Rating: Summary: Excellent show, Good setlist. Good performance Review: I'll start by reviewing the performances of the two newest members.Ean Evans is a very good replacement for Leon Wilkeson. In fact, he was hand-picked by Leon to replace him. Maybe Leon knew something that he wasn't telling anybody. He even taught Ean his bass lines, which he played flawlessly. His stage presence is huge. Michael Cartellone is the new drummer. I admit that it took two viewings to get past the fact that he is about the goofiest looking guy I've ever seen. I was trying to enjoy the video, but was too busy laughing at him. At least Rickey Medlocke looks silly on purpose. However, once I got over it(I know, kind of immature on my part, especially for a 34 year old man) I realized that for the first time since Artimus Pyle, Skynyrd finally has a good drummer. And I mean he is really good. The guy can flat out play. The rest of the band is in top form. There really isn't too much I can say that hasn't been said before, so I'll keep this part short. Gary, Rickey, and Hughie do not disappoint. Johnny is his usual self, solid as always. Billy Powell...enough said, he rules. This DVD is definitely a worthwhile pickup.
Rating: Summary: Don't Ask Questions. Just Buy It. Review: If you like good quality rock then this is for you. There are no slackers in this line up. I just loved the drummer.I reckon that even someone with the greatest of willpower would be hard put to stop their feet from tapping. This show is truly electric. I know that this is not the original line up but for obvious reasons this cannot be. The only reason I didn't give this the full five stars was that it was shot in widescreen letterbox and not in 16:9 (I refer to UK edition).
Rating: Summary: Almost as good as being there Review: In terms of overall quality, this is the best of the band's DVD's. It captures this energy of a SKYNYRD live performance. The band is tight and Billy is perfect on piano (as usual). Hearing the band play some of the older and less played tunes is a welcomed event. Hearing these tunes, I can't understand why the band is not in the Rock Hall of Fame. This DVD should be required viewing for all people involved in the Rock Hall of Fame induction process. A must have DVD for any SKYNYRD fan.
Rating: Summary: I was there too Review: It was fantastic. A rockin show, from start to finish. I've seen skynyrd several times and this was the best yet
Rating: Summary: DVD--Live Concert--AWESOME Review: Let me start off by saying that I have always loved Lynyrd Skynyrd. New and Old. I went to see them play on March 6th..and have since become obsessed. These guys rock!! The show was near perfect...however there was no simple man. Luckily I can turn on the DVD and see Simple Man a long with all the other greats on this dvd. Perfect Quality in both the sound and video dept. I would advise any music fans to check out this dvd!
Rating: Summary: The Vicious Mott Review Review: Lynyrd Skynyrd is living proof that nothing stops Rock 'n' Roll, and that you cannot keep a good band down. Over the years the Skynyrd have suffered from bad management, disagreements, and wrong decisions, coupled all the way with personnel tragedy. When the band was on the crest of a wave in 1977, and probably the number one touring band in America, they suffered an infamous plane crash that took away the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, lead guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines, leaving the rest of the band with multiple injuries in hospital. Although Allen Collins recovered from paralysis enough to perform live on stage again, his life - as well - was taken from the band by an untimely car accident. Then, at the start of the recording of the album for this tour 'Vicious Cycle', the life of bassist Leon Wilkeson (the cat in the hat) was taken from the band in July of 2001. It says mountains about the present band members as they keep the Skynyrd Southern flag flying. The band's roots can be traced back to 1964, when a certain Ronnie Van Zant started singing lead vocals for guitarist Gary Rossington's school band, but this DVD has been released in celebration of thirty years of recording under the Lynyrd Skynyrd banner, starting 1973 with their first album 'Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd' (named after the nickname of the boys' high school gym teacher). It was not until then they started their meteoric rise to stardom. After the plane crash it took ten years before a band went out on the road under the Skynyrd moniker as a tribute to their fallen brothers. The tour was such a success that it was decided to keep the band permanent, and to tour and record further albums. At first the lineup was quite liquid, but over the last ten years or so it has stabilized to the present formation, which could wipe the floor live with any band that has ever trod the boards. Two original members are still there from the classic lineup. Gary Rossington, from the original three pronged guitar attack, one of the meanest slide guitarists on the planet; and Billy Powell, the only man who can really play that beautiful piano intro to Freebird. Joining them are Ronnie Van Zant's brother, Johnny Van Zant , on lead vocals; Rickey Medlocke on lead guitar, he used to front the magnificent 'Blackfoot'; and completing the triple axe barrage is Hughie Thomasson (ex 'The Outlaws', perhaps one of the most underrated country/rock bands to come out of the