And come on! Another Lynyrd Skynyrd live! But this one has a special taste since it is a concert recorded in Jacksonville in 2018 during the band's farewell tour. In view of the set-list, we say that Lynyrd Skynyrd tried to sweep his musical career as best as possible by drawing from all eras, including the last one with the title "Skynyrd Nation". So, that live? Indispensable or not? Great question! Unsurprisingly, the combo starts on "Workin 'for MCA" chained with the superfluous "Skynyrd Nation". Next are "What’s Your Name" and "That Smell". So far, nothing new. On the other hand, "Travelin 'Man" and the verse sung by Ronnie (thanks to the magic of technology) are always a great moment. "I Know a Little" is sent without the initial improvisations and we can only regret the immense Ed King or the superb Hughie Thomasson. "The Needle and the spoon" is always welcome but a "Saturday Night Special" without much sparkle follows it. Johnny Van Zant urges the crowd to shout their patriotism then the band attacks "Red, White and Blue" but fails to play the final rising crescendo. And we surprised ourselves by missing the Lynyrd Skynyrd from 2003. Very well interpreted, the song "The ballad of Curtis Loew" always does as much effect. If "Don’t Ask Me No Questions" seems to lack a bit of livening things up, "Simple Man" always gives off chills. The show ends in a classic way with "Gimme Three Steps" (with a good solo from Gary who improvises slightly), "Call Me the Breeze" and the unmissable "Sweet Home Alabama" with Johnny who pays tribute to Ed King ("To the late great Ed King"). Gary has to go his saliva down the wrong way.

Just after, Johnny applauds Larry Junstrom (is he in the audience or behind the scenes?) Then he went for yet another version of "Free bird", besides not so terrible with a hurried Rickey Medlocke who shortens a few some phrases from the final solo. And here is one more Lynyrd Skynyrd live! Note the addition of a wind instrument section on some titles ("I know a Little", "Don’t ask me No Questions", "Gimme Three Steps" or "Call me The Breeze"). This is not the first time that such arrangements have been heard, but the roughness of the pieces has been reduced. Next, it's a matter of taste. In all objectivity, it is not an unforgettable record, this concert being only the reflection of a well oiled repertoire interpreted in the same way for years. However, it can be nostalgic for diehard fans who could not see the band say goodbye, especially French fans who did not have the chance to attend the last visit of Lynyrd Skynyrd in our beautiful country (and even the lucky ones who had seats but who attended a truncated concert). So, essential or not? Well, it will depend on everyone's mood but also on the state of finances. Especially since another achievement seems ready to be released. Indeed, this show was filmed and was scheduled for only one evening in American cinemas at the beginning of November. We can therefore reasonably bet that a DVD will not be long in coming. So, if the money is lacking, you might as well get the concert with the images because this farewell performance is not necessarily lasting. Now everyone will react in good conscience. Lynyrd Skynyrd will forever remain a leading light of the Southern rock, but we won't necessarily remember the Jacksonville combo for his last performance. Would you still remember me?

Olivier “Simple Man” Aubry