It was a song that changed rock ‘n’ roll history, yet event the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were unsure of it’s potential. The band's record company did not want the song on the album, stating that it would never be a hit. They thought it was too long and that no radio station would play it. Ironically, it was that song that earned Lynyrd Skynyrd their first national exposure. That song “Freebird” has become one of the most played singles in the history of recorded music, still receiving airplay nearly 35 years after its release and is considered one of the best rock songs of all times.

It wasn’t just one hit, but many that have stood the course of time and continued to influence Southern rock today. The pride of the south has never been captured quite like their breakthrough hit “Sweet Home Alabama.” Written in response to Neil Yong’s anti-southern songs “Southern Man” and “Alabama,” it remains a Southern rock anthem, particularly to anyone south of the Mason-Dixon line. The band was formed in 1964 by a group of highs school buddies including Van Zant, Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Leon Wilkinson, and Billy Powell. They performed together around Jacksonville for years, until they were finally discovered by Al Kooper in 1972 and signed by MCA.

Known for frequently changing the name of their band, they dubbed themselves Lynyrd Skynyrd as a joke, but the name became an instant hit and stuck. Lynyrd Skynyrd came from their high school gym teacher Leonard Skinner who punished the boys for wearing their hair long and once told a few of the members that they were "never gonna amount to nothin'."

From the start they attracted attention through their unique three guitar line-up along with their distinctive combination of blues, honky tonk and boogie. The band broke through with its second album, Second Helping in 1974. With their tally of gold discs increasing each year and a series of sell-out tours, the band suffered an irrevocable setback in late 1977. Unfortunately tragedy struck this band when Van Zant , the primary songwriter and vocalist, Cassie Gaines (backup singer) and Steve Gaines (guitarist) were killed in a 1977 plane crash in Mississippi. After the crash, Skynyrd disbanded, just as Street Survivors became the band’s second platinum album. Ten years later, the band reunited, with Van Zant’s younger brother Johnny assuming the role of lead vocalist. It was intended as a one-off tribute to the original band, but fan response was so great, the group stayed together and continued to perform and record. The original band recorded five studio albums and the present version of the group recorded seven.

In 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Over 35 years has passed since the release of their debut album, and Lynyrd Skynyrd is, despite incalculable setbacks, still making music and connecting with Southern rock fans everywhere.

The concert is FREE with the price of park admission if you would like to bring your lawn chairs and set them up. Lawn chairs can be set up as soon as the park opens the day of the show. Wild Adventures does offer a reserve seating area and you can purchase reserve seats at an additional charge to park admission. Park admission is required to see the show and must be purchased separately as it is not included in the price of reserve seating.

Reserve seat prices are $25 and are on sale now. Reserve seats and park admission can be purchased at the park, over the phone by calling (229) 219-7080, option 2 or online by clicking here.