Rossington Collins Band
Rossington Collins Band: A Journey Through Music, Challenges, and Controversies
The Rossington Collins Band emerged as a formidable force in the Southern rock scene, captivating audiences with their distinctive blend of hard rock, country, and blues. Led by founding members Gary Rossington and Dale "Dickey" Betts, both former members of the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band's journey has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations.
Formation and Early Success:
Following the tragic plane crash that decimated Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977, Rossington and Betts sought solace in music and formed the Rossington Collins Band in 1979. Along with singer/guitarist Allen Collins, bassist Leon Wilkeson, and drummer Barry Lee Harwood, they released their self-titled debut album, which spawned the hit single "Don't Misunderstand Me."
The song, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, quickly resonated with fans and became a staple of classic rock radio. The band's success continued with subsequent albums, including "Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere" and "This Is the Way," solidifying their status as a major player in the Southern rock landscape.
Challenges and Controversies:
However, the band's path was not without its challenges. Collins, a key figure in the group's sound, suffered a near-fatal car accident in 1986, leaving him paralyzed below the waist. Despite this setback, he continued to contribute to the band, using a wheelchair-mounted guitar.
The band also faced legal issues, including a lawsuit filed by Lynyrd Skynyrd's former manager, who claimed they were using the band's name without permission. This led to a temporary name change to "The Rossington Band" in 1990, but they later reverted to their original moniker.
Discography and Members:
Throughout their career, the Rossington Collins Band released a string of critically acclaimed albums, showcasing their diverse musical abilities and enduring songwriting skills:
* Rossington Collins Band (1979)
* Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere (1980)
* This Is the Way (1981)
* RTW (1982)
* Rhythm and Blues (1983)
* Get It On (1984)
* The Last of the Free (1988)
* Love Is a Miracle (1990)
* Rancho De La Costa (1997)
* The Last Dance (2016)
The band's lineup has undergone numerous changes over the years, with Rossington and Betts remaining as the only constant members. Other notable members included singer/guitarist Dave Hlubek, bassist Tim Lindsey, and drummer Ronnie Van Zant Jr., the son of Lynyrd Skynyrd's late frontman Ronnie Van Zant.
Legacy and Influence:
Despite facing adversity, the Rossington Collins Band has remained a vibrant force in rock music for over four decades. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their exceptional musicianship, compelling songwriting, and unwavering commitment to their craft.
The band's legacy lives on through their timeless hits, which continue to inspire new generations of musicians. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless Southern rock bands, solidifying their place as one of the most influential and enduring acts in the genre's history.
The Rossington Collins Band emerged as a formidable force in the Southern rock scene, captivating audiences with their distinctive blend of hard rock, country, and blues. Led by founding members Gary Rossington and Dale "Dickey" Betts, both former members of the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band's journey has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations.
Formation and Early Success:
Following the tragic plane crash that decimated Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977, Rossington and Betts sought solace in music and formed the Rossington Collins Band in 1979. Along with singer/guitarist Allen Collins, bassist Leon Wilkeson, and drummer Barry Lee Harwood, they released their self-titled debut album, which spawned the hit single "Don't Misunderstand Me."
The song, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, quickly resonated with fans and became a staple of classic rock radio. The band's success continued with subsequent albums, including "Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere" and "This Is the Way," solidifying their status as a major player in the Southern rock landscape.
Challenges and Controversies:
However, the band's path was not without its challenges. Collins, a key figure in the group's sound, suffered a near-fatal car accident in 1986, leaving him paralyzed below the waist. Despite this setback, he continued to contribute to the band, using a wheelchair-mounted guitar.
The band also faced legal issues, including a lawsuit filed by Lynyrd Skynyrd's former manager, who claimed they were using the band's name without permission. This led to a temporary name change to "The Rossington Band" in 1990, but they later reverted to their original moniker.
Discography and Members:
Throughout their career, the Rossington Collins Band released a string of critically acclaimed albums, showcasing their diverse musical abilities and enduring songwriting skills:
* Rossington Collins Band (1979)
* Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere (1980)
* This Is the Way (1981)
* RTW (1982)
* Rhythm and Blues (1983)
* Get It On (1984)
* The Last of the Free (1988)
* Love Is a Miracle (1990)
* Rancho De La Costa (1997)
* The Last Dance (2016)
The band's lineup has undergone numerous changes over the years, with Rossington and Betts remaining as the only constant members. Other notable members included singer/guitarist Dave Hlubek, bassist Tim Lindsey, and drummer Ronnie Van Zant Jr., the son of Lynyrd Skynyrd's late frontman Ronnie Van Zant.
Legacy and Influence:
Despite facing adversity, the Rossington Collins Band has remained a vibrant force in rock music for over four decades. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their exceptional musicianship, compelling songwriting, and unwavering commitment to their craft.
The band's legacy lives on through their timeless hits, which continue to inspire new generations of musicians. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless Southern rock bands, solidifying their place as one of the most influential and enduring acts in the genre's history.