Lynyrd Skynyrd brought their 50th Anniversary celebration to Rogers Place and raised the roof with one hell of a party!
September 11, 2025 – The Outlaws first took the stage to bring their southern-fried brand of rock n’ roll to the masses at Rogers Place. 11,000+ people, to be a little more exact – took part in honoring the 50 year legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Outlaws were a fun band who delivered an 8 song setlist featuring 3 covers – one of which was dedicated to Ronnie Van Zant.
A fitting opener, as their sound ties in very closely with Skynyrd’s, and they share nearly as long a career. The only songs I was familiar with were “There Goes Another Love Song”, and “Green Grass and High Tides” – both of which were flawlessly executed. Another thing they share with Skynyrd is their triple-guitar wall of sound, held together by sole original member Henry Paul.
And the MAIN EVENT! Lynyrd Skynyrd took the stage, kicking off their set with a retrospective intro video of their incredible 50 year career. Skynyrd is a band who has suffered an incredibly tumultuous career dotted with soaring success, and major loss.
Numerous members have passed over the years, with one section of the show being a dedication to all the members lost. Most notably are Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Bob Burns. The sole “pre-crash” member remaining is Rickey Medlocke – There had previously been agreements about how many pre-crash members had to be in the band in order for it to be active and “legal”, but this appears to be no longer applicable since Rossington’s death. (cited from Wikipedia)
No bones about it, this is a band that is still very much locked in and loves what they do. Honoring the legacy that was built in the early 70’s, Younger Van Zant brother Johnny did a fantastic job leading the crew. The 14-song set included all the classics you could want to hear, which are far too many to list. The crowd had a fantastic time, and the band soared through the encore – “Freebird” was just absolutely incredible to see live. The last verse was dubbed with a live take of Ronnie Van Zant’s performance, with accompanying video on the wall behind the band which sent shivers through the crowd – I know it did me.
I’m thrilled to finally be able to see such a massive influential band in the big picture of Rock n Roll.. though it may not be an all-original band, they stayed true to not only the sound, but the attitude and the love of the music.
See the Full photo gallery on Facebook HERE
Setlist:
Workin’ for MCA
What’s Your Name
That Smell
I Know a Little
Saturday Night Special
Down South Jukin’
Gimme Back My Bullets
The Needle and the Spoon
Tuesday’s Gone
Simple Man
Gimme Three Steps
Call Me the Breeze (J.J. Cale cover)
Sweet Home Alabama
Encore:
Free Bird