Lynyrd Skynyrd rolling into the Xfinity Center in August 2024 felt less like a standard summer concert and more like a communal gathering. This is a band that long ago crossed over from “rock act” to cultural institution, and the crowd knew it. Tailgates started early, the parking lot buzzed with Southern rock playlists and old stories, and by the time the lights dropped, the place felt primed for something familiar and cathartic. Skynyrd didn’t waste any time reminding everyone why their songs still hit as hard as they do decades later.
The band came out swinging with “Workin’ for MCA,” immediately setting a tone that was gritty and unapologetic. It’s a song that announces itself with authority, and it landed like a declaration: this is Lynyrd Skynyrd, and they still mean business. The guitars were loud and clear, the rhythm section tight, and Johnny Van Zant’s vocals carried that mix of swagger and sincerity that’s become his calling card. From the first chorus, the crowd was locked in.
“Skynyrd Nation” followed, and if there was any doubt about the crowd’s devotion, it vanished right there. This song has become a rallying cry in the band’s later years, and hearing thousands of people shout along to it felt less like nostalgia and more like a living, breathing thing. Flags waved, fists went up, and the sense of shared identity was undeniable. Skynyrd knows how to work a crowd, and they leaned into that energy without overplaying it.
“What’s Your Name” kept the momentum rolling with its infectious groove and singalong chorus. It’s one of those songs that instantly transports you to a different time, but it never feels dated in a live setting. The band played it loose and confident, letting the groove do the heavy lifting while the crowd filled in every lyric. It was pure, uncomplicated fun.
Things took a darker turn with “That Smell,” and it was a reminder of Skynyrd’s ability to balance party energy with cautionary storytelling. The song’s ominous riff cut through the warm summer air, and Johnny’s delivery gave it weight without turning it into a lecture. The crowd listened closely here, swaying rather than shouting, as the band let the mood settle in.
“I Know a Little” brought things right back up, with a punchy, bluesy feel that showcased the band’s musicianship. The guitar work here was especially sharp, trading licks and keeping the song moving forward with a sense of playful urgency. It felt like Skynyrd reminding everyone that beyond the anthems, they’re a damn good rock band.
“Down South Jukin’” was another highlight, drenched in Southern pride and rhythmic swagger. The crowd responded instantly, dancing and clapping along as the song rolled out effortlessly. It’s the kind of tune that feels tailor-made for a summer night, and at Xfinity Center, it fit like a glove.
“Saturday Night Special” came in hot, and its politically charged edge still felt relevant. The band didn’t make a big speech or frame the song for modern times; they just played it straight and let the lyrics speak for themselves. The riff hit hard, and the chorus landed with conviction, drawing one of the louder responses of the night.
The mood shifted noticeably with “The Ballad of Curtis Loew,” and the crowd settled in for a more reflective moment. This song has always been about memory and myth, and live, it carries an extra layer of warmth. The band played it tenderly, giving the story room to breathe. You could see couples leaning into each other, longtime fans closing their eyes, and younger listeners quietly absorbing the moment.
“Tuesday’s Gone” continued that emotional thread, floating gently through the amphitheater. The guitar lines were smooth and expressive, and the song’s sense of longing felt especially potent under the night sky. It was one of those moments where time seemed to slow down, and the entire venue moved together in a shared emotional space.
“Simple Man” followed, and before starting it, Johnny Van Zant dedicated the song to military members and first responders. The dedication was met with a wave of applause, and the song itself landed with heartfelt sincerity. “Simple Man” has become something of a spiritual anchor in Skynyrd’s live shows, and this performance was no exception. The crowd sang along loudly, many with arms raised, turning the moment into a collective affirmation.
“Gimme Three Steps” snapped the energy right back into high gear. The opening riff drew an immediate cheer, and the band leaned into the song’s playful storytelling. It was tight, fast, and fun, with the crowd bouncing along to every beat. This was Skynyrd at their most effortlessly cool.
“Call Me the Breeze,” originally by J.J. Cale, took things into jam-friendly territory, and the surprise appearance of Billy Gibbons pushed it over the top. The ZZ Top legend fit seamlessly into the groove, trading guitar lines and bringing an extra dose of swagger to the stage. It felt like a genuine collaboration rather than a forced guest spot, and the crowd roared its approval.
“Sweet Home Alabama” was inevitable, and when it hit, the reaction was massive. Love it or roll your eyes at it, there’s no denying its power in a live setting. The band played it with pride, not irony, and the crowd sang every word at full volume. It was communal, loud, and unapologetically fun — exactly what it’s supposed to be.
After a brief pause, the band returned for the encore, and there was never any question what it would be. “Free Bird” closed the night, as it has so many Skynyrd shows before it. The opening section was patient and emotional, the crowd swaying and singing along, before the iconic guitar solo exploded into the night. Lighters and phone screens lit up the venue as the solo soared, and when it finally came crashing down, the roar from the crowd said it all.
Lynyrd Skynyrd at Xfinity Center in August 2024 wasn’t about reinvention or surprise. It was about legacy, connection, and the enduring power of songs that mean something to people. The band played with respect for their history and appreciation for their audience, delivering a show that felt both familiar and deeply satisfying. For a summer night of Southern rock done right, it didn’t get much better than this.
Setlist
Workin’ for MCA
Skynyrd Nation
What’s Your Name
That Smell
I Know a Little
Down South Jukin’
Saturday Night Special
The Ballad of Curtis Loew
Tuesday’s Gone
Simple Man
Gimme Three Steps
Call Me the Breeze (J.J. Cale cover) (with Billy Gibbons)
Sweet Home Alabama
Encore:
Free Bird