Ep 6. Lynyrd Skynyrd

Behind the Music Remastered is back with season 2 episode 6, which explores the story of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The episode takes the viewers back in time to the 1970s when Lynyrd Skynyrd emerged as a critically acclaimed and commercially successful band.

The band's journey started in Jacksonville, Florida, when five friends - Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns - came together to form a band. They named it after their high school gym teacher, Leonard Skinner. The band's unique sound, which blended country, blues, and rock, struck a chord with audiences and earned them a loyal fan base across the country.

The episode delves into the band's rise to fame, their intense touring schedule, and their chart-topping hits, including "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird." Fans get to relive the iconic moments of Lynyrd Skynyrd's career, including their epic performance at the Knebworth Festival in 1976, which saw them share the stage with some of the biggest names in rock 'n' roll, such as Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones.

However, as with many great stories, Lynyrd Skynyrd's success was not without its challenges. The episode explores the band's struggles with drugs and alcohol, which took a toll on their personal lives and their relationships with one another. The band's troubles came to a head in 1977 when a plane crash claimed the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines, and several others.

The episode takes a sensitive look at the aftermath of the crash, which left the surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd reeling with grief. Fans get to see how the band struggled to cope with the tragedy and how they chose to honor their fallen bandmates.

The episode also features in-depth interviews with the surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as a range of music journalists, friends, and family members. Through these interviews, viewers gain a deeper insight into the band's complex dynamics and their enduring legacy.

Overall, this episode of Behind the Music Remastered is a must-watch for Lynyrd Skynyrd fans and music lovers alike. It provides a comprehensive look at the band's journey, from their humble beginnings in Jacksonville to their tragic end. Moreover, it celebrates the band's incredible contributions to the world of music and the indelible mark they have left on the rock 'n' roll landscape.