their influence, and I am. I wish I was 20 again, but there’s no going back. I am enjoy- ing this time off. I do some writing, play with my dog and my toys, enjoy an “island” smoke once in a while, take a ride in my Jag convert- ible, it’s pretty damn good. I’m doing just fine, thank you.
Would you contrast for us the equip- ment you used in the early 70’s and what you prefer to play these days? In the 70s I used several old Strats - rosewood neck models - and a great amp given to me by Hartley Peavey- a prototype Road Master. During the reunion tour I used two custom made Strats by John Suhr and a Peavey Mace, and later used PRS guitars. Now, I’m back to old Strats, maple neck models this time. Al- most any amp that can pump 70 watts is good enough for me, tubes only. Did you hear the story about me getting
my stolen 1959 Gibson Les Paul returned to me in August ‘97? The whole story is still posted on the Nashville Scene website. It tells how my stolen guitar was returned to me. I think my health did a major turnaround when that happened. I was in the midst of this law- suit against my “friends” and was really down in the dumps big-time. Getting “Lester” back was a real lift, as you can imagine. I never, ever thought I’d see that guitar again.
What were your favorite Skynyrd songs to play? “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” “Sat- urday Night Special, “Needle and the Spoon” . . . I had a lot of favorites. “Curtis Leow” was a good one to play. The original version of the band only played “Curtis Leow” one time on stage. We were playing in a basement in some hotel and thought we’d try it. We never played it again until the Tribute Tour with Johnny. But the songs, they were pretty much all good ones.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, 2006. 22
What would be your advice to a young hot-shot guitar player or other musi- cian who thinks they have what it takes to make it in the music industry? Of course, we live in a different world than we did when I was 15 years old. Back then, rock guitar was still in the pioneer stages . . . of which I’m proud to say I was a part. But one thing is probably still important. I always felt that, even though I wasn’t the best player around, I had style. Most people could pick my parts out on a record and identify them. The intro to “Sweet Home Alabama” will al- ways be a radio staple. And how many songs can you think of can be identified within the first two seconds? I’m really proud of that one.
So, if you’re really convinced you have
style and that you have something to say mu- sically, then you don’t let anything hold you back. I didn’t, although I could’ve quit many times. I had confidence in the little things that I know I can do well. It also helps to learn and hang out with as many musicians as possible.
If you could have one wish granted, what would it be? I think my one wish would be to write the title track for a “Grade- A” movie. I’m working on it. • Rest in peace, brother Ed.
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