I just had such a nice compliment from a very good friend of Gary's - "when I read your article, I heard his voice." Happy I could capture him for others.
Great article as always, Alan. Interesting that in your conversation, Gary took credit for the opening riff of SWA. It's pretty well documented that Gary had the underlying part, but Ed King came up with the opening riff which he always played in concert as well. He saw a lot of things in his life and held together the reformed band till the end, (sometimes under heavy criticism). I'll tell you what, I saw the reformed band several times and one of those times it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. The vibe was ELECTRIC! Kudos to Gary - he lived his life on his terms always! How many of us can say that?
No disrespect, but might Ed King's contributions on Sweet Home Alabama be minimized by Gary? I've read in several places and heard Ed talk about the acrimony that existed between him and Gary...
Dear Alan Paul, I love your writing, and your connections with our cherished musicians. I always loved the story about "Hell's Cabin", where Ronnie brought the band to "hone" their craft. It's that hard work,( just like the Brothers did,) that, I think, made them so great. Another is how they met playing baseball. Every story about Skynyrd is fascinating. Thank You Alan, your writing means a lot to me. Cheers, and God Bless Gary Rossington for all he gave us.
Nobody mentions Rossington Collins which I enjoyed alot more than Skynyrd. Moved into main stream rock with beautiful Dale Kranz (to be Rossington)belting out vocals.
Terrific writing, Alan! As a musician I love reading how ideas are turned into stories turned into songs. I played keys for a southern rock band for about 5 years. Yep, [groan] every 2nd set ended with Freebird, all 14:09 of its 3 guitar madness. Cliche as it is, I have to admit it was a blast banging out that tune and holding on for dear life while your ears bled from the Marshall stacks. Good times! 🙌
Another great tribute. As a guitarist, I always love to hear how songs come together. It’s amazing how often the core of a great song comes together very quickly. I’ve heard that it lots of rock biographies I read. Can’t wait for you new book!
Great article and interview as a followup to the sad passing of Gary Rossington. I was introduced to him in Muscle Shoals by the late Jimmy Johnson, who at one point, produced the Rossington-Collins Band album in the studio that Jimmy, David Hood, Roger Hawkins and Barry Beckett owned together...and met Gary once again at the Waldorf-Astoria a day prior to that year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Gary was very humble, super nice, and patiently answered so many of my questions about the creation of their music , recording, and all things guitar & amp oriented. It was certainly a priviledge to have met and spoken together with him. Thank you Alan for releasing this content about Gary Rossington, and am very much looking forward to reading your upconing new book out this coming July ! A book by you on LS ala the templates you have done prior would be a Fascinating story and read too !!!
Love your pieces, Alan. When I started following you, I thought you must be of my generation, but no, I’ve discovered you’re just an old soul with a genuine love for great music.
Regarding the story of composing "Sweet Home Alabama", I was a bit surprised. I had read before that Gary had the basic chords first, then Ed came up with that intro riff. Not sure now?
(edit: I have just noticed that others have commented in the same direction..)
I just had such a nice compliment from a very good friend of Gary's - "when I read your article, I heard his voice." Happy I could capture him for others.
Great article as always, Alan. Interesting that in your conversation, Gary took credit for the opening riff of SWA. It's pretty well documented that Gary had the underlying part, but Ed King came up with the opening riff which he always played in concert as well. He saw a lot of things in his life and held together the reformed band till the end, (sometimes under heavy criticism). I'll tell you what, I saw the reformed band several times and one of those times it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. The vibe was ELECTRIC! Kudos to Gary - he lived his life on his terms always! How many of us can say that?
No disrespect, but might Ed King's contributions on Sweet Home Alabama be minimized by Gary? I've read in several places and heard Ed talk about the acrimony that existed between him and Gary...
Dear Alan Paul, I love your writing, and your connections with our cherished musicians. I always loved the story about "Hell's Cabin", where Ronnie brought the band to "hone" their craft. It's that hard work,( just like the Brothers did,) that, I think, made them so great. Another is how they met playing baseball. Every story about Skynyrd is fascinating. Thank You Alan, your writing means a lot to me. Cheers, and God Bless Gary Rossington for all he gave us.
Nobody mentions Rossington Collins which I enjoyed alot more than Skynyrd. Moved into main stream rock with beautiful Dale Kranz (to be Rossington)belting out vocals.
Wow. Great stuff. I just got back from Muscle Shoals, I love these old stories. So many of these legends are leaving us. Thanks for sharing, Alan.
Terrific writing, Alan! As a musician I love reading how ideas are turned into stories turned into songs. I played keys for a southern rock band for about 5 years. Yep, [groan] every 2nd set ended with Freebird, all 14:09 of its 3 guitar madness. Cliche as it is, I have to admit it was a blast banging out that tune and holding on for dear life while your ears bled from the Marshall stacks. Good times! 🙌
Another great tribute. As a guitarist, I always love to hear how songs come together. It’s amazing how often the core of a great song comes together very quickly. I’ve heard that it lots of rock biographies I read. Can’t wait for you new book!
Great article and interview as a followup to the sad passing of Gary Rossington. I was introduced to him in Muscle Shoals by the late Jimmy Johnson, who at one point, produced the Rossington-Collins Band album in the studio that Jimmy, David Hood, Roger Hawkins and Barry Beckett owned together...and met Gary once again at the Waldorf-Astoria a day prior to that year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Gary was very humble, super nice, and patiently answered so many of my questions about the creation of their music , recording, and all things guitar & amp oriented. It was certainly a priviledge to have met and spoken together with him. Thank you Alan for releasing this content about Gary Rossington, and am very much looking forward to reading your upconing new book out this coming July ! A book by you on LS ala the templates you have done prior would be a Fascinating story and read too !!!
Thank you for the memories! Your interviews make me smile and lighten my heart!
Rock on man✌️💖🎼
Bazlyn
R I P you’ll be missed dearly❤️
Love your pieces, Alan. When I started following you, I thought you must be of my generation, but no, I’ve discovered you’re just an old soul with a genuine love for great music.
Sure enjoyed reading the insights Gary spoke about regarding some of the L S songs
Good stuff Alan! So many good musicians gone.
Alan, thank you so much for this informative article. Too many musicians from my generation of music are moving on to a better place.
Regarding the story of composing "Sweet Home Alabama", I was a bit surprised. I had read before that Gary had the basic chords first, then Ed came up with that intro riff. Not sure now?
(edit: I have just noticed that others have commented in the same direction..)