Rock & Country Legends Come Together For Epic Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
CMT / YouTube
The last remaining original member of legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Rossington, passed away on March 5, 2023.
He left behind a huge legacy, and a band of his brothers who honors him every night on stage. The CMT Music Awards is the first big event following Rossington’s death, so its only right that they give him a proper sendoff.
On Thursday (March 30), CMT announced that there will be a tribute to Gary Rossington and Lynyrd Skynyrd at the CMT Music Awards, held on April 2nd. The tribute will be performed by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell (from Allman Brothers Band), Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers (from Bad Company), Slash (from Guns N’ Roses) and Warren Hayes (from Allman Brothers Band), LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna Judd.
While the performance was being introduced it was noted that the late Ronnie Van Zant’s brother – and current Skynyrd lead singer – Johnny Van Zant was in the audience with Rickley Medlocke. Also sitting with them was Gary Rossington’s widow, Dale, their daughter Mary Elizabeth, Ronnie’s widow, Judy Van Zant, and Ronnie’s granddaughter.
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The performance kicked off with a chilling rendition of “Simple Man.” At one point during the song, they sang, “Gary was a simple man…”
Each singer was able to showcase their legendary talent during this number before they moved on to a rockin’ rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama,” which got everyone on their feet. It was an epic performance that blended country, rock, and of course, Southern Rock.
Watch the absolutely incredible performance below. We know all the original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd – who are now all together in Heaven – would be proud of this performance.
