Imagine discovering a treasure trove of unreleased music from one of rock’s most iconic bands—songs that feature the late, great Gary Rossington, a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. This is exactly what happened, and it’s a story that’s as emotional as it is exciting. In a recent interview with Riff X’s Metal XS, guitarist Rickey Medlocke and singer Johnny Van Zant revealed that they’ve unearthed about 30 songs written with Rossington but never recorded. These tracks, found on tapes shared by Rossington’s wife after his passing, include his voice discussing lyrics and ideas—a poignant reminder of his legacy. But here’s where it gets controversial: should these songs be released, or should they remain as private tributes to Rossington’s genius? Medlocke and Van Zant are leaning toward sharing them with fans, potentially as part of a new Lynyrd Skynyrd album. Johnny Van Zant put it simply: ‘We would like to bring that to the forefront and get it to our fans.’ But this is the part most people miss: this wouldn’t just be any album—it would be a heartfelt tribute to Rossington, whose passing in March 2023 left a void in the band and the music world. Nearly a year and a half ago, Medlocke expressed his excitement about the prospect of new music, reflecting on his decades-long journey with the band. He even made a promise to Rossington: ‘I would be here until the last note of ‘Free Bird’ was played.’ And he’s keeping that promise. But how will these songs be released? Medlocke has a modern approach: instead of a traditional album, he favors dropping singles one at a time, gauging fan reactions before compiling them into a collection. Is this the future of music releases, or does it dilute the impact of a full album? It’s a question that sparks debate among fans and industry insiders alike. Speaking of the future, Medlocke isn’t shy about addressing how long Lynyrd Skynyrd can continue. Drawing inspiration from The Rolling Stones, he jokes, ‘If Keith Richards can do it, I know I can do it.’ But seriously, how long is too long for a band to keep going? And should Lynyrd Skynyrd consider inviting legends like Richards to join them on stage? It’s a bold idea that’s sure to divide opinions. If a new album does materialize, it would be their first since 2012’s Last of a Dyin’ Breed. The band’s 2020 single, ‘Last of the Street Survivors,’ penned by Rossington, Van Zant, Medlocke, and Tom Hambridge, was a reflective ode to their journey and the bandmates they’ve lost—a theme that resonates deeply with fans. After the tragic 1977 plane crash that claimed four Skynyrd members, Rossington brought Johnny Van Zant on board to carry the torch. Decades later, Medlocke defends the band’s decision to continue, pushing back against critics who label them a ‘tribute band.’ ‘We have the history,’ he insists, emphasizing their commitment to preserving the band’s integrity and sound. As Lynyrd Skynyrd looks ahead, they’ve announced a massive co-headlining tour with Foreigner in 2026, proving that their fire is far from extinguished. But the real question remains: What do you think? Should these unreleased songs see the light of day, or should they stay as a private tribute to Gary Rossington? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation that’s sure to ignite passion on both sides.
