Johnny Van Zant Fronts Lynyrd Skynyrd, A Band “Three Generations Bold”
Few bands and singers can say they appeal to multiple generations, but Johnny Van Zant and Lynyrd Skynyrd can.
The Southern rock group’s original fan base still carries a passion for their music in their hearts. It’s a passion they shared with their children, and their children have since that passion with their own children.
Because of this, Skynyrd’s current lead singer, Johnny Van Zant, says the band likes to describe their fan base as being “three generations bold.”
With millions of fans around the world, the band doesn’t just view them as fans, but as a “Skynyrd Nation.”
Young and old! Three generations bold! We've been told it's a Skynyrd Nation! pic.twitter.com/1tXGt4t4Ho
— Lynyrd Skynyrd (@Skynyrd) May 16, 2016
How Johnny Feels After Rockin’ For So Long
Johnny has served as Skynyrd’s lead vocalist since 1987. His older brother, Ronnie Van Zant, was the group’s frontman from its formation up until his tragic death in a plane crash in 1977.
During an interview with country radio station 99.5 WKDQ in 2013, Johnny used just three words to sum up how it feels to sing with Skynyrd, even after all this time.
“We’re very blessed,” he said.
Why does Johnny feel that way about performing with Skynyrd? It all has to do with the band’s devoted fans.
“Any time on stage you can look out and go, ‘Hey, you know what, there’s three different generations out there’…It’s a pretty amazing thing.“
Why Their Legacy Has Lasted So Long
Johnny feels the reason Skynyrd’s music has such great appeal is because the band members are all “normal” people like their fans. Their music also reflects issues and experiences their fans can connect with.
“We’re not some starry band that thinks we’re better than our fans,” Johnny said. “We go home, take out our garbage, take our kids to school, cut our grass and do normal things, and I think that’s the connection….I think Skynyrd’s music, it relates to common people, and hard working people, and good people, and that’s what’s kept this music around all these years.”
Skynyrd may be three generations bold at the moment. But we have no doubt they’ll be able to maintain a strong fan base for generations to come. They’ve proven they have that staying power.
If you want to hear Johnny talk more about Skynyrd Nation and how it has grown over the years, you can listen to his interview here. After that, enjoy watching the band perform one of their best songs in the clip below.
Tell us: which generation of Skynyrd fans do you belong in?