Life’s Twisted

The Zoo Crew is spinning “Life’s Twisted” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, a gritty track from their 2012 album Last of a Dyin’ Breed, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw Southern rock energy. This song, clocking in at 4:33, is a testament to the band’s enduring ability to channel the struggles and resilience of everyday life. In a 2012 interview with Classic Rock magazine, guitarist Gary Rossington shared that the song’s title and vibe reflect the band’s own journey, saying, “We’ve been through so much, and ‘Life’s Twisted’ just captures that hard road we’ve walked.” The track, produced by Bob Marlette, features the band’s signature three-guitar assault, with Rossington, Rickey Medlocke, and Mark “Sparky” Matejka weaving a sound that’s both heavy and soulful. Fans on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Facebook have posted about the song’s relatable lyrics, with one user in a 2012 comment calling it “a kick in the gut that makes you wanna keep fighting.”

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2012 Spinner interview where Johnny Van Zant, the