8 Bands That Defined Southern Rock For Me
I'm glad I got the opportunity to write about this.
Southern rock became a thing about the same time I became a teen. For that reason, the sub-genre was ingrained in me. I was fortunate enough to see most of these bands live which was even better because most embraced a really cool jammy type of performance that you know was unique to that one night. I hope you enjoy some of these memories as much as I did writing about them.
- 1
The Outlaws
My mind had just been opened to the world of southern rock when Skynyrd's plane crashed. On the heels of that tragedy came The Outlaws "Bring It Back Alive" featuring a 20-minute song called "Green Grass And High Tides" that featured a dedication to Skynyrd. I ended up listening to the Outlaws more than Skynyrd.
Favorite Track: Green Grass And High Tides
- 2
Lynyrd Skynyrd
On Saturday, August 27th I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd with Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, and Rex at Anaheim Stadium (you can check out the flyer here). I kind of didn't know who Skynyrd was but I clearly remember eating an orange Creamsicle while they played Freebird because my throat was raw from all the week I smoked (hey, I was about 15, give me a break).
Favorite Track: That Smell
- 3
The Marshall Tucker Band
One of my favorite bands as a teen was Jethro Tull and along came another band with ROCK FLUTE. That band was The Marshall Tucker Band who are actually on their way to Lubbock!
Favorite Track: Can't You See
- 4
Blackfoot
A lot of the real second-generation southern rockers left me cold. I did not care so much for Molly Hatchet (who practically lived in Lubbock) or even the post-Skynyrd band Rossington-Collins, but I always liked Ricky Medlocke's voice. Medlock is currently a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Favorite Track: Fly Away
- 5
.38 Special
I was fortunate enough to spend time with .38 Special's Don Barnes and Jeff Carlissa both in front and in the back of the stage. Like a bunch of bands on this list they didn't lean in too hard on their roots, they just used it for a little seasoning.
Favorite Track: Wild-Eyed Southern Boys
- 6
The Black Crows
The Black Crows have reunited and are back on the road. You might not even think of them as a southern rock band, but they did have an album called, "The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion".
Favorite Track: Thorn In My Pride
- 7
ZZ Top
Have you heard of these guys? They're kind of popular and they are also coming to Lubbock. I am mostly a "Deguello" guy, but I really like some of that early swampy blues stuff. Dusty Hill dying this past year was a real gut punch to us fans.
Favorite Track: Sure Got Cold
- 8
Allman Brothers Band
FMX pretty much turned me onto The Allman Brothers Band. "Revival", "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed", "Whipping Post", "Rambling Man", (Sweet) "Mellisa" and other tracks ruled the early days here. With all that said, I have an off-pick for my song below, it was a bit of a comeback for the band and featured vocals by Dickey and Greg and trademark double-guitar by Dickey and Warren Haynes.
Favorite Track: Seven Turns
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