Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Dies

31. James,

Medlocke grew up with the founding members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He had been talking with Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant and was asked to play drums for that newly-formed band in early 1970. Medlocke played the drums , sang lead vocals on a few songs and co-wrote several classic skynyrd songs for them during the 1970's but came to feel that sitting behind a drum kit could never satisfy his energetic personality, so in 1971 he reformed Blackfoot and began touring with them, producing hits like "Train Train" and "Highway Song" until he finally decided to disband the group in the early 1990s. Medlocke then of course rejoined Skynyrd for a second time around but this time as a lead guitarist in 1996. Rickey sang vocals on the Lynyrd Skynyrd songs "White Dove", "Ain't Too Proud to Pray", "The Seasons", and "You Run Around" all early 1970s Skynyrd songs. The only other lead Vocalist on a Skynyrd song other than Ronnie and Rickey of the 70's group was Steve Gaines who perished in the 1977 Plane crash. If you look on the Skynyrd Album "First and Last" you will see Rick pictured on the Front cover of the album with Ronnie, Alan, Gary, Bob and Leon. Just google "Skynyrd First and Last"

Posted at 8:20AM on May 9th 2009 by Steve

32. Steve
All that you said about SKYNYRD was true, But... the original band was ronnie,allen,gary,bob and larry. They had songs as in "Michelle" and "Need all my friends" that my friend, came out in 1967 on a 45. I know this to be a fact, I still have one, along with a 1977 (still in the plastic cover and autograph by them all) Street Survival, with the plane on fire. And NO... it's not for sale, even though I was offered 500.00 for it, those two babies are going to the grave with me! Also... up untill 3 years ago, Pyle was a neighbor that lived down the road a little piece, then he got busted for a crime that happened back in 1991, that was when he left skynyrd (cause they didn't want to be apart of that) And if you'll notice in the song "Give me back my bullets" Ronnie says... 7 years of hard luck coming down on me. That was in 1974, take away the 7 years of hard luck, that puts them back to 1967 and at that time... they were no Ricky Medlocke. At any rate... in my book, once a Skynyrd fan, always a fan and I am glad to talk skynyrd with you. They are the best then...now and as long as I live.

Posted at 12:15PM on May 12th 2009 by James

33. James,

Same here. Glad to talk some skynyrd. I pop in occasionally over at the official skynyrd website message board. Its pretty decent. Stop by over there sometime if you get a chance. Skynyrd has to be one of the hardest working if not the hardest working band in the industry. I'm thankfull that I've been able to catch 15-20 shows over the past 20 years. Loved every second of it. And I agree with you, they are simply the best at what they do. And what they do (southern rock) is what I like best. God bless and long live Lynyrd Skynyrd!

Posted at 10:34PM on May 14th 2009 by Steve

34. i just cant get over this 2 death in the same year. i feel sorry for the band. after the plane crash in 1977 and now this lost and just cant image how the band feel right now.i am a big fan of the band just think they still playing its not slowing them down.keep it up no matter what hit you just think you all got one person to look at is god.goodbye peace. your biggest fan donna love ya guys.

Posted at 2:07AM on Jul 17th 2009 by donna