Text by Marcelo Gomes
Lynyrd Skynyrd performed at Espaço Unimed in São Paulo, and the show was an unforgettable rock and roll experience. Celebrating 50 years on the road, they proved why they are one of the greatest southern rock bands of all time with a memorable performance.
To the sound of AC/DC ," a trailer featuring images of the band was shown, including several rare images from their history. Without much fanfare, Johnny Van Zant (vocals), Rickey Medlocke (guitar), Mark Matekja (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitar), Michael Cartellone (drums), Keith Christopher (bass), Peter Keys (keyboards), and backing vocalists Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle took to the stage at Espaço Unimed to showcase their classics with great energy and passion.
From the very first chords of “Workin For MCA,” it was evident that the Americans hadn't lost their magic over the years. The guitar trio was inspired, and Johnny Van Zant, who has been carrying the torch as the band's vocalist for so many years, showed that his powerful voice retains the courage and quality that has moved fans for decades.
The setlist felt like it had put the audience in a time machine; “Skynyrd Nation” and “What’s Your Name” took people back to their teenage years when they first discovered those songs. Now everything seemed to make sense. You could feel the gleam in the eyes of the fans who had been waiting decades for this moment.
“It’s a pleasure to be here tonight, we’ve been waiting since 2011 to return to Brazil, but it’s an honor to celebrate Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 50th anniversary with you,” says Johnny before they play “That Smell.” In the audience, what could be seen were many friends gathered and families celebrating rock with a smile on their faces, after all, that’s what music is about.
Of course, no Skynyrd show would be complete without “I Know A Little,” “Whiskey Rock A Roller,” “Saturday Night Special,” and “The Ballad Of Curtis Loew,” which had the ability to transport fans to a magical era of southern rock. In “Tuesday’s Gone,” with images of former guitarist Gary Rossington , they paid a well-deserved tribute to him, who passed away a few months ago.
What followed was the highlight of the night, “Simple Man” is a fantastic song and featured the unexpected participation of vocalist Nando Fernandes from the band Sinistra . If the previous night Ghost praised the work of Crypta , Lynyrd Skynyrd brought in a Brazilian vocalist to sing one of the greatest rock classics.
The invitation came from the generous Johnny, who spotted Nando with a sign saying he wanted to sing "Simple Man." Before Nando climbed onto the stage, even scaling the front, Johnny dedicated the song to the Brazilian troops, and from then on, history was made. Nando never hid his love for the band. Visibly moved, he sang with his heart and delivered a touching duet in a scene that will be forever etched in everyone's minds. That powerful voice, somewhat choked up, brought a feeling of triumph to the Brazilian. At the end, with the flags of the United States and Brazil on the screen, Nando bid farewell, saying that Lynyrd Skynyrd is the greatest band in the world.
As the show drew to a close, the Americans rocked the house with “Gimme Three Steps” and “Call Me The Breeze,” leaving the audience wanting more. The band's musicianship is impressive, the string work is fantastic, highlighting the harmonies of the three guitars. The stage presence of the entire band was contagious, and it was evident that they were having as much fun as the audience.
The opening notes delivered the absolute classic, "Sweet Home Alabama," perhaps the band's most popular song on Brazilian rock radio. A feeling of nostalgia swept over everyone and emotionally marked the end of this part of the show.
The encore featured the epic "Free Bird." The iconic song included a moving tribute to the late vocalist Ronnie Van Zant , Johnny's brother. With his image projected on the screen, fans had the chance to hear him singing with the band, sending shivers down their spines and bringing this unforgettable performance to a perfect close.
The Lynyrd Skynyrd show was a rock and roll spectacle. The band delivered a powerful performance, and their classics sounded as current and relevant as ever. It was a night full of nostalgia and emotion, with a type of music that transcends generations. A historic night for rock fans in Brazil.
Our contributor Leca Suzuki was also at the show and captured the evening. Check out the photo gallery below.
