Lynyrd Skynyrd - Lyve- The Vicious Cycle Tour
by Jon Small

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DVD Reviews of Lynyrd Skynyrd - Lyve- The Vicious Cycle Tour

DVD Review: The Vicious Mott Review
Summary: 5 Stars

The band's roots can be traced back to 1964, when a certain Ronnie Van Zant started singing lead vocals for guitarist Gary Rossington's school band, but this DVD has been released in celebration of thirty years of recording under the Lynyrd Skynyrd banner, starting 1973 with their first album 'Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd' (named after the nickname of the boys' high school gym teacher). It was not until then they started their meteoric rise to stardom.

After the plane crash it took ten years before a band went out on the road under the Skynyrd moniker as a tribute to their fallen brothers. The tour was such a success that it was decided to keep the band permanent, and to tour and record further albums.

At first the lineup was quite liquid, but over the last ten years or so it has stabilized to the present formation, which could wipe the floor live with any band that has ever trod the boards. Two original members are still there from the classic lineup. Gary Rossington, from the original three pronged guitar attack, one of the meanest slide guitarists on the planet; and Billy Powell, the only man who can really play that beautiful piano intro to Freebird. Joining them are Ronnie Van Zant's brother, Johnny Van Zant , on lead vocals; Rickey Medlocke on lead guitar, he used to front the magnificent 'Blackfoot'; and completing the triple axe barrage is Hughie Thomasson (ex 'The Outlaws', perhaps one of the most underrated country/rock bands to come out of the south).

Then replacing Leon Wilkeson on bass is Hughie Thomasson's old band mate Ean Evans. Powering the band from behind the skins is Michael Cartellone. You have to be a very fit young drummer to keep up with these cats. Carol Chase and Dale Krantz Rossington add backing vocals, bringing the Lynyrd Skynyrd contingent up to nine. If they were not flying under the Skynyrd flag, they could truly be called the Southern Rock All Stars.

For this special concert to be recorded for a live CD and DVD, they have also included a brass and string section to add more dynamics to the sound. But do not fret, you hardened Southern Rock fans, it takes none of the Skynyrd gruff vocals and roaring guitars out of the mix. In fact, this is the best I have ever seen or heard the band play, and that is from someone who saw the band twice in the mid Seventies.

Neither is this just a run through of greatest hits from a bygone era. The newer songs are mingled in with the older classics, and believe me, you cannot hear the join.

Off the new album 'Vicious Cycle' (2001) come two of the concert highlights. The song 'Red, White, and Blue' is the most patriotic song ever recorded. With its wonderfully emotional chorus of "My hair is going white, my neck has always been red, and my collar is still blue," it certainly brings a lump to the throat.

At the end of the set another 'Vicious Cycle' song, 'The Way', fits in perfectly between 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Freebird'. Now you have to stand pretty tall to stand side by side with those two.

Pop down to Tahitian Queen on Beach road for their famous Rock 'n' Roll Happy Hour and request any song from this DVD to be put on the screen. You will not be disappointed.

"I hope Neil Young will remember."

Viciously put by Mott The Dog
Cycled by Ella Crew

Description of Lynyrd Skynyrd - Lyve- The Vicious Cycle Tour

Classic Rock Music CDs

• Music > Styles
• Hard Rock & Metal
• Pop
• Rock