Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live from Austin, TX (2006)

The latest release from the acclaimed Live From Austin, TX series of releases from the vaults of the award-winning PBS Austin City Limits TV show.

Lynyrd Skynyrd can rock. OK, that s an understatement. For over thirty years they have carried the torch for southern rock with a fever pitch, all-out guitar assault. Great songs. Fearless attitude. Even after all these years, Free Bird remains one of rock and roll s most enduring anthems.

This DVD, recorded live on December 15, 1999 in 5.1 surround sound, captures all the hits and more, and includes songs that were never aired on the original TV broadcast. Product Description

Lynyrd Skynyrd: Live from austin, TX

I lovelly too! Simple the best video of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Thank you for your attention,

Alcino Moreira
Rio de Janeiro -Brasil November 24, 2008

Excellent

I purchased this for a gift, which I'll be giving in October. It came looking great, still in the package. It came really quick too, only a few days after I ordered it.

Thank you! June 19, 2008

A Great Showcase for a Southern Rock Institution

If you want an earful of Southern Rock a great place to start is by listening to Lynryd Skynyrd, the band that all but defined the genre back in the day. Similarly, Austin City Limits sets the standard for televised concert performances with a no-nonsense presentation that highlights the music, the artists and the performance without any extraneous content.

The Live in Austin, Texas performance of Lynyrd Skynyrd gives the viewer a perfect chance to see a performance in a fairly intimate venue yet without the background noise or other distractions of a night club. It's obvious that the production crew understands how to tape a concert. The camera work and editing is flawless, you are always able to see the action you want to see and you don't find yourself looking at a tight shot of the rhythm guitarist's hands while the lead player is taking his solo.

All in all it makes for a very satisfying viewing experience and a great way to enjoy the reborn Lynyrd Skynyrd which is as close as any of us will get to seeing them live in 1974. September 22, 2007

Horrible Guitar Mix!

This is a cool little dvd, very scaled down skynyrd show. Seeing Needle and the Spoon was worth the purchase price for me. However the guitar mix is jaw droppingly amateurish with Gary Rossington's guitar totally lost in the mix. Even when he's playing the opening of Freebird, you can't hear it!Ricky and Hughie's guitars are loud and clear but it's as if the producers totally forget to turn Gary up in the mix. Having said that you'll hear Billy Powell's keys loud and clear. Probably just about worth the price especially used. August 17, 2007

'Good to see you again, Leon...

This concert was recorded in December of 1999, so it includes guitarists Rickey Medlocke and Hughie Thomasson, as well as the ever-stoic but ever-lovable Gary Rossington. The mad-hatter, Leon Wilkeson was still with the band at this point, changing hats with every song and entertaining us with his quiet but wacky intensity.

I remember in 1998 when I first saw this version of Lynyrd Skynyrd. I couldn't believe the sharp edge to the guitars of Rickey and Hughie, the energy and intensity of the music, and just how damn HOT they were. The concert was outside during the daytime, and from the first song, everyone in the audience just stood there... and we all stood there for the whole concert... nobody could or would sit down. Talk about a band firing on all cylinders. This Lynyrd Skynyrd with Rickey and Hughie not only pay tribute to the original band, they manage to channel the spirit of Allen Collins as well.

This DVD is different from Steel Town and Vicious Cycle, and is the only place you're going to see "Needle and the Spoon." "T for Texas" is also played, as well as "Swamp Music," neither of which is on Steel Town or Vicious Cycle. The setlist goes like this:
"Edge of Forever"
"What's Your Name"
"That Smell"
Medley:
"Down South Jukin"
"Needle and the Spoon"
"Whiskey Rock a Roller"
"Swamp Music"
"Ballad of Curtis Loew"
.
"Workin'"
"Gimme Three Steps"
"T for Texas"
"Sweet Home Alabama"
"Freebird"
It's kind of funny watching this rowdy and raucous band trying to squeeze themselves onto a TV soundstage for Austin City Limits, not just literally but figuratively. They're all on their best behavior and dressed to the nines, Johnny is watching his language, especially during "Gimme Three Steps," and even refuses to wear his terry cloth headband. As you know, Johnny always begs the audience to applaud him more vigorously, and he even tones that down too.

There's one thing that can't be toned down though, and that's Lynyrd Skynyrd when they're firing on all cylynders. Hughie just smokes during this show, and it's clear everyone's come to play, and play hard. This is a three guitar attack after all, and Lynyrd Skynyrd make no apologies for it, even if they're on TV. If you turn it up loud (and you know you should), the 5.1 DTS soundtrack will singe your ears! But here's what you want to know about that DTS soundtrack.

It's quite different from either Steel Town or Vicious Cycle. Leon's bass is mixed down to a lower level than normal, and so is Rickey's guitar. In fact, the whole mix is more "polite" than normal, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Although the guitars are mixed down, subtleties like Billy's piano and the female background vocals are easily heard. Gary's guitar which is more nuanced and less aggressive than the others is more easily heard. Overall, there is a more polite, "ensemble" sound that emphasizes the whole, even as it de-emphasizes the aggressiveness of the three guitar attack. You won't hear the solid bass of Vicious Cycle, or the subterranean bass of Steel Town. The drums are just there, not super-punchy like that incredibly deep bass drum on Steel Town.

So there you are. As a Skynyrd fan, I love the DVD because it compliments the other ones so well. It's just different, and that's okay. Just watch Billy enjoying the limelight as he plays solo piano prior to Freebird. What a nice touch, as all of the other players let him have the stage all to himself. A long solo piano intro to Freebird - just one of the things that make this DVD unique. I'm betting that Ronnie would approve... I know I do. Long live Lynyrd Skynyrd! June 25, 2007

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