LYNYRD SKYNYRD / ZZ TOP LIVE AT XFINITY THEATRE – HARTFORD

By Joe Perusse

Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and The Outlaws @ XFINITY Theatre Hartford

The XFINITY Theatre turned into a bright memory of high school keg parties in the woods as three staples of my youth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and the Outlaws took to the stage on “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man” Tour.

Leading off the night, The Outlaws played a short 4 song set packing in the hits. “There Goes Another Love Song” ,“Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Hurry Sundown” took the first 15 minutes and then “Green Grass & High Tides” took the other 15 minutes. The vocal harmonies and guitar jams were on point and the set seemed to fly by. Although no original members remain Henry Paul (Vocals, Guitar) who has been with the band since 1972 mentioned that he remembered playing in Connecticut back in 1975 at a ski mountain. Joining Paul on stage were Dave Robbins (Keys), Randy Threet (Bass), Jeff Aulich (Guitar), Jimmy Dormire (Guitar), and Mike Bailey(Drums).

Up next was ZZ Top and they came out on fire with “Got Me Under Pressure”, “I Thank You”, a Sam & Dave cover, and “Waiting for the Bus”. Billy Gibbons (Vocals, Guitar) then gave the obligatory Connecticut shoutouts. “Jesus Just Left Chicago” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’”followed and Gibbons checked to see how the crowd was doing. “Pearl Necklace” was followed by band introductions, Frank Beard (Drums) who ironically is the only member without a beard and Elwood Francis (Bass) who was the bands long time guitar tech. Former bassist Dusty Hill who passed away in 2021 had made it his wish that Francis would replace him.

Gibbons and Francis had a little boogie dance with their guitars swaying during “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide”. “I Gotsta Get Paid”, “My Head’s in Mississippi”, and “Sixteen Tons” a Merle Travis cover were next. Francis brought out the double neck for “Just Got Paid” and the crowd was up for “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” which featured the fuzzy guitars, closing out the main set. Returning in sharp purple suit jackets “Brown Sugar” off the first album led off followed by “Tube Snake Boggie”. The band closed with “La Grange” releasing bubbles throughout the venue.

Closing out the night was Lynyrd Skynyrd, the second band of the night with no original members remaining, but that didn’t take away from the performance at all. Leading off with “Workin’ for MCA” Johnny Van Zant (Vocals) welcomed Hartford through the opening smoke show. Letting everyone know Skynyrd was in the house “Skynyrd Nation” followed. After “What’s Your Name” Van Zant thanked the opening bands and mentioned Skynyrd’s 50th anniversary.

The crowd was grooving during “That Smell”, “I Know a Little”, “Down South Jukin’”and “Saturday Night Special” leading Van Zant to point out it was their third show of the week and Hartford was kicking ass.”The Ballad of Curtis Loew” was dedicated to Loew and Shorty Medlocke. Dedicated to Gary Rossington, the last remaining original member, who passed in 2023 “Tuesday’s Gone” featured video of Rossington playing through the years. “Simple Life” was dedicated to first responders and the military and brought out the cell phone lights in the crowd.

Van Zant played the what side of the venue is the loudest game before “Gimme Three Steps” which featured a blazing solo by touring guitarist Damon Johnson. Peter Keys (Keys) doffed a red clown nose and Billy Gibbons returned to the stage to join the band for the J.J. Cale cover “Call Me the Breeze”. Ending the main set was fan favorite “Sweet Home Alabama”.

The encore featured the song probably yelled out at more shows across the country than any other. What song do you want to hear?, “Freebird”. Leading with a video of original vocalist Ronnie Van Zant describing a freebird, Ronnie returned via video to sing the last verse as Johnny Van Zant placed a hat on the microphone stand and left the stage. There was also a tribute to the former band members with their names and candles in the background. Also on stage were Ricky Medlocke (Guitar, Mandolin), Michael Cartellone (Drums), Mark Matejka (Guitar), Keith Christopher (Bass) and touring back up singers Carol Chase and Stacy Michelle.

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