We spoke with Johnny Van Zant in the middle of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s current European tour, which wraps up this weekend in the United Kingdom. In this exclusive interview, the vocalist shares his thoughts on the band’s 50-year celebration, the release of their recent live album recorded at the historic Ryman Auditorium, and how they keep the musical legacy alive after five decades. A heartfelt and passionate conversation about the present and future of this iconic Southern rock band.
David Aresté
M.S: It is a real pleasure to have Lynyrd Skynyrd on our page. First of all, how are you? How are you experiencing this European tour?
This European tour? Oh, it’s been wonderful. I’m in Paris tonight — so far, we’ve been through Germany, Italy, and of course, Spain, which was an awesome, awesome gig! It was our first show right out of the gate, and the Spanish people just welcomed us with open arms. It was really incredible.
M.S: This year you celebrate five decades as a band. What does reaching 50 years of Lynyrd Skynyrd mean to you?
Well, I think it just shows the lasting success of the songs, you know? My brother Ronnie was a great songwriter — he touched a lot of people with his lyrics. Now we’ve got new generations coming in — we’re talking four generations of fans! We call them our Skynyrd Nation. It’s amazing, when you think about everything this band has been through, that the music still resonates. People can enjoy it, learn from it, and even live by it. That means everything.
M.S: You have just released Celebrating 50 Years (Live at the Ryman), recorded at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and released by the European label Frontiers. What motivated you to record and release this particular concert?
Well, you know what? That night at the Ryman was Gary Rossington’s last performance with us — one of our founding members. Of course, it was Ronnie, my brother, and Alan and Gary who started Lynyrd Skynyrd many, many years ago. We didn’t know it would be Gary’s final show, but it turned out to be an unforgettable night.
We had Bret Smith from Shinedown, my brother Donnie from 38 Special, Jelly Roll — who was just starting out — Marcus King, and a bunch of other great friends join us. It was a celebration, and we wanted our fans to have that moment to remember Gary. Frontiers Records has been amazing to work with, and who knows? Maybe there’ll be a new Skynyrd record coming soon.
M.S: Do you have a solo album released by Frontiers too?
Yes, yeah — it’s a gospel album. In 2020, when the world shut down, I felt like people needed hope. I’m a true believer in Jesus Christ — that’s my faith, I’m a Christian. So I teamed up with my brother, and we started writing songs during COVID in a small studio behind my house in Florida.
I’m very proud of what we created. It’s touched a lot of people. Just recently, a guy from the Czech Republic told me it helped him decide to become a preacher. That means the world to me — what better way to honor our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father, and the Holy Spirit?
M.S: How did you contact Frontiers?
Well, I knew Tom Lipsky — I had worked with him before when he was with Loud & Proud, and we had done a few records together. I was looking for a home for the gospel album, and at first, Frontiers wasn’t even on my radar. But Tom came to me and said, “They’ve got Stryper on the label — I think they might be interested.” It all just kind of came together naturally. And they’ve been great. It’s been a really good experience so far.
M.S: We saw you in 2019 in Switzerland, and in this live album you added new songs like “Saturday Night Special,” “Down South Jukin’,” and “Red White and Blue.” Was it difficult to put together the setlist for the Nashville concert?
Yeah, sure — it’s always difficult, because there are so many great Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. We know we have to close with Free Bird, because that’s tradition, and we’ve been doing that since the beginning. But filling out the rest of the setlist is tough. We could easily play five or six hours if we wanted to cover everything — but I’m not sure I’d survive that!
M.S: Do you think being signed to a European label like Frontiers can help facilitate future tours in Europe or open new doors on that continent?
Yes, I really do. We actually timed the release of the live album so it would come out while we were touring in Europe — to get the most impact, the most publicity. Frontiers did a great job putting it all together.
M.S: You are currently touring Europe. How is the tour going, and what differences do you notice between European and American audiences?
You know, I think our fans are the same — whether they’re American or European. We all share a love for the music, and that creates a strong bond. But over here, the fans have just been amazing. We don’t get to come to Europe as often as we’d like, but the crowds have been massive. Every show has been really well received. We’re already talking about coming back next year — we haven’t hit Switzerland, Norway, or Greece yet, so we’ve got more to do!
M.S: You recently played at the Barcelona Rock Fest. How was that experience? What memories do you take from the audience and the festival?
Oh yeah, man — the fans were incredible! Are you kidding? What a way to kick off our European tour. Spain is a beautiful country. And you know what? We went on at midnight! That doesn’t happen in the U.S. — but it was awesome. It felt like daytime with how alive the crowd was. Everyone was up, singing, and ready to rock.
M.S: Are you tired at 12?
Hahaha…. No, not at all! I was wide awake — we were six hours behind on our time, so I was good to go.
M.S: With the momentum of the new label and the energy from the current tours, is there a possibility you will record a new studio album in the near future?
Yes, we’ve got songs that Gary worked on — songs he helped write. Unfortunately, his health declined before we could finish everything. But we definitely hope to release them sometime soon.
M.S: Over your recent career, albums like Gods & Guns (2009) and Last of a Dyin’ Breed (2012) shaped the band’s modern sound. What do you think of those albums today? Do you feel well represented by them?
I think they’re good records, right? You know, I didn’t join this band in ’87 to make new music — I joined to carry on the legacy my brother started. But I enjoy writing songs, and I love creating. So, we’ll see what the future holds.
M.S: Those albums belong to the band’s latest era. Obviously, your classic songs are always present, but except for “Skynyrd Nation,” you haven’t brought back any songs from those newer albums in your setlist. Might you add some of those songs someday?
Yeah, you know what? Before all this ends, I’d love to go out and play all the songs I’ve written with the band. But we’ll see what happens. Like I said, when I joined in ’87, I made a promise to myself to carry on the legacy — and that legacy is rooted in the songs Ronnie wrote.
M.S: Despite the changes in the music industry, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s sound remains very recognizable. How do you manage to maintain the essence of Southern Rock throughout every stage of your history?
By staying true to the music, man. That’s what we grew up on. It’s all we know — and we just keep carrying it forward and creating.
M.S: Many bands are continuing your legacy, like The Georgia Thunderbolts or Marcus King. Do you recommend any current Southern Rock bands?
Oh yeah, for sure! Blackberry Smoke is great. Black Stone Cherry too — they’re a great bunch of guys. We’re actually going to be doing some shows in the UK with Blackberry Smoke, so it’ll be great to hang out with them.
M.S: Finally, what do you believe is the most important legacy Lynyrd Skynyrd has left — and continues to leave — in the world of rock?
The songs, no doubt. They’ll be around long after I’m gone — and long after all of us are gone. Most of the original members are already gone. I’ve been in the band for almost 40 years now, and I just hope that, years from now, some kid is picking up a guitar and learning “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Our legacy is that of hard-working, God-fearing Southern guys from America who made honest music — music that people can live by.
M.S:To close, we would love for you to leave a message for all the fans who are reading this interview and have supported Lynyrd Skynyrd throughout these 50 years. What would you like to say to them?
Absolutely. Thank you — so many great memories! Thank you for helping Ronnie and the guys get started all those years ago. And thank you here in Europe, for coming out by the thousands and still supporting us to this day. It’s just incredible. You’re all great singers too — hearing you sing “Simple Man” back to me was one of the most amazing moments. They do that in the States too, but over here, it was just overwhelming. So from the bottom of my heart, and from all of Lynyrd Skynyrd — thank you.
M.S: Thank you Johnny and God bless you!
Thank you so much and God bless you! Have a great day! Bye-bye, ciao!
David Aresté