For the past 22 years, I have been performing around the globe with the award-winning Chicago based cover band Maggie Speaks. In 2017 we developed a program called Celebrity Sit-In where celebrity singers from world-famous bands join Maggie Speaks on stage to perform their greatest hits. We have done over 30 of these performances so far and our list of celebrities continues to grow.
I have been fortunate enough to share the stage three times and counting with Randall Hall, former guitarist of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Randall was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, the home of Lynyrd Skynyrd, where he taught himself to play guitar at a young age and began performing with cover bands throughout the Jacksonville area.
His lighting fast guitar licks got the attention of the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ronnie Van Zant told the band that Randall was a man to watch. Unfortunately, things came to a screeching halt on a fateful day in 1977 in Gillsburg, Mississippi when Lynyrd Skynyrd’s plane crashed on the way to their next concert, killing lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister, and backup singer Cassie Gaines.
The world was robbed of one of the most hardworking, honest bands in America. Their hard-charging brand of Southern Rock was embraced by the nation with amazing hits like “Call Me the Breeze”, “Gimme Three Steps”, “What’s Your Name”, “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird”.
After the crash, the band stayed dormant for 10 years. Some of the members ventured out on some solo projects, but the void remained in the music community. The country wanted some good old Southern Rock, they wanted Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 1987, the surviving members of the band decided that it was time to carry on and honor those that were lost in the crash.
A stadium tour was arranged with Johnny Van Zant stepping in on lead vocals for his brother Ronnie. Ed King, writer of “Sweet Home Alabama”, and Gary Rossington made up two-thirds of the signature wall of guitars that was the Skynyrd sound.
Founding member Alan Collins was the third guitarist, but he was paralyzed in a car accident, which kept him from touring. He handpicked that kid from Jacksonville, Randall Hall, to take his place on the world stadium tour, performing live concerts all across the world.
With three guitarists, there can be a lot of competition on stage and a lot of egos fighting for attention and notoriety. In talking with Randall over the past few years, he opened my eyes to the fact that less can be more. A lot of performers, especially the American Idol generation are keen to include as many runs and licks as they can. Randall compared being a guitarist or a vocalist to being a championship prizefighter, he would say, “it is not always the one who throws the most punches that wins”. A good strategy and well-timed punch can change the course of the match.
Blowing your wad twice before the bridge of the first song is just showing off, it reeks of insecurity. Randall taught me that picking two moments throughout a live performance to mesmerize the audience is compelling. Those chosen moments in any live concert will leave an indelible mark on your audience and have them wanting more.
So, pick your spots, be confident, and turn up the “wow” factor, but use restraint and make it memorable for your audience. In thinking back to being a young fan in the crowd at Alpine Valley Music Theater, watching Randall Hall perform with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1991 reminds me of how fortunate I am to have mentors like this to help me continue to grow as an artist.
