In 2023, Lynyrd Skynyrd faced a pivotal moment after the passing of their last original member, guitarist Gary Rossington.
While many fans expected the band to retire following this loss, Skynyrd chose to press on, now led by longtime members Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke.
This decision has sparked some debate among fans, with many questioning if the band should have ended alongside Rossington.
However, during an interview on the Jay Jay French Connection podcast, Medlocke explained that Rossington had given his blessing for the band to continue without him, long before his passing.
Rossington, who had struggled with health issues in his final years, trusted Medlocke and Van Zant to carry on Skynyrd’s legacy and keep the southern rock tradition alive.
“Gary entrusted Johnny and I, even when he wasn’t playing with us,” Medlocke said. “We had obligations to fulfill, and he wanted us to carry on the band’s legacy.
He told us, ‘I don’t want people to be let down.’ I promised Gary that we would keep the music going and maintain the standard, and that’s what we’ve done.”
For Medlocke, the decision to continue performing under the Skynyrd name is not just about honoring Rossington, but also about keeping the music and legacy of the band alive for their dedicated fans.
“Gary didn’t want the legacy and music to die with him. He wanted fans to still enjoy the songs he, Ronnie [Van Zant], and Allen [Collins] created,” Medlocke shared. “It’s an honor to step up every night and play those great songs.”
Medlocke also touched on his own history with the band, explaining that while his tenure with Skynyrd dates back to 1971-1972, some have debated whether he should be considered an original member. Rossington, however, set the record straight before his passing.
“Gary came out on video and said, ‘Ronnie, Allen, and I always considered Rickey an original member,’” Medlocke revealed.
For Medlocke and Van Zant, continuing Lynyrd Skynyrd is about more than just playing music—it’s about fulfilling a promise to Rossington and ensuring that the band’s legacy endures.
