LYNYRD SKYNYRD / ZZ TOP LIVE AT XFINITY THEATER – HARTFORD

LYNYRD SKYNYRD / ZZ TOP LIVE AT XFINITY THEATER – HARTFORD

By Joe Perusse

Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and The Outlaws @ XFINITY Theater Hartford

XFINITY Theater turned into a bright memory of high school keg parties in the woods as three staples of my youth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and the Outlaws hit the stage on The Sharp Dressed Simple Man tour.

Starting at night, The illegals played a short 4 song set of the hits. “There Goes Another Love Song”, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Hurry Sundown” took the first 15 minutes, followed by “Green Grass & High Tides” the other 15 minutes. The vocal harmonies and guitars were on point and the set seemed to fly. Although no original members remain Henry Paul (vocals, guitar) who has been with the band since 1972 mentioned that he remembered playing in Connecticut in 1975 on a ski mountain. Joining Paul on stage were Dave Robbins (Keys), Randy Threet (Bass), Jeff Aulich (Guitar), Jimmy Dormire (Guitar) and Mike Bailey (Drums).

The next one was ZZ Top and came out on fire with 'Got Me Under Pressure', 'I Thank You', a Sam & Dave cover and 'Waiting for the Bus'. Billy Gibbons (vocals, guitar) then provided the obligatory Connecticut screams. “Jesus Just Left Chicago” and “Gimme All Your Love'” followed and Gibbons checked to see how the crowd was doing. “Pearl Necklace” was followed by band introductions, Frank Beard (Drums) who ironically is the only member without a beard and Elwood Francis (Bass) who have been the guitar techs for many years. Former bassist Dusty Hill who died in 2021 had stated his wish to be replaced by Francis.

Gibbons and Francis did a little boogie with their guitars swinging during “I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide.” “I Gotsta Get Paid”, “My Head's in Mississippi” and “Sixteen Tons” a Merle Travis cover were next. Francis brought out the double neck for “Just Got Paid” and the crowd was ready for the fuzzy guitar-heavy “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs,” closing out the main set. Returning in sharp purple suit jackets was 'Brown Sugar' from the first album followed by 'Tube Snake Boggie'. The set closed with “La Grange” bubbling throughout the venue.

The close of the night was Lynyrd Skynyrdthe second band of the night with no original members left, but that didn't detract from the show at all. Johnny Van Zant (Vocals) welcomed Hartford through the opening smoke show. Informing everyone Skynyrd was in the house “Skynyrd Nation” followed. After “What's Your Name” Van Zant thanked the opening bands and reported SkynyrdIts 50th anniversary.

The crowd was in raptures during “That Smell,” “I Know a Little,” “Down South Jukin” and “Saturday Night Special,” leading Van Zant to point out that it was the third show of the week and that Hartford had the ass. The Ballad of Curtis Lowe' was dedicated to Lowe and Shorty Medlock. Dedicated to Gary Rossington, the last remaining original member, who passed away in 2023, “Tuesday's Gone” featured footage of Rossington performing over the years. “Simple Life” was dedicated to first responders and the military and brought cell phone lights to the crowd.

Van Zant played his strongest before “Gimme Three Steps” which featured an incredible solo from touring guitarist Damon Johnson. Peter Keys (Keys) popped a red clown nose and Billy Gibbons returned to the stage to join the band for a cover of JJ Cale's “Call Me the Breeze”. Ending the main set was the fan favorite “Sweet Home Alabama”.

The encore included the song that probably screamed at more shows across the country than any other. Which song do you want to hear?, “Freebird”. Leading off with a video of original singer Ronnie Van Zant describing a freebird, Ronnie returned via video to sing the final verse as Johnny Van Zant placed a hat on the mic stand and left the stage. There was also a tribute to the former band members with their names and candles in the background. Also on stage were Ricky Medlocke (Guitar, Mandolin), Michael Cartellone (Drums), Mark Matejka (Guitar), Keith Christopher (Bass) and touring vocalists Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle.

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