As a tribute to five decades of southern rock royalty, Lynyrd Skynyrd lets it all hang out on FYFTY, a celebration of 50 years of music across 50 tracks.
The legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd is etched in stone through their deep catalog spanning 14 studio albums, compilations, and live recordings. The band's ability to write songs that resonate across generations is reflected in tracks like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird." A career-defining anthology, FYFTY, spans the band's illustrious history, from the early recordings at Muscle Shoals to the legendary anthems of the '70s, plus rare gems unearthed over the years. It's a journey through time, featuring live cuts from the historic 1987 tribute show that sparked the band's resurgence, and later-era tracks like "Last Of A Dyin' Breed" and "Last Of The Street Survivors." The set culminates in a poignant live performance of "Gimme Three Steps" from the band's final show with co-founding guitarist Gary Rossington in November 2022, a previously unreleased gem.
Packaged in a 12" x 12" gatefold jacket, FYFTY also includes a comprehensive booklet documenting it all. Renowned rock journalist, screenwriter, and director Cameron Crowe kicks it off with his opening notes, offering insights into Lynyrd Skynyrd's one of a kind journey. Detroit rock journalist Gary Graff provides detailed liner notes and a track-by-track analysis, creating a complete guide for fans. The visuals are just as rich, with unreleased photos capturing the original and reformed bands, offering a visual chronicle of the band.
The tragic plane crash in 1977 that claimed the lives of vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, road manager Dean Kilpatrick, along with two crew members, halted the band's ascent abruptly, but their resilience shone through during their re-emergence in 1987. The journey continued with younger brother Johnny Van Zant taking over vocals, leading Skynyrd to release nine more studio albums. The band faced losses over the years, including the last co-founding member Gary Rossington, in March 2023. FYFTY immortalizes Rossington's swan song with its live version of "Gimme Three Steps" from his final show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. As Johnny Van Zant eloquently puts it, "We miss him so much. What kept me going was calling [Rossington] and having these conversations. He was my cheerleader."
FYFTY serves not just as a retrospective but as a tribute, ensuring that the voices of Rossington, Ronnie Van Zant, and all those who contributed to Lynyrd Skynyrd's legacy will continue to be heard throughout time.