Lynyrd Skynyrd-One More From The Road (1976)

Lynyrd Skynyrd's "One More From The Road" is another of those legendary double live albums in rock history. Recorded entirely at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta in July 1976, it faithfully documents the Jacksonville band at the height of their popularity. By the time this album was released, Lynyrd Skynyrd had already put out four superb studio albums and even had three successful singles on the Billboard charts: "Sweet Home Alabama", "Free Bird", and "Saturday Night Special". These tireless troubadours of the road earned a vast legion of loyal fans across the United States, elevating them to the status of an iconic and media-savvy band. With a style that borrowed from the Southern rock of The Allman Brothers, fused with subtle doses of gospel, the swampy sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the unabashed blues of the Rolling Stones, and the hard rock of Steppenwolf, Lynyrd Skynyrd managed to create a unique and accessible melodic rock. At that time, they had to contend with giants like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Gran Funk, Foghat, Aerosmith, and Blue Öyster Cult, among many others, all of whom featured a strong emphasis on guitars. However, thanks to their talent, drive, and determination, Lynyrd Skynyrd emerged victorious. "One More From The Road" is the sonic confirmation of their explosive live performances, their energetic shows, with an overwhelming sound that absorbs sweat and enthusiasm, featuring guitar jams, beautiful piano passages, and captivating choruses that permeate this live recording. From the raw and energetic ode of "Workin' For MCA", the somber feeling of "Tuesday's Gone", the fun Southern groove of "Gimme Three Steps", the greasy rock of "Whisky Rock 'n' Roller", and the scorching covers of Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" and J.J. Cale's "Call Me The Breeze", Lynyrd Skynyrd devour them all with ferocious hunger. To culminate the album, the band vibrantly tackles the classics "Free Bird", "Sweet Home Alabama", and "Saturday Night Special", leaving us with an absolutely incredible and masterful live performance. The album's reception was phenomenal, earning triple platinum certification almost ten years later. A year later, fate struck the band with tragedy; On October 20th, singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and singer Cassie Gaines died in a tragic plane crash, while the surviving members were seriously injured. Some time later, and despite these horrific losses, the band continued recording albums and performing massive concerts across the United States, a practice that continues practically to this day. “One More From The Road” represents the golden age of this unsurpassed and legendary Southern rock band.