Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Putting together Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top for the “Sharp Dressed Simple Man” Tour is a slam dunk of an idea considering each of the legendary acts are cornerstones of the crossroads where classic, southern and blues rock converge.

The fact that Skynyrd just celebrated the 50th anniversary of its origins and ZZ are the subjects of a new documentary, “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” made a fairly full visit to the Vibrant Arena At The Mark in Moline feel all the more timely.

Lynyrd Skynyrd took the closing slot on the double bill, led since 1987 by Johnny Van Zant, brother of founding front man Ronnie Van Zant, who died in the tragic plane crash that claimed many members’ lives, which alongside the 2023 passing of guitarist Gary Rossington, meant there were no originals in the line-up.

Even so, a lot of the guys and backing gals have been together since right around then or at least a lot of this century and were a well-oiled machine when it came to standards such as “Workin’ For MCA,” “What’s Your Name” and “Saturday Night Special” with the chunky riffs of early drummer/vocalist turned longtime guitarist Rickey Medlocke adding to the accuracy.

The fallen fellas were frequently saluted on the screens throughout about 90 minutes and their legacy was absolutely upheld with the utmost authenticity, especially come the closing charge of “Simple Man,” “Gimmie Three Steps,” J.J. Cale’s “Call Me The Breeze” (bolstered by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons), “Sweet Home Alabama,” and of course, the eternal anthem “Free Bird.”

ZZ Top also bounced back from the loss of bassist/vocalist Dusty Hill as of late, but lifelong singer/guitarist Gibbons and drummer Frank Beard, plus recent recruit Elwood Francis, made sure his memory resonated during every note of “Got Me Under Pressure” and the entire tightly-packed overview.

The gloss of “Gimmie All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” met the grit of “Jesus Just Left Chicago,” “Pearl Necklace” and “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” as the blustery attack built towards the thunder of “Brown Sugar,” “Tube Snake Boogie” and “La Grange.”

Luckily, fans around the area have another opportunity to catch the reliable tag team on Thursday, August 29 at Ravinia in Highland Park, though in the meantime, this beer-raising Vibrant Arena occasion may be hard to top.

For additional information on Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, visit LynyrdSkynyrd.com and ZZTop.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Vibrant Arena include Alabama (May 19); Dierks Bentley (Sept. 20); Avett Brothers (Oct. 25); Toby Mac, Mercy Me and Zach Williams (Nov. 17) and Heart (Nov. 21). For additional details, visit VibrantArena.com.

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