south). Then replacing Leon Wilkeson on bass is Hughie Thomasson's old band mate Ean Evans. Powering the band from behind the skins is Michael Cartellone. You have to be a very fit young drummer to keep up with these cats. Carol Chase and Dale Krantz Rossington add backing vocals, bringing the Lynyrd Skynyrd contingent up to nine. If they were not flying under the Skynyrd flag, they could truly be called the Southern Rock All Stars. For this special concert to be recorded for a live CD and DVD, they have also included a brass and string section to add more dynamics to the sound. But do not fret, you hardened Southern Rock fans, it takes none of the Skynyrd gruff vocals and roaring guitars out of the mix. In fact, this is the best I have ever seen or heard the band play, and that is from someone who saw the band twice in the mid Seventies. Neither is this just a run through of greatest hits from a bygone era. The newer songs are mingled in with the older classics, and believe me, you cannot hear the join. Off the new album 'Vicious Cycle' (2001) come two of the concert highlights. The song 'Red, White, and Blue' is the most patriotic song ever recorded. With its wonderfully emotional chorus of "My hair is going white, my neck has always been red, and my collar is still blue," it certainly brings a lump to the throat. At the end of the set another 'Vicious Cycle' song, 'The Way', fits in perfectly between 'Sweet Home Alabama' and 'Freebird'. Now you have to stand pretty tall to stand side by side with those two. Pop down to Tahitian Queen on Beach road for their famous Rock 'n' Roll Happy Hour and request any song from this DVD to be put on the screen. You will not be disappointed. "I hope Neil Young will remember." Viciously put by Mott The Dog Cycled by Ella Crew
Rating: Summary: Great Skynyrd Video Review: LYVE- THE VICIOUS CYCLES TOUR is a great video of contemporary Lynyrd Skynyrd. It features some music not on the CD, plus you actually get to see the band move around on stage. Being that guitarist Gary Rossington had just had major bypass surgey when these shows were taped, it's even more incredible how well he and the rest of the guys seem to be performing. This DVD shows that the South will always rise again.
Rating: Summary: Smokin' Review: OK people, first of all we are not talking about the Allman Bros or Stevie Ray Vaugh!! We are talking Lynyrd Skynyrd and this DVD is the best yet! I have been a Skynyrd fan since day one and we be till I am dead. The band seems to get better and better, and writing great songs. This DVD is very well directed and filmed, very sharp pictures and sound. And adding the strings and horns was just amazingly great. Hearing new and old songs is great, I just wish there was a way that they could play every song in concert, we all have our favorites. And I too don't understand why Skynyrd isn't in the rock and roll hall of fame, must be political! If you are a Skynyrd fan you have to have this DVD.
Rating: Summary: This band earned the right to stand on this stage Review: OK, maybe Johnny Van Zant will never write a "Saturday Night Special" or "Free Bird." And yes, Ronnie's gone, so are Allen, Steve, and Leon. Artimus and Ed, for whatever reasons, have been kicked to the curb. That leaves Gary and Billy and other musicians. So what? The fact that this band is calling itself Lynryd Skynyrd and performing songs by the original band and doing its best to keep going after 30 years does not automatically imply greed, stupidity or a hidden agenda. There are a lot of people who want to buy a ticket and hear this music loud and live. No, this is not a DVD of "One More From The Road." It is a gathering of survivors and fellow travelers who are proudly celebrating the 30 year legacy of a true American legend. It's a stronger and more joyful performance than "Lyve from Steel Town" (even though that concert has its moments too). Maybe we could stop punishing these folks for not being something that they can never be (the "original" Lynryd Skynyrd) and, in the words of Bocephus himself, "leave them boys alone and let 'em sing their songs." Johnny is not trying to BE his brother, he is honoring him. There is a big, big difference.
Rating: Summary: This band earned the right to stand on this stage Review: OK, maybe Johnny Van Zant will never write a "Saturday Night Special" or "Free Bird." And yes, Ronnie's gone, so are Allen, Steve, and Leon. Artimus and Ed, for whatever reasons, have been kicked to the curb. That leaves Gary and Billy and other musicians. So what? The fact that this band is calling itself Lynryd Skynyrd and performing songs by the original band and doing its best to keep going after 30 years does not automatically imply greed, stupidity or a hidden agenda. There are a lot of people who want to buy a ticket and hear this music loud and live. No, this is not a DVD of "One More From The Road." It is a gathering of survivors and fellow travelers who are proudly celebrating the 30 year legacy of a true American legend. It's a stronger and more joyful performance than "Lyve from Steel Town" (even though that concert has its moments too). Maybe we could stop punishing these folks for not being something that they can never be (the "original" Lynryd Skynyrd) and, in the words of Bocephus himself, "leave them boys alone and let 'em sing their songs." Johnny is not trying to BE his brother, he is honoring him. There is a big, big difference.
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