Classic Rockers Shake Up Gorge

A plane crash in 1977 may have claimed the life of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and back-up singer Cassie Gaines, but it didn’t snuff out the band’s popularity.

In fact, at the time of Van Zant’s death, Lynyrd Skynyrd had yet to reach the pinnacle of its success.

Almost two decades have passed since that fateful crash, which left everyone else in the band seriously injured, and Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a heavyweight in rock ‘n’ roll.

The Southern rock group, which had its beginnings in Jacksonville, Fla., in the ‘60s, plays the Gorge Amphitheater with the Doobie Brothers on Saturday. The current incarnation of Lynyrd Skynyrd has been together for nine years and features original members Gary Rossington on lead guitar, Billy Powell on piano and Leon Wilkeson on bass. Guitarist Ed King also played with the band during the mid-‘70s. Other members include lead vocalists Johnny Van Zant (the late Ronnie’s younger brother), guitarist Rickie Medlocke (formerly of Blackfoot), guitarist Hughie Thomasson (ex-Outlaws) and backup singer Dale Krantz-Rossington.

After the plane crash, the rock legend disbanded. Most members moved on to new musical ventures. The most commercially successful was the Rossington-Collins Band, which featured Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins. Collins died in 1990 of pneumonia.

At the time of the crash, the band’s sixth album, “Street Survivors,” had just been released. Not surprising, it went on to become one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s best-selling albums, spawning such hits as “What’s Your Name” and “You Got that Right.”

Even after the group split, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s label, MCA, continued to issue new albums and collections by the band well into the next decade. “Skynyrd’s First and … Last” was released in 1978, “Gold and Platinum” in 1979, “Best of the Rest” in 1982, “Legend” in 1987, “Southern By the Grace of God” in 1988 and “Skynyrd’s Innyrds” in 1989. All of these albums were commercial smashes.

In 1987 the defunct band continued to be a regular staple on rock stations across the nation. On any given rock station, “Gimee Two Steps,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and the definitive “Free Bird” could be heard several times a week.

The band’s undying popularity led its surviving members to reform Lynyrd Skynyrd.

That same year, the band hit the road and played sold-out concerts across the nation. To fans, Lynyrd Skynyrd was back.

After a few years of steady touring, the Southern rocker re-entered the studio for the first time since the recording of “Street Survivors.” The result was “Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991,” which fared well at retail.

The current lineup recorded two more albums: “The Last Rebel” (1993) and the all-acoustic “Endangered Species” (1994). Following this year’s summer trek across the country, Lynyrd Skynyrd will record its 16th album.

Skynyrd’s popularity has also made its way into cyber space. There are several Web sites on the Internet devoted solely to the band.

One is the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tryvya Quyz (http://www.iquest.net/tisieb/ trivia.htm). This page, updated periodically, contains 30 multiple-choice trivia questions revolving around the band. Some are pretty basic. Others are tough.

One of the more difficult questions is “What song appeared on the B side of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s first single?” The answer is “Mr. Banker.”

At another Web site (http:/ /ww.lehigh.edu/crp2/ls.htm/), you can download an assortment of interesting band tidbits, including a photo of the original album cover for “Street Survivors.” The cover, which depicts the band standing in front of a city engulfed in flames, was changed by the band’s record label following the plane crash.

The Doobie Brothers have racked up more mileage in this country than most 18-wheelers. In doing so, the classic rockers continue to garner a loyal fan base.

In a 17-year span, the Doobie Brothers landed 16 Top 40 hits, including “Listen to the Music,” “China Grove,” “Black Water,” “Takin’ it to the Streets” and “The Doctor.”

The band’s current lineup features three original Doobies, guitarist/ vocalist Tom Johnston, guitarist/ vocalist Patrick Simmons and drummer Michael Hossack. Key veterans Keith Knudsen on drums and guitarist/vocalist John McFee are still with the band.

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MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CONCERT Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Doobie Brothers play the Gorge at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $42.55, $32.05 and $26.80, available at Ticketmaster outlets (DJ’s Sound City) or call (509) 735-0500.