Lynyrd Skynyrd cancels concerts, guitarist tests positive for COVID-19

Lynyrd Skynyrd has canceled a concert series after learning that guitarist Rickey Medlocke has tested positive for COVID-19.

“Rickey is at home resting and responding well to treatment,” the group wrote on Facebook on Saturday. “We will continue to update you on his condition.”

The four dates affected are Canton, Ohio (August 9); Jackson, Mississippi (August 10); Atlanta (August 13) and Cullman, Alabama (August 14). Atlanta date is “rescheduled” for October 23, and the band’s next show is currently booked for August 19 in Canandaigua, NY.

The southern rockers were already on tour without guitarist Gary Rossington, who they announced at the end of July was recovering from “emergency heart surgery”. They wrote on Facebook that their last original member – who has battled numerous heart problems in the past – “expects a full recovery”.

The group recruited Damon Johnson, who previously played with Alice Cooper and Thin Lizzy, as a temporary replacement for their Big Wheels Keep On Turnin ‘trek. “One of our original members, Mr. Gary Rossington, must have had an emergency stent in his heart,” frontman Johnny Van Zant told the audience during a July 22 show in Minnesota. “We talked about it. Gary said, ‘Go up to Minnesota. Kick the ass in my honor.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is now the latest in several acts to change 2021 tour plans due to the lingering pandemic. Sunday, Tesla tweeted, “Attention TESLA fans for postponing their upcoming engagements due to tour members contracting COVID. The group can’t wait to get back on the road soon. Please check the official website … for updates. “

Among many other modified dates, Foo Fighters postponed a July 17 concert in Los Angeles after a member of their organization tested positive, and James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt unplugged a headlining tour in Canada. due to “COVID-19 challenges and restrictions.” “