Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top recently launched the second leg of their highly anticipated co-headlining Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour. The tour took off in style at Savannah, Georgia’s Enmarket Arena, where both bands delivered exhilarating performances. Fans were treated to an impressive lineup of classic hits, and the energy in the arena was electric.
Rocking Through the Skynyrd LegacyLynyrd Skynyrd, known for their Southern rock sound, showcased a 15-song set that took fans on a journey through their iconic albums, including (Pronounced ‘Leh-‘nerd ‘Skin-‘nerd), Second Helping, and Street Survivors. The band wasted no time, opening their set with the rousing “Workin’ for MCA” and “Skynyrd Nation.” They then proceeded to thrill the crowd with beloved hits such as “What’s Your Name,” “That Smell,” “Tuesday’s Gone,” and “Simple Man.” The performance reached its climax with the immortal one-two punch of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.”
According to the band, their setlist is a tribute to their legacy and the songs that have resonated with their fans throughout the years. Lead guitarist Rickey Medlocke spoke about their emotional connection to the music, saying, “We do a tribute every night to Gary, to the song ‘Tuesday’s Gone,’ and I can’t even look at the video.” This heartfelt homage serves as a reminder of the late guitarist Gary Rossington’s impact on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music.
ZZ Top’s Unforgettable PerformanceZZ Top, the blues-infused rock icons, delivered a powerhouse performance of their own. Their 16-song setlist showcased their trademark hits from the albums Eliminator and Tres Hombres, igniting nostalgia among their fans. The crowd couldn’t help but groove to the infectious beats of “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Got Me Under Pressure,” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” Classic tracks like “Jesus Just Left Chicago” and “Waitin’ for the Bus” transported the audience to the heyday of ZZ Top’s career. The set concluded with a thrilling rendition of their renowned hit “La Grange.”
In addition to their own hits, ZZ Top included a few surprises in their setlist. They delighted the crowd with covers of Sam & Dave’s “I Thank You” and Merle Travis’ “Sixteen Tons.” These unexpected choices showcased the band’s versatility and ability to put their unique spin on beloved classics.
The co-headlining tour, titled the Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour, commenced last July, with this leg consisting of 36 shows spanning from Savannah to Ridgefield, Washington in September. Both Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top have faced significant hardships in recent years. ZZ Top mourned the loss of their bassist and vocalist Dusty Hill in 2021, with the band’s longtime guitar tech Elwood Francis stepping in to carry on the legacy. Meanwhile, Lynyrd Skynyrd bid farewell to their last original member, guitarist Gary Rossington, in 2023. Despite these challenges, both bands have persevered and continue to captivate audiences with their unwavering dedication to their music.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate an “all-star Skynyrd record” featuring Rossington, as teased by guitarist Rickey Medlocke. The album aims to pay homage to the band’s legacy while embracing new opportunities. With the tour in full swing and the promise of exciting future projects, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top are ensuring that their music lives on and continues to resonate with generations of fans.
ZZ Top also at Hertz Arena pic.twitter.com/seQ4jMPOXA
— Richard Torricelli (@RichardTorrice1) March 10, 2024
Lynyrd Skynyrd Setlist at Enmarket Arena, Savannah:“Workin’ for MCA”“Skynyrd Nation”“What’s Your Name”“That Smell”“I Know a Little”“Whiskey Rock-a-Roller”“Saturday Night Special”“The Ballad of Curtis Loew”“Tuesday’s Gone”“Gimme Back My Bullets”“Simple Man”“Gimme Three Steps”“Call Me the Breeze”“Sweet Home Alabama”“Free Bird”
ZZ Top Setlist at Enmarket Arena, Savannah:“Got Me Under Pressure”“I Thank You”“Waitin’ for the Bus”“Jesus Just Left Chicago”“Gimme All Your Lovin'”“Pearl Necklace”“I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide”“I Gotsta Get Paid”“My Head’s in Mississippi”“Sixteen Tons”“Just Got Paid”“Sharp Dressed Man”“Legs”“Brown Sugar”“Tube Snake Boogie”“La Grange”
More Lynyrd Skynyrd/ ZZ Top at Hertz pic.twitter.com/O6Cn1beT0h
— Richard Torricelli (@RichardTorrice1) March 10, 2024
Both Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top continue to prove that their music stands the test of time. Fans eagerly await their upcoming performances and the release of new material, as these legendary bands demonstrate their resilience and commitment to rocking the stage.