Lynyrd Skynyrd – Last of a Dyin’ Breed (2012)
Released in 2012, Last of a Dyin’ Breed is the fourteenth studio album by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The record continues the band’s tradition of Southern rock anthems while reflecting on their legacy and survival in the rock world. It showcases a mix of hard-driving riffs, storytelling lyrics, and the band’s signature triple-guitar attack.
Album Details
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Label: Roadrunner Records / Loud & Proud Records
Producers: Bob Marlette & Gary Rossington
Genre: Southern Rock / Hard Rock
Length: 49:48
Line-up:
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Johnny Van Zant – Lead Vocals
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Gary Rossington – Guitar
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Rickey Medlocke – Guitar
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Mark “Sparky” Matejka – Guitar
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Robert Kearns – Bass
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Peter Keys – Keyboards
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Michael Cartellone – Drums
This album was among the last to feature bassist Robert Kearns, who left the band shortly after.
Tracklist
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Last of a Dyin’ Breed
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Skynyrd Nation
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Southern Ways
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Lucky Man
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I’m a Bandit
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Before You Accuse Me
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Crossfire
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Mean Streets
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The Way
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Comin’ Back for More
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Gifted Hands
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God & Guns (Revisited Version) – Bonus Track
Musical Style & Sound
Last of a Dyin’ Breed combines classic Southern rock elements with modern production:
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Triple-guitar harmonies reminiscent of the 1970s era
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Blues-infused hard rock riffs
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Anthemic choruses for arena performances
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Storytelling lyrics rooted in Southern pride and personal resilience
The title track stands out as a self-reflective anthem celebrating the band’s enduring legacy.
Themes & Identity
Key themes explored in the album include:
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Survival and perseverance in the rock industry
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Southern pride and heritage
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Reflections on legacy and longevity
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Stories of personal struggle and triumph
The album emphasizes that, despite decades of challenges, Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a steadfast representative of Southern rock.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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The album debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200, marking one of the band’s highest-charting releases in decades.
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“Last of a Dyin’ Breed” became a popular live performance opener for the band.
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The album’s lyrics frequently reference Southern culture, history, and the band’s storied past.
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It reinforced Lynyrd Skynyrd’s identity as one of the last classic Southern rock bands still recording new material.
