Legendary Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd will take the Growl stage this year and bring their "Swamp Music" to The Gator Nation. The decision to bring Skynyrd is part of a greater effort by Gator Growl to return the show to its family-friendly, pep rally beginnings.

"Not only are they one of the biggest names to ever perform at Growl," spokeswoman Anna Murphy said, "but their act also fits very well within what we are trying to do with the show – a Gator Growl that appeals to everyone, not just students."

Named this year by Florida Magazine as the "best Florida band ever," Lynyrd Skynyrd started making music in 1964 and since has been known among the most critically-acclaimed Southern rock groups of the 70's era. 

The band said that their Floridian roots really drove their music during that time. "In Jacksonville, it was happening; the Allman Brothers, Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Tom Petty, a whole bunch of us… they all came out of North Central Florida," the band said. "It was quite the scene. The music was timeless and continues to be very popular and well-received."

The band manager and former Gator grad, Ross Schilling, approached the band with the offer to play at Growl during a hiatus from touring. The band said they couldn't let the opportunity pass them by. "We thought 'hell yeah,' we have to come play for the reigning champs of football and basketball!"

Originally formed in Jacksonville, Lynyrd Skynyrd said they are all big Gator fans, brought up Orange and Blue. Famous for their hard-driving blues rock and regional pride, many of their songs have become American anthems, including "Sweet Home Alabama," "Tuesday’s Gone," and of course, "Free Bird."

"We can't wait to play music in The Swamp," the band said Thursday. "It's not every day that a band gets to play in the home of the legendary Florida Gators."

Lynyrd Skynyrd will join impressionist Frank Caliendo as the headlining talent of the 84th annual world's largest student-run pep rally. Skynyrd was officially announced to the general public by Gator Growl 2007's host Shelley Meyer at the Gator football game versus Troy on Sept. 8.

Gator Growl 2007: Nation of Champions will be held on Nov. 2, 2007, at 7 p.m. in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. General public tickets are available through ticketmaster.com or by calling (904) 353-3309. Student tickets are available through the G.A.T.O.R.S. hotline (352) 384-3262 or at Gate 13 of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Gator Growl is a production of Florida Blue Key, Florida’s oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary. For more information, please visit www.gatorgrowl.org. 

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