Press Release
Source: AXS TV
Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Rickey Medlocke—members of the groundbreaking Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd—join Dan Rather for a candid conversation in an all-new episode of The Big Interview on Tuesday, October 23 at 9pE/6pP.
Filmed amidst the band’s farewell tour, which began in May, the episode finds the trio reflecting on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s enduring legacy, as well as their undying Southern pride, and the creative process behind some of their biggest hits. During the discussion, the band warmly remembers legendary lead singer Ronnie Van Zant—who was tragically killed in the 1977 plane crash that also claimed the lives of three other band members—as a gifted songwriter who could seemingly pluck hits out of thin air.
Rossington recalls, “He came out with stuff because he felt so much from his heart, and it just came through him… They would come to him, and they were magical. Like I keep saying, if he couldn’t remember ‘em, he wouldn’t write it. It had to be good enough to remember, and most of ‘em are.” Check out the clip here.
Over the years, Rossington has dealt with more than his share of health problems stemming from severe issues with his heart—leading the band to put an end to their rigorous touring schedule. However, the beloved guitarist offers Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legion of passionate fans some hope for the future, explaining, “It takes a long time to finish a farewell tour when you’re like us, ‘cause we’ve played everywhere… I keep jokin’ it’d take ten years to do the farewell tour.” He continues, “But then after that, after a few years of doin’ [the farewell tour], we’re gonna do a new record. So, we won’t go away, but we won’t be touring every year like we do.” A press clip is available here.
To see more of this insightful episode, tune in to The Big Interview on Tuesday, October 23 at 9pE/6pP, only on AXS TV.
About AXS TV
AXS TV was created in 2012 by entrepreneur Mark Cuban in conjunction with AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and CBS. Since its founding, the network has established itself as the premier destination for classic rock content, delivering an eclectic programming roster that includes original series such as The Big Interview With Dan Rather, Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar, and Real Money, as well as unprecedented music festival coverage, hard-hitting mixed martial arts events, and a slate of acclaimed documentaries and iconic concerts from some of music’s most influential artists. Since 2013, AXS TV has served as the exclusive North American home of the hit singing competition The X Factor UK, bringing the fan-favorite series stateside for the first time ever. The network is also the U.S. home of the popular New Japan Pro Wrestling and WOW-Women Of Wrestling promotions and Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) and CES MMA. AXS TV is currently available nationally in the United States and parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For a list of providers, visit axs.tv/subscribe. For more information, see www.axs.tv. Follow AXS TV on Facebook,Twitter @axstv; Instagram; and YouTube. Press information is available at axstvmediacenter.com.
