The Brazilian who sang with Lynyrd Skynyrd in SP and was moved

The second and most recent passage of the Lynyrd Skynyrd for Brazil. The legendary southern rock band performed two performances nationwide, on September 22nd and 23rd. The first took place in São Paulo, in Unimed Space. The second was carried out at Jaguariúna Rodeo Festivalone of the most traditional rodeos in the country, in the municipality of the same name, 125 km from the capital of São Paulo.

The concert at a rodeo, of course, would generate repercussions simply due to the circumstance. Although Jaguariúna has previously hosted attractions such as Kansas, Chuck Berry It is Creedence Clearwater Revisited, it is still unusual to have a rock band (even with their notorious country influences) at an event dominated by country music. To give even more exposure, the show was broadcast on TV and online.

But the performance in the capital also had a greater-than-expected impact due to a curious detail: a Brazilian singer took the stage to perform a song alongside the band. Its about Nando Fernandesvocalist of bands and projects such as Sinister, Brother Against Brother, Horse steam It is The Grandmasterin addition to being a former member of the Hangar.

The song chosen was none other than “Simple Man”, one of the best known in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s repertoire. It should be noted that the moment was not arranged: Nando was in the audience like any other fan and approached the stage with a sign, asking to sing the album’s classic (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) (1973) alongside side of Johnny Van Zant (voice), Rickey Medlocke, Mark Matejka It is Damon Johnson (all guitar), Michael Cartellone (battery), Peter Keys (keyboards), Keith Christopher (low) and Carol Chase It is Stacy Michelle (both backing vocals).

Footage of the moment generated a lot of buzz on social media. From them, you can even notice that Fernandes — curiously dressed in a Neil Youngcriticized by Skynyrd in the hit “Sweet Home Alabama” — cannot contain his emotion and even sheds a few tears.

Check out some records below.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Continuity

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s recent visit to Brazil was only the second of their career. The first took place at the festival SWUin 2011. The return would be in 2017, to play at the traveling festival Solid Rock next to Deep Purple It is Cheap Trickbut the group was replaced by Tesla after her daughter’s health problems Johnny Van Zant.

Johnny, in fact, together with the guitarist Rickey Medlockebecame — even more so — one of the main figures of Lynyrd Skynyrd after the guitarist’s death Gary Rossington, last March. Rossington was the last member to record albums in the band’s classic phase (from its founding in 1964 to 1977), which was still in the lineup. Despite this, he has been away since 2021 due to health issues.

Skynyrd, it is worth remembering, was affected by several losses throughout its history. The best known was caused in 1977, by an accident with a plane carrying the band. Six people were killed — including vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, Johnny’s brother; the guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister and backing vocalist, Cassie Gaines — and 20 others were injured. A decade later, the remainder chose to continue with the group as a form of tribute (the first tour was even named Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute) and brought Johnny on vocals.

Little by little, the previous musicians left or, for the most part, passed away. At shows, the current Skynyrd pays homage to all of them: there are 15 losses in total. Still, the group chooses to continue even without any original member or one who has participated in classic albums.

In an interview with the website IgorMiranda.com.brMedlocke — who was the band’s drummer between 1971 and 1972, but didn’t have time to participate in the albums — explained that the decision was made based on fan appeal.

“Johnny and I knew it would be up to us. When Gary passed away, Johnny and I were very sad, very close to closure. Then we get these comments and emails and texts with people saying, ‘please don’t let this be the end.’ So we figured we could keep going for a while. It was all because of the fans and the music. The fans love the music and it keeps them coming back. As long as the fans keep loving the music and speaking out, we’ll still be there.”