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Review by: Janel Spiegel
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Celebrating 50 Years
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Wind Creek Steel Stage
711 E. First St.
Bethlehem, PA
Opening Acts: Six Gun Sally and Christine Havrilla
Bethlehem, PA… GOING STRONG! It was wet today. Mother Nature said, we need a cleansing, and that was that. It was a beautiful night though as I was joined by one of my kick ass friends to see Lynyrd Skynyrd. A few things about this incredible group. The band was originally formed in 1964 by Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington (FOR GARY, FOR ALL THE Gary’s WE MET TONIGHT!), Allen Collins, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns.
Now fast forward, fifty years later, tours all over the place, an army of fans, the “Skynyrd Nation” is going strong. (Just as strong as the Eagles fans. We had a partial EAGLES chant tonight. But back to this amazing concert. The rain didn’t stop anyone from coming out tonight. A few people left a little early but mostly it seemed everybody was having a blast while singing, dancing, and again forgetting about the work day, forgetting the everyday life problems to enjoy a concert.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is: Rickey Medlocke, Johnny Van Zant, Michael Cartellone, Mark Matejka, Peter Keys, and Keith Christopher.
The opening acts started as Musikfest staff, the Bethlehem Police, ArtsQuest and SteelStacks staff, and volunteers worked hard. Also, thank you again so much to Musikfest, the Media Center, Jennifer, and every single person I have met as a writer and as someone navigating life. Six Gun Sally and Christine Havrilla were awesome. They got the crowd hyped for Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Johnny Van Zant is Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother. Johnny and the entire band came out with such enthusiasm, and GENUINE LOVE for the fans. I lost track of how many times he shouted out Bethlehem, Skynyrd Nation, and the O.G. Skynyrd fans. The people who have stuck with them from the beginning till now. Johnny spoke about people calling them a “tribute band” but let’s face it, they are Lynyrd Skynyrd. People would not show up and wait in the rain for just anybody. They know the band. They know the music. They love the band, and the music.
Despite the rain, and all of us being drenched… It was BEYOND A blast! They also paid tribute to the troops, the first responders, nurses, and doctors that make a difference. I also spent a lot of time thinking about the Zombie Apocalypse… That’s another story though. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s setlist was iconic. They took almost a month off, and returned to start the tour again at Musikfest. How kick ass is that, and thanks to 99.9 The Hawk. (WE LOVE YOU!)
They set the stage up quick, and they showed 50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd with AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” being the introduction playing during the beautiful tribute. They played everything from “Workin’ for MCA,” “Skynyrd Nation,” “That Smell,” “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” (A beautiful song.). They did a special introduction for “Simple Man” and the crowd was on their feet, and singing at the TOP of the TIP TOP OF ALL OF LUNGS! “Oh, take your time, don’t live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass.” It’s a beautiful song.
It was nostalgic and no matter what any one person says, THEY ARE LYNYRD SKYNRD. They embody the music. They are the essence of what music and Rock N’ Roll is about. A group of talented musicians coming together playing iconic songs that stand the test of time, apparently 50 years, and still going.
They also played, “Saturday Night Special,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Call Me Breeze” (A J.J. Cale cover), and of course…. OF COURSE, “Sweet Home Alabama.” That was a moment. Mother Nature made it stop raining for them. She too must be a Skynyrd fan. They ended, and thanked the crowd but they came back because… well… There was a song they had to play. A FREEBIRD chant started, part of a “one more song” chant, and just general overall screaming, and excitement.
The band came back onstage and did indeed play “Free Bird” with Johnny bringing a Ronnie hat to the mic stand, and an American flag. Johnny left the stage as they played a beautiful video of Ronnie Van Zant walking onstage. Then they played video of Ronnie’s performance of “Free Bird.” It was powerful, and a beautiful tribute to his brother. Johnny left, and we heard Ronnie’s performance.
“If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on, now
‘Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see” “Free Bird” By: Lynyrd Skynyrd.
They listed the names of everyone that was lost on that fateful day. It was a beautiful heartfelt performance. Lots of tears, and Mother Nature had her own cleansing. Musikfest continues on, and “I Gotta Feeling” tomorrow’s show is going to be incredible. The Black Eyed Peas will be on the Wind Creek Steel Stage at PNC Plaza August 8, 2024 at 7:30PM.
Musikfest runs from August 1st to August 11th with so many incredible acts performing. They also keep everyone up to date on the weather. So, keep an eye on the Musikfest app or social media, and on the official Musikfest website.
Thank you Musikfest and Lynyrd Skynyrd for the music, the memories, and keeping all of us safe. There is no feeling in the world like being at a concert, and just singing your whole soul out with everyone, and YES BETHLEHEM, you did good with all of singing, “Sweet Home Alabama,” and every other song together.
https://www.lynyrdskynyrd.com/
https://www.musikfest.org/lineup/schedule/
