Lynyrd Skynyrd might release a new album featuring two late members.
Rickey Medlocke recently joined an interview with Joe Rock of Long Island’s rock station 102.3 WBAB and reflected on whether they plan to work on a new record:
“Well, I mean, I guess I can go ahead and let it out of the bag. Johnny [Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd singer] and I had spoken going back probably before the end of last year and talked about doing a new Lynyrd Skynyrd record as a tribute to Gary [Rossington, late Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist].”
The Tapes Include Gary Rossington
The guitarist said they have some unfinished songs:
“It’s been about a year and a half now since Gary passed away. We really felt we have all these songs that were written during all those years that he was with us. And we have about — oh my gosh — maybe two dozen either finished, unfinished, half-finished, whatever songs laying around that he was part of. It’s kind of interesting to hear these old tapes and stuff with Gary talking in the background and all of us laughing and having a lot of fun.”
Besides Gary Rossington, another late Lynyrd Skynyrd member might also feature on the next album:
“Even Hughie Thomasson [late Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist] is in them. So, fast forward, it’s been brought to our attention, we’re gonna be able to record a Skynyrd record. And I hope that after this [summer/fall 2024] tour, Skynyrd will get busy and we’ll lock into it and see what we get done.”
Medlocke’s Earlier Statements On The Possible New Record
Medlocke also previously said he and Johnny Van Zant have been discussing recording new songs. They already have a lot of material ready. He explained in a chat with Dr. Music in April:
“Johnny and I have been talking. Well, this started before Gary’s [Rossington] passing. We started talking about doing a new record because we’ve got all these songs that we wrote together or we co-wrote with other people. Oh my God, we’ve got a ton of material. And we said, ‘Look, let’s get this material, and let’s put it together, and let’s do another record.’”
He added:
“And you know what? Johnny and I have been talking about it. And I think you might see it materialize at some point because I would like to see some of these tunes that Gary was a part of [getting released]. I mean, we’ve got tapes, man — we’ve got tapes of where we’re sitting and we’re talking and laughing and joking around, and you hear Gary talking. It’s great.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s latest album, ‘Last of a Dyin’ Breed’ arrived on August 21, 2012. So, it’s been over a decade since the band released new material. The band has shows with ZZ Top throughout August.