Double Trouble

The Zoo Crew is spinning “Double Trouble” by Lynyrd Skynyrd from their 1976 album Gimme Back My Bullets, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging the gritty Southern rock vibes. This track, written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, was born out of a real-life moment in the drunk tank, as shared in fan discussions on Amazon.com reviews. According to a story recounted by a fan, Ronnie asked guitarist Gary Rossington how many times he’d been arrested, to which Rossington replied, “Three, I think.” Ronnie, with a grin, said he’d been busted 11 times, prompting Rossington to call him “double trouble”—and just like that, the song’s title and spirit were sparked. Released as a single, “Double Trouble” climbed to number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 86 on the Cash Box Top 100, a testament to its raw energy, though it didn’t chart as high as some of Skynyrd’s bigger hits.

Another cool tidbit about “Double Trouble” comes from its live performances, captured in a 1975 appearance on the BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test, as noted in the deluxe edition review on Amazon.com. The band performed without their usual trio of backing vocalists, giving the song an extra raw, stripped-down edge that fans raved about. This performance, included in the deluxe edition’s DVD, shows Skynyrd at their peak—raucous, polished, and loud. The song’s lyrics, with lines like “Eleven times I been busted, eleven times I been to jail,” reflect the band’s rebellious, hard-living lifestyle, which resonated deeply with their audience. Fans on Last.fm have also pointed out how the track’s driving rhythm and bluesy riffs make it a standout on the album, even if it’s sometimes overshadowed by anthems like “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd got their start in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, originally under the name “The Noble Five.” As detailed on AllMusic and Last.fm, the band was formed by a group of high school friends—Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Larry Junstrom, and Bob Burns—who shared a love for rock and roll and a knack for stirring up trouble. They honed their craft playing local gigs, changing their name to “Lynyrd Skynyrd” in a nod to a gym teacher, Leonard Skinner, who disapproved of their long hair. By the early 1970s, their relentless live performances and Southern-fried sound caught the attention of producer Al Kooper, who signed them to MCA Records. Their 1973 debut album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), featuring “Free Bird,” put them on the map, and they quickly became pioneers of the Southern rock genre, blending blues, country, and hard rock.

The band’s journey wasn’t without tragedy. In 1977, at the height of their success, a plane crash claimed the lives of Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, as noted on their official website. The surviving members reformed in 1987 with Ronnie’s brother Johnny Van Zant as frontman, and the band has continued to tour and record, carrying the legacy forward. As of 2023, following the passing of original member Gary Rossington, the current lineup includes Johnny Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, and others, still delivering the Skynyrd sound to multigenerational fans. Their enduring influence is evident in their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and their catalog of over 60 albums, with billions of streams worldwide.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, connect with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s official website for tour dates and merch, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts, like their 2016 share of a 1975 “Double Trouble” performance. Fan communities thrive online too—check out the Lynyrd Skynyrd Nation Facebook group for lively discussions and rare photos. Websites like Songfacts and Setlist.fm also offer fan-driven insights into Skynyrd’s music and live shows, perfect for keeping the Southern rock spirit alive.