The debut album which claimed their spot in the rock genre had sold an estimated two million units internationally by 2014, and features one of their most notable tracks ‘Free Bird’ which peaked at Number 21 on the UK Official Singles Chart.

Despite the band sharing the passing of founding member and guitarist Gary Rossington via social media in 2023, it was revealed they would continue to perform in his honour. Johnny Van Zant reflected on Rossington and his late brother, Ronnie Van Zant (founding member and lead vocalist of the group) who passed in the late 1970s. He said: “Gary, along with my brother Ronnie and Allen started this band and left us all a legacy of music that has stood the test of time, and crossed three generations of fans”.

The band and fans of the ‘Simple Man’ performers have experienced an unfathomable amount of loss over the years, which has coincided with the bands changing lineup. Allen Collins, guitarist of the band (who Johnny mentions in his tribute post), died aged 37 in 1990, along with drummer Bob Burns in 2015 and bassist Larry Junstrom in 2019. Prior to his passing, Rossington was the last surviving member of the founding line-up.

As Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to embark on their forthcoming tour it is evident they are determined to give their multiple generations of fans an electrifying experience, playing notable tracks from their extensive catalogue from their five decades of experience in the industry.

We’re excited to announce that this summer Skynyrd Nation is going to be playing dates across Europe! Pre-sale starts at 10am local tomorrow, Wednesday January 22nd with all tickets on sale this Friday, January 24th at 10am local. We’ll see you soon! pic.twitter.com/jt9lUwKgSZ

— Lynyrd Skynyrd (@Skynyrd) January 21, 2025

The ‘Celebrating 50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd’ UK Arena Tour will take the band all over the country in July of this year. Performing four exclusive gigs, starting in Manchester’s AO Arena before heading to Birmingham and Brighton, then concluding in London’s OVO Arena Wembley.

In accordance with the announcement, it has been revealed the Atlanta rock band Blackberry Smoke will provide support for the band during their tour, along with this £1 from every ticket will be given to Live Trust to supporting grassroots music and venues.

To build anticipation for the tour, Johnny Van Zant revealed: “It’s about the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and what it stands for, what the fans are all about. There’s nothing like getting out there, playing a great show with Skynyrd and seeing people love this music”.

Rock’n’roll legends Lynyrd Skynyrd are making their triumphant return to the UK this summer, with special guests Blackberry Smoke.

Tickets on sale 10:00, Fri 24 Jan@Skynyrd pic.twitter.com/hJ5Nrqm0Ry

— ticketmasteruk (@TicketmasterUK) January 21, 2025

Tickets for the forthcoming tour will go on presale today (January 22) at 10am GMT, before going on general sale Friday (January 24) at the same time. Ticket information can be found here.

Born John Weldon Cale in 1938, Cale was regarded as one of the originators of the ‘Tulsa Sound’ , a genre that fused elements of blues, rockabilly, country and jazz that developed in Tulsa during the late 50s.

Cale released 14 studio albums between 1972 and 2009, as well as working on collaborations with a number of artists. His most well-known songs however gained their popularity when covered by artists like Eric Clapton (Cocaine, After Midnight), Lynyrd Skynyrd and Johnny Cash (Call Me the Breeze).

In his biography, Cale said “Basically, I’m just a guitar player that figured out I wasn’t ever gonna be able to buy dinner with my guitar playing so I got into songwriting, which is a little more profitable business.”

His website released the following statement:

“JJ Cale Has Passed Away

JJ Cale passed away at 8:00 pm on Friday July 26 at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, CA.

The legendary singer / songwriter had suffered a heart attack. There are no immediate plans for services. His history is well documented at JJCale.com, rosebudus.com/cale, and in the documentary, To Tulsa And Back.

Donations are not needed but he was a great lover of animals so, if you like, you can remember him with a donation to your favorite local animal shelter.”

Watch Cale perform After Midnight and Call Me the Breeze here: