Watch Outrageous All-Star Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd Featuring Warren Haynes, Slash & More At CMT Music Awards

Last night’s CMT Music Awards came to a close with a two-song medley of beloved Lynyrd Skynyrd classics played by an all-star ensemble that included Warren Haynes, Slash, Cody Johnson, Billy Gibbons and more. Broadcast by CBS live from Austin’s Moody Center, the performances of “Simple Man” and “Sweet Home Alabama” followed an introduction by Peter Frampton.

“I’m here tonight to honor a dear friend and tourmate who we lost very recently. Gary Rossington was a southern rock icon and an original founding member of our beloved group, Lynyrd Skynyrd,” said Peter Frampton regarding the late Gary Rossington. Frampton took the stage with a cane four years after he revealed he’s suffering from a degenerative muscular disease called inclusion-body myositis.

“Alongside Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. Gary not only helped define the band’s sound, he inspired millions of fans and musicians,” added the 72-year-old Frampton. “He’s now joined his fellow Skynyrd bandmates in rock and roll heaven, but we will all enjoy their music forever.”

Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers and Cody Johnson led the star-studded ensemble through “Simple Man” to start Sunday’s Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute. Warren Haynes, Slash and Billy Gibbons ripped on guitar with Wynonna and LeAnn Rimes providing backing vocals as “The Honkettes.” Keyboardist Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones/Allman Brothers Band), bassist Ethan Pilzer and drummer Rich Redmond also took part in the two-song medley.

Each of the guitarists had a chance to shred on the “Sweet Home Alabama” finale. Johnson, Haynes, Rodgers and Gibbons took turns fronting the group on the 1974 smash as Rossington’s widow, Dale Krantz Rossington and fellow Skynyrd members Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlock looked on. See how it went down below:

Other performers at the 2023 CMT Music Awards included Gwen Stefani with Carly Pearce, The Black Crowes and Darius Rucker, Alanis Morissette with Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and Kelsea Ballerini. Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown (Video Of The Year), Wilson (Female Video Of The Year), Jelly Roll (Male Video Of The Year) and Zac Brown Band (Group/Duo Video Of The Year) were among winners last night.