When Lynyrd Skynyrd emerged onto the world stage in 1973, it was the result of a collective determination; the group had struggled and fought to gain real recognition ever since their formation eight years before. And although they were initially identified, both in the music industry and in the media, as just another act in the then booming Southern-Rock movement, it became quickly apparent that not only were Skynyrd a distinctly individual collective, but also they had the potential to become one of the finest rock bands in history. Led by the headstrong and domineering Ronnie Van Zant, a tough, blue collar brawler with his powerful stage presence, distinctive vocals and gritty, honest lyrics, his energy and vision propelled the group until its tragic end in 1977. This film revisits the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd in a manner previously unattempted. Using a mixture of seldom seen film, new and archive interviews, contributions from an esteemed panel of members past and present and those closest to the group, plus location shoots, rare photographs, news reports and the most harrowing albeit fascinating first-hand description of the fateful 1977 plane crash which bought an end to the original line-up, this program is set to become the standard documentary work on this legendary band.
