Rossington Collins Band
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Gary Rossington, Allen Collins |
| Headquarters | Jacksonville , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Number of employees | 7 |
The Rossington Collins Band was an American Southern rock ensemble established in 1979 by guitarists Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, both former members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, following the 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of three bandmates. The lineup also featured two other surviving Lynyrd Skynyrd members, Billy Powell and Leon Wilkeson. To create a unique musical identity rather than simply reviving Lynyrd Skynyrd, they brought on female lead singer Dale Krantz, who eventually became Rossington’s wife. Operating out of Jacksonville, the group produced two albums before dissolving in 1982. Their highest-charting single, "Don't Misunderstand Me," gained attention in late 1980.
Formation history
Following the tragic 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, hopes for a reunion were minimal. Allen Collins suffered severe arm trauma that almost led to amputation. Leon Wilkeson endured internal injuries and a broken arm; initially presumed dead, he was later revived. Gary Rossington also faced significant injuries. Only Artimus Pyle and Billy Powell recovered swiftly enough to be discharged within two weeks.
The earliest post-crash recordings featured Pyle and Powell collaborating with musician Leo LeBranche. Later, Powell, Pyle, Wilkeson, and Jo Billingsley formed Alias (not to be confused with the 1980s Canadian band), releasing one album and performing a handful of live shows. Guitarist Barry Lee Harwood—who had contributed to Skynyrd’s 1976 album "Gimme Back My Bullets"—was part of Alias and subsequently joined the Rossington Collins Band.
In January 1979 at Volunteer Jam V in Nashville, Charlie Daniels proclaimed "Lynyrd Skynyrd is back!" Remaining members, except for Wilkeson who was still recuperating, performed an instrumental rendition of "Free Bird." This event ignited plans for a new band. To distinguish from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rossington and Collins selected Dale Krantz—formerly a backup singer for .38 Special and later Rossington’s wife—as lead vocalist. Guitarist Barry Lee Harwood was recruited from Atlanta.
Although Artimus Pyle was initially slated to join, a motorcycle accident resulting in a broken leg prevented his participation. He suggested Jacksonville native Derek Hess as drummer instead.
The Rossington-Collins Band commenced rehearsals and songwriting sessions, which extended longer than anticipated due to Krantz’s initial hesitance. Song development continued even during studio recordings, producing multiple master takes.
Touring history
The group made its live debut in summer 1980 to favorable reviews while promoting their album Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere. A standout concert occurred on New Year's Eve at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. Their setlists routinely featured the instrumental "Free Bird," performed as a tribute to Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and Dean Kilpatrick.
During a Springfield, Massachusetts show in 1980, guitarist Rossington played despite having fractured his leg the previous day. After the passing of his wife Kathy, Allen Collins often missed or left performances early, which led to numerous cancellations in 1982. On stage, Collins alternated between his Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Explorer, and two double-cutaway Gibson Les Paul Specials—a return to the Les Paul model not seen since the early 1970s.
Although their career was short-lived, many soundboard recordings and studio sessions were captured by Collins as part of preparations for their debut release.
Allen Collins Band
Established in 1983, the Allen Collins Band featured Collins alongside Barry Lee Harwood, Leon Wilkeson, Billy Powell, Derek Hess from RCB, as well as Randall Hall and Jimmy Dougherty. The ensemble quickly disbanded due to Collins' unpredictable conduct and absence of effective leadership. An effort to revive the band in 1985 was unsuccessful after Collins suffered a severe car accident in 1986, which left him partially paralyzed and tragically claimed the life of his girlfriend. In 1987, Collins formed a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute group, which ultimately paved the way for the original band's reunion.
Members
- Gary Rossington – guitar
- Allen Collins – guitar
- Leon Wilkeson – bass guitar
- Billy Powell – keyboards
- Dale Krantz – vocals
- Barry Lee Harwood – guitar, vocals
- Derek Hess – drums and percussion
Discography
- Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere (1980) (Reached No. 13 on Billboard 200; certified gold)
- This Is the Way (1981) (Peaked at No. 24 on Billboard 200)