Three axe attack! At first, their guitar lineup consisted of Ed King, Gary Rossington, and Allen Collins. King later quit the band and was later replaced by Steve Gaines. Usually, Gaines played a Strat, Rossington a Les Paul, and Collins an Explorer. They would
change guitars on some songs. For example, Rossington played the mournful guitar at the beginning of Free
Bird in concert using a
slide and a SG.
Ronnie
Van Zant was the lead singer and primary song writer. His songs usually had very straight-forward lyrics. Contrary to legend, he was a fan of Neil Young. On the cover of Street Survivors, he can be seen in a Neil Young Shirt.
Leon Wilkeson played bass. Former roadie
Billy Powell played piano. Artimus Pyle replaced
Bob Burns on drums. They had a trio of back-up singers, the "Honkettes."
If I leave her tomorrow, would you still remember me?
I signed my contract,
baby, and I want you people to know: Every
penny that I make I'm gonna see where my money goes!
Lord, I can't make any changes. All I can do is write them in a song.
Gimme three steps, gimme three steps mister, gimme three steps towards the door. Gimme three steps, gimme three steps mister, and you'll
never see me no more!
