KK's interview with Lynyrd Skynyrd legend Ed King
Both pictures kindly supplied by Ed King
Was it a difficult adjustment in terms of playing
style to move from Strawberry Alarm Clock to Lynyrd Skynyrd
ED: When I first joined Skynyrd, it was as a bass player. I had a real hard
time trying to find my bass "style" within their music. By the time I'd
almost finished the "Pronounced" album, I'd heard Leon Wilkeson play some bass
when he dropped by rehearsals one day. I learned a lot from that visit....I started playing bass more like the way I'd heard Leon play. But shortly
thereafter Ronnie insisted I switch to guitar. Making that transition was easy.
Have you ever hitched back up with Strawberry Alarm Clock for old times sake, since leaving all those
years back?
ED: I'd wanted to put together a Strawberry Alarm Clock reunion this year,
but it takes money to finance these things and get everyone together. For
legal reasons, I didn't want to fund it by myself...and couldn't find anyone else
who was interested in putting up the money. Maybe in the future we'll get together but time is RUNNING OUT.
Original Skynyrd – are you still communicating with any of the past of present members of Skynyrd?
ED: No.
What is your memory of the day you were asked to join Skynyrd. How did you know that the band had left you go in ’95?
ED: I was playing a little bar in Greenville N.C. in '72. I'd met Ronnie
Van Zant a couple of years before on a college tour. One day he called and said
his bass player had quit. I'd always wanted to make music with Van Zant ...I had no wheels ... so he offered to drive up from Florida to get me. I'll
always be thankful.
I had to leave
Skynyrd in Sept. 1995 because of congestive heart failure. They had promised me a place in the band when I got well ... then changed their collective
minds. I was very upset about that for a year or so...then figured out it was all
for the best. I'm feeling great these days and not missing playing with them at all.
Was there ever a rule of thumb on how the guitar parts were split between yourself, Gary and Allen. Did you each have differing forte’s?
ED: All 3 of us had totally different styles. I can't remember ever having
a disagreement about guitar parts. When we were writing SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL, I recall wanting to play the solo parts. But when Rossington showed me
what he had in mind, there was no argument. His style and sense of melody for that tune were perfect. If I ever INSIST on playing a solo, that means I've
already got one in mind...and I'll fight tooth-and-nail for it. But that doesn't
happen too often. I mainly like playing the rhythm guitar parts...the meat behind the song.
I once read a quote from Dickey Betts saying that the Allman’s would be embarrassed to overtly wrap themselves
in the Confederate flag. As a California native, did you ever think the whole Stars ‘n Bars backdrop was a bit corny?
ED: Not really...that flag is a big part of Southern history. Nowadays when
people see it (in a musical setting), it just stands for a rockin' good time.
Nothing racial about it. People who are offended by that flag need to get
over it.
Tribute Tour and beyond – How are Skynyrd managing to get away with performing as
Lynyrd Skynyrd after Judy sued under the 3 member rule?
ED: It's only a rule if it's enforced. Personally, it doesn't bother me
until they start doing a Wal-Mart tour or something.
It seems to me that the present Skynyrd (witness their website) don’t give credit to people like yourself and Bob Burns and Arti – is that fair?
ED: I've never looked for adulation and fanfare. I get my fair share of
credit. You'll hear no complaints from me.
At one time, you said that when LS played new material live, it was time for the audience to grab a burger and beer. Does any of the work they’ve done post
– 77 stand up (ie if Skynyrd had started with the 1991 album, would they ever have made it?)
ED: The album LAST REBEL was ok. I had always hoped we might come CLOSE to being relevant. Didn't happen. And, no...it does not hold up to the older
stuff. We were just the textures behind the magic that was VanZant.
Do you have a particular lyric that you wrote which is a favourite of yours?
ED: Needle & Spoon is my favorite. When I first heard it, I just wondered
where in the world he found that in his brain! Also, Saturday NIght Special is amazing.
AS FOR THE FUTURE...
I am really enjoying my life and don't want to fix what ain't broke.
If I ever come "out to play" again, it'll certainly surprise me.
Ed, I appreciate the time you took to do this. Thank you. - KK