Remembering Lynyrd Skynyrd: The Impact of 'That Smell' and Tragic Events of 1976-1977
On this day in 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington was involved in a car crash while intoxicated, leading to injuries that forced the band to postpone tour dates. This incident inspired frontman Ronnie Van Zant to co-write the song "That Smell." The Labor Day weekend of 1976 saw two separate car accidents involving band members Rossington and Allen Collins, both attributed to intoxication.
Van Zant fined Rossington and Collins for their actions and expressed his disappointment in a 1976 interview. The accidents were a result of drunk driving, with Rossington's crash causing significant damage. The song "That Smell," co-written by Van Zant and Collins, was released in 1977 as a warning against reckless behavior and substance abuse.
The lyrics of "That Smell" reference Rossington's car wreck and serve as a cautionary tale. The song failed to chart initially but remains popular among fans. Van Zant's reflections on the band's lifestyle and his own future plans indicated a desire to change and prioritize his family.
Tragically, Lynyrd Skynyrd faced further tragedy when a plane crash on October 20, 1977, claimed the lives of Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and others. The band's assistant road manager was also among the victims, marking a devastating loss for the music world.