Directed by Stephen Kijak and featuring rare interviews and never-before-seen archival footage, LYNYRD SKYNYRD: IF I LEAVE HERE TOMORROW takes viewers on a trip through the history, myth and legend of one of the most iconic American rock bands. Rising from the swamps of the Deep South, these good ol’ boys from Jacksonville, Florida came to define an era with their hard-rocking boogie-woogie sound, soulful lyrics, drunken and dangerous antics and their controversial use of the rebel flag. The film also serves as a portrait of late band leader Ronnie Van Zant whose life was cut tragically short, but whose legacy endures to this day in songs like the “Simple Man,” “Country Boy,” and “Whiskey Rock-a-Roller."
To watch and share a first look from LYNYRD SKYNYRD: IF I LEAVE HERE TOMORROW, go to: https://youtu.be/Loo320c79aI.
The film is primarily narrated by Gary Rossington, the last of the Street Survivors and founding member along with Van Zant and Allen “Freebird” Collins. Rossington remains the only original member still in the band today. His recollections, from the beginning to the very end, mingle with the tales of drummer Artimus Pyle and “Sweet Home Alabama” co-writer Ed King, interviews with the late drummer Bob Burns, “Honkette” JoJo Billingsley, producer Al Kooper, and recently discovered radio interviews with the late founding members, Leon “Mad Hatter” Wilkeson, Collins and Van Zant. Capturing the band through their own words, stories and memories, LYNYRD SKYNYRD: IF I LEAVE HERE TOMORROW vividly explores the makings of this quintessential Southern rock band.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD: IF I LEAVE HERE TOMORROW joins the esteemed portfolio of Showtime Documentary Films that focuses on the lives and legacies of culture-defining and at times controversial figures, and includes ERIC CLAPTON: LIFE IN 12 BARS, LOVE MEANS ZERO, WHITNEY. “CAN I BE ME”, RISK, and the Emmy®-nominated THE FOURTH ESTATE, THE PUTIN INTERVIEWS and LISTEN TO ME MARLON.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD: IF I LEAVE HERE TOMORROW is directed by Stephen Kijak and produced by Diane Becker and John Battsek for Passion Pictures in association with CMT Productions. Andrew Ruhemann, Brian Philips, Lewis Bogach and John Miller-Monzon serve as executive producers.
