NASHVILLE |FROM: MITCH SCHNEIDER/LATHUM NELSON
LYNYRD SKYNYRD’S FOUNDING GUITARIST ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY;
BAND SET TO RETURN TO THE STAGE JUNE 13 IN GERMANY;
JIM BEAM ON BOARD FOR U.S. TOUR
LYNYRD SKYNYRD founding lead guitarist GARY ROSSINGTON–who underwent a successful open heart operation in late February–has been given the green light from his cardiologist to return to the stage June 13 in Karlsruhe, Germany. The band will re-schedule the first eight European shows that were slated to start May 29 in Belgium.
Set to release VICIOUS CYCLE–their first new studio album in four years May 20 on Sanctuary Records–LYNYRD SKYNYRD are co-headlining the overseas tour with Deep Purple before coming back to the states to celebrate their 30th anniversary with their own headlining trek.
GARY’s cardiologist Martha Smith, M.D., says “Since his surgery, Gary has done well. However, as expected, he has required a period of rest and rehabilitation…he should complete at least 4-6 weeks of cardiac rehab before returning to work.”
Meanwhile, LYNYRD SKYNYRD’s new single “Red White and Blue” continues to gain momentum at radio, debuting on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart at #35. The soaringly melodic, gutsy song, which the Wireless Flash news service says “is becoming an unofficial war anthem for the troops in Iraq” (April 4, 2003), is a patriotic tribute to the blue collar ethics that have immortalized LYNYRD SKYNYRD.
In other news, the iconic and much-storied American band who have sold over 25 million albums are teaming up with Jim Beam for the upcoming U.S. tour (dates TBA). “Lynyrd Skynryd is a rock legend that has been enjoyed by Jim Beam consumers for generations,” said Thomas Flocco, Chief Operations Officer, Jim Beam Brands Worldwide. “We are thrilled to be able to bring great music and a taste of Jim Beam to our consumers through this 30th-anniversary tour.”
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