Although the “very beginning” was technically in the ‘60s, this ragtag group of Southern boys were playing under a slew of different names before they settled on the slight twist of the name of their strict high-school P.E. teacher, Leonard Skinner. Mr. Skinner was notorious for enforcing the school’s policy on boys having long hair, so this was clearly a defiant little jab.
You Skynyrd fans are probably sick of hearing that story, but maybe we’re trying to introduce some youngins to classic southern rock, okay? You’re probably also sick of hearing about their tragic and highly depressing plane crash in 1977, so let's just stick to the fun times between those timeline bookends, shall we?
Here are 20 1970s pics of Lynyrd Skynyrd representing the South by ascending the music world. A time where they crafted and performed those timeless tunes we still know and love today.
1
A Laid Back Band Photo From 1973
2
Lynyrd Skynyrd live in Rotterdam, Netherlands - October 16th, 1975.
3
A Backstage Party with Real Guns - 1974
4
Guitarist Steve Gaines Rockin' Out - Mid ‘70s
5
Brother and sister, Steve and Cassie Gaines.
6
Ronnie Van Zant signing his autograph for a fan in Florida.
Taken on October 17th, 1977. Just 3 days before his death.
7
Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on stage at Richmond Coliseum, Virginia - April 27, 1977
8
Lynynrd Skynyrd live at "Day On The Green" at the Oakland Coliseum - July 1977
9
Hanging out backstage at RFK Stadium in Washington DC on May 30, 1976.
Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Leon Wilkinson of Lynyrd Skynyrd with New York Dolls singer, David Johansen.
10
Performing “Free Bird” in 1974.
11
Playing Live in 1970
Rickey Medlocke on drums, Larry Junstrom on bass, Allen Collins on rhythm guitar and vocals, Gary Rossington on lead guitar, & Ronnie Van Zant on vocals.
12
Performing “Sweet Home Alabama” Live At Knebworth - 1976
13
Headin' to the stage.
The Lakeland Civic Center - October 18, 1977
14
The Lakeland Civic Center - October 18, 1977
Only two days before the plane crash.
15
Drummer Artimus Pyle - Mid ‘70s
16
Allen Collins Rocking Out in 1975.
17
Ronnie Van Zant in 1976.
18
Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977
From left to right: Leon Wilkeson, Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle, Steve Gaines, and Billy Powell.
19
The Earliest Professional Picture
Initially known by other names like My Backyard, The Noble Five, and The One Percent, they eventually settled on Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969.
20
As “The One Percent Band” in 1968.
