for everything metal would become.

July 10, 2025
Stay In Touch
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo
Don't Miss

This book isn’t just another rock ’n’ roll tell-all. It’s a love letter to the place where it all started—Birmingham.

By adminJuly 10, 2025

BACK TO THE BEGINNING By Ozzy Osbourne Alright, you lot. It’s me, Ozzy. Yeah, that…

He Is Back, Jazz Keyonte George Return’s Against Hornets

January 16, 2025

Breaking News: Sydney Kings Forward Cameron Oliver Got Arrested Allegedely Rape…

January 16, 2025

Subscribe to Updates

Stay informed with the latest news and insights from Matchshakers.

About Us

Stay informed with the latest news and insights from Matchshakers – your trusted source for matchmaking industry updates.

We're accepting new partnerships right now.

Email Us: admin@sportylive360.com

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram WhatsApp Telegram
Category
  • Aston Villa (4)
  • Atlanta Falcons (1)
  • BC Lions (1)
  • Bournemouth AFC (1)
  • Brighton & Hove Albion (17)
  • Cincinnati Bengals (1)
  • Collingwood FC (2)
  • Collingwood Football (1)
  • Colorado State Rams football (1)
  • Entertainment (2)
  • Everton (8)
  • Florida Gators men’s basketball (1)
  • Gene Taylor (1)
  • Georgia bulldogs (1)
  • Georgia Tech football (1)
  • Houston Astros (1)
  • Houston Texans (1)
  • Iowa Hawkeyes (1)
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (1)
  • Jordan De Goey (1)
  • kansas city chiefs (1)
  • Leeds United (27)
  • Leicester City (22)
  • Miami Dolphins (1)
  • Michigan Wolverines (4)
  • Minnesota Golden Gophers (1)
  • Minnesota Vikings (1)
  • MLB (11)
  • NBA (1)
  • New Orleans Saints (9)
  • Newcastle United (21)
  • Newyork Mets (1)
  • NFL (14)
  • Nottingham Forest (27)
  • Ohio state football (2)
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (1)
  • Orlando Magic (1)
  • Quinshon Judkin (1)
  • San Antonio Spurs (1)
  • San Francisco 49ers (1)
  • Sunderland (36)
  • Sydney Kings (1)
  • Texas longhorns (1)
  • Texas Tech Red Raiders (1)
  • Toronto Maple Leafs (1)
  • Toronto Raptors (1)
  • Uncategorized (1,091)
  • Utah Jaz (2)
  • West Ham United (13)
  • Wolverhampton (1)
Most Popular

This book isn’t just another rock ’n’ roll tell-all. It’s a love letter to the place where it all started—Birmingham.

July 10, 2025

He Is Back, Jazz Keyonte George Return’s Against Hornets

January 16, 2025

Breaking News: Sydney Kings Forward Cameron Oliver Got Arrested Allegedely Rape…

January 16, 2025
© 2025 Sportylive360. Managed by The Admin.
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.