Lynyrd Skynyrd's guitarist Rickey Medlocke revealed the real reason why the band decided to continue its scheduled tour after Gary Rossington's death.
The remaining members of Lynyrd Skynyrd declared it would continue their legacy like Rossington wanted the band to do. Even the musician's widow and longtime backing singer Dale Rossington cited the late member's statement saying that Lynyrd Skynyrd's music is "bigger" than him or any one person.
Why Lynyrd Skynyrd Needs To Move On Without Gary Rossington
One of the schedules Lynyrd Skynyrd has after its guitarist's death is its summer's Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour with ZZ Top.
In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock & Culture, the band's remaining guitarist Rickey Medlocke recalled the tough times Rossington went through because of his physical problems. He noted that his bandmate reached the point where he did not want to have 80 to 100 shows a year.
In the past Lynyrd Skynyrd's show, Rossington would miss the shows and spend a little time at home to rest. Although they scheduled a farewell tour, the band was also affected by the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In 2021, the bandmates planned to resume their tours - without Rossington - but got the guitarist's blessing so the band could get someone to cover for him.
"Gary came up with the idea for the band to go back out and call it the Big Wheels Keep on Turnin' tour. That's where we came up with that. It was with his blessing - and, understand, Johnny and I were always talking to him," Medlocke said.
Although the band already played without the original founding member even before his death, they would reportedly call him after the shows to tell him about everything.
Unfortunately, March 5 came - Rossington ultimately died and left the band for good.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Recorded Final Performance With Gary Rossington
The interviewer asked the guitarist about Lynyrd Skynyrd having Alice Cooper and Thin Lizzy's guitarist Damon Johnson play the instrument in Rossington's place.
According to the news outlet, it talked to Johnson regarding his moments with Rossington which he viewed as "extremely meaningful" to him.
Medlocke then mentioned Gary Rossington's last recording with the band, which became his last performance with the bandmates. He revealed that they recorded something at the Ryman in Nashville.
After Rossington's death, Lynyrd Skynyrd scored the blessings from everybody to continue the band's music.
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