Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour
| Tour by Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top | |||||||||||||
| Location | North America | ||||||||||||
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| Start date | July 21, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| End date | September 22, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| No. of shows | 48 | ||||||||||||
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The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour was a co-headlining North American concert tour featuring legendary Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd and blues-rock icons ZZ Top. The tour was named after a combination of both bands' iconic songs — Lynyrd Skynyrd’s "Simple Man" and ZZ Top’s "Sharp Dressed Man." The tour kicked off in the summer of 2023 and brought together two of the most influential classic rock bands for a nationwide trek that thrilled long-time fans and new audiences alike.[1]
Background
Announced in December 2022, the tour was conceived as a celebration of both bands' lasting legacies in rock music. ZZ Top, known for their Texas blues-infused rock sound and signature beards, joined forces with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The tour also marked a significant milestone for Lynyrd Skynyrd following the 2019 passing of their last original member, Gary Rossington. Despite Rossington’s absence, the band carried on with longtime members and honored his memory throughout the tour. ZZ Top continued to perform with original members Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard, alongside bassist Elwood Francis, who replaced the late Dusty Hill.
Tour dates
Notes
- ^ This concert was part of OC Bike Fest
Personnel
Lynyrd Skynyrd:
- Johnny Van Zant – lead vocals
- Rickey Medlocke – guitar, backing vocals
- Damon Johnson – guitar
- Michael Cartellone – drums
- Peter Keys – keyboards
- Keith Christopher – bass
ZZ Top:
- Billy Gibbons – guitar, lead vocals
- Frank Beard – drums, percussion
- Elwood Francis – bass, backing vocals
Reception
The tour was met with positive reviews from both fans and critics, who praised the combination of timeless rock anthems and nostalgic energy. Audiences appreciated the tribute paid to the late Gary Rossington by Lynyrd Skynyrd and celebrated ZZ Top’s enduring prowess after over 50 years in the music industry.
References
- ^ Rolli, Bryan RolliBryan (2022-12-12). "ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd Announce Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
- ^ Geiger, John (2023-08-27). "The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour Rocks Ruoff Music Ctr". indycdandvinyl. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
- ^ "The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour Touches down at Pine Knob for a Saturday Night Special - Splice Magazine Music,Motorsports and More!". splice-mediagroup.com. 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
- ^ Sprouse, Michael (2023-09-06). "Live Review: ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd @ Merriweather Post Pavilion — 9/2/23 - Parklife DC". Retrieved 2025-03-31.
- ^ Strubel, T. (2023-09-20). "The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour Featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top And Uncle Kracker Hit Hersheypark Stadium". Rock Documented. Retrieved 2025-03-31.