American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd have revealed they will soon be taking the stage in the UK with an arena tour this summer. Today’s (January 21) announcement of the tour marks 50 years since the band first formed, after releasing their legendary debut album ‘Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd’’.
The debut album which claimed their spot in the rock genre had sold an estimated two million units internationally by 2014, and features one of their most notable tracks ‘Free Bird’ which peaked at Number 21 on the UK Official Singles Chart.
Despite the band sharing the passing of founding member and guitarist Gary Rossington via social media in 2023, it was revealed they would continue to perform in his honour. Johnny Van Zant reflected on Rossington and his late brother, Ronnie Van Zant (founding member and lead vocalist of the group) who passed in the late 1970s. He said: “Gary, along with my brother Ronnie and Allen started this band and left us all a legacy of music that has stood the test of time, and crossed three generations of fans”.
The band and fans of the ‘Simple Man’ performers have experienced an unfathomable amount of loss over the years, which has coincided with the bands changing lineup. Allen Collins, guitarist of the band (who Johnny mentions in his tribute post), died aged 37 in 1990, along with drummer Bob Burns in 2015 and bassist Larry Junstrom in 2019. Prior to his passing, Rossington was the last surviving member of the founding line-up.
As Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to embark on their forthcoming tour it is evident they are determined to give their multiple generations of fans an electrifying experience, playing notable tracks from their extensive catalogue from their five decades of experience in the industry.
We’re excited to announce that this summer Skynyrd Nation is going to be playing dates across Europe! Pre-sale starts at 10am local tomorrow, Wednesday January 22nd with all tickets on sale this Friday, January 24th at 10am local. We’ll see you soon! pic.twitter.com/jt9lUwKgSZ
— Lynyrd Skynyrd (@Skynyrd) January 21, 2025
The ‘Celebrating 50 Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd’ UK Arena Tour will take the band all over the country in July of this year. Performing four exclusive gigs, starting in Manchester’s AO Arena before heading to Birmingham and Brighton, then concluding in London’s OVO Arena Wembley.
In accordance with the announcement, it has been revealed the Atlanta rock band Blackberry Smoke will provide support for the band during their tour, along with this £1 from every ticket will be given to Live Trust to supporting grassroots music and venues.
To build anticipation for the tour, Johnny Van Zant revealed: “It’s about the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and what it stands for, what the fans are all about. There’s nothing like getting out there, playing a great show with Skynyrd and seeing people love this music”.
Rock’n’roll legends Lynyrd Skynyrd are making their triumphant return to the UK this summer, with special guests Blackberry Smoke.
Tickets on sale 10:00, Fri 24 Jan@Skynyrd pic.twitter.com/hJ5Nrqm0Ry
— ticketmasteruk (@TicketmasterUK) January 21, 2025
Tickets for the forthcoming tour will go on presale today (January 22) at 10am GMT, before going on general sale Friday (January 24) at the same time. Ticket information can be found here.
