Train Kept A-Rollin'

by Sal Moriarty

That's the greatest comeback since Lazarus. Unknown

In October 1977, a plane crashed in Mississippi. It was carrying the band Lynyrd Skynyrd to a show in Baton Rouge. Among those killed were backup singer Cassie Gaines, guitarist Steve Gaines (Cassie's brother), along with frontman, and primary lyricist, Ronnie Van Zandt.

In the aftermath Lynyrd Skynyrd disbanded.

About ten years later, a friend told me the band was getting back together. I told him that was impossible. Didn't matter what I thought, he said, they're getting back together. I asked the obvious question: when had Ronnie Van Zandt been resurrected, and why hadn't I heard about it? No, my friend explained, Ronnie's younger brother, Johnny, was taking his place. What about Steve and Cassie? They were being replaced, too.

An act of God ripped three members from the face of the planet - not least of which, the iconic voice behind such songs as “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Free Bird”, and “Saturday Night Special” - but, in America, anything is possible. They were going to slap that famous band logo on...well, this time a bus (prudent)...and hit the road.

And, man, did it work. As far as I know, some version of Lynyrd Skynyrd is out there on the road this very night. I think all of the original members are dead now, but heck, I'm sure they had plenty of cousins and nephews ready for careers in music. When one door closes, another door opens.

If you know anything about country-rock legends the Eagles, you know they were the brainchild of Don Henley and Glenn Frey. These were the guys who wrote, or co-wrote, most of the songs, and sang leads on most of the hits. Frey died unexpectedly in 2016 and, for a while, it appeared the band would call it a career, but filled with can-do spirit, they were going to take it to the limit (at least) one more time.

So, in 2024, you can find one of the original members (Henley) among the dozen or so musicians/singers operating as the Eagles, rolling out the hits for a few million a night. Unsure how many ways you can sing “Tequila Sunrise”, they enlisted Vince Gill to find out. Genius!

Steely Dan was a duo. When one half of the unit, Walter Becker, went to that great jazz lounge in the sky in 2017, Donald Fagen was undeterred. As in decades past, he put together a support band and hit the road...as Steely Dan. They (he) even opened for the Eagles on their “Prop Us Up and Pay” tour. It is truly gratifying when show-biz lefties awaken to the glories of capitalism.

Walter Becker was overrated anyway. Just like Glenn Frey. Just like Ronnie Van Zandt. Cogs in machines, easily replaced when God's ready for a lineup change. It's the logo that sells tickets, stupid. Who cares who plays and sings? That's so old fashioned.

So, as announced a few weeks ago, and as I'm sure you're aware, the biggest comeback in the history of music is about to be launched. You can't miss it. The news is everywhere. I must admit I am conflicted, but I want to witness the spectacle and hear the old songs, too. Why should I be the lone holdout, the stick in the mud? I've seen the genealogies on Facebook. Looks pretty convincing. The testimonials as to authenticity on Instagram ring true to me. All of the relevant family members seem to be throwing their support behind the endeavor. The question is can I get tickets.

Elvis's upcoming residency at Caesar's Palace is supposed to break all the records. Wile E. Presley, third cousin, twice removed, is supposedly the real deal.

Long live the king!