Lynyrd Skynyrd: If I Leave Here Tomorrow

Lynyrd Skynyrd: If I Leave Here Tomorrow is a compelling documentary film released in 2018 that takes the audience on an unprecedented journey through the history and journey of the legendary American rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Directed by Stephen Kijak, this film is a heartening homage to a band that marked its profound impact on the music industry. The film features live interviews from various band members, including Gary Rossington, that foster a profound understanding of the band's complex past filled with unimaginable tragedy and unwavering brotherhood. Archival footage of the late Ronnie Van Zant, the band's headstrong front-man, is also shown extensively throughout the documentary.

The film opens with the humble beginnings of Lynyrd Skynyrd in the culturally rich city of Jacksonville, Florida. The band's initial struggle to make a name for themselves in the tough, competitive landscape of the seventies music scene is honestly portrayed. It offers viewers an insight into the band’s tight-knit bond that stemmed from the rough and tumble, blue-collared neighborhood that they all grew up in. Their early achievements and breakthroughs, as well as challenges faced and how the band became synonymous with Southern rock, are all impeccably documented.

The film takes an uncensored look at the Southern pride and Confederate imagery that often defined the band's controversial image while tracing the transformation of this image over the years. It also points out how their music transcended these barriers, striking a chord with a wide spectrum of fans from multiple walks of life.

As the band’s story progresses, the documentary delves more into the creativity and camaraderie that marked their meteoric rise to fame. It places a spotlight on their unforgettable hits like "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama" that became synonymous with their name. These are not just recounted through interviews or footage but through a gripping narrative that tells the tale of the band’s perseverance.

One of the central aspects of this documentary is its sobering exploration of the 1977 plane crash that tragically claimed the lives of several band members, including Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines. Instead of just focusing on the gruesome details, the film deals with its aftermath, the pain, the loss, and the incredible strength it took for the surviving members to cope and move on.

Rather than sensationalizing these unfortunate events, the documentary evokes a tangible sense of loss and melancholy, proving itself to be a tribute rather than a lurid tell-all. It also showcases the strength demonstrated by surviving members as they kept the band’s legacy alive following the tragedy, epitomizing their collective resilience and love for music.

While Lynyrd Skynyrd's music acts as the sturdy backbone of this documentary, the true heart of this film lies within the band's interpersonal dynamics and the extraordinary spirit that allowed them to persevere. It beautifully showcases that behind the facade of hard-living, passionate musicians were just ordinary individuals whose bond went beyond their shared musical prowess. Amid the struggles and glorious highs, the band’s solidarity remained unhampered, becoming a significant theme in the narrative.

Lynyrd Skynyrd: If I Leave Here Tomorrow is an immersive journey that captures Lynyrd Skynyrd's indefatigable spirit that transcends through their music and lives on, despite the face of adversity and tragic loss. It's a deeply moving, compelling film that can touch one's heart, whether they're a fan of the band or not. It's not just a history lesson about one of rock music's legendary bands; it's about brotherhood, resilience, dealing with the loss, cherishing legacies, and above all, the raw, overwhelming power of music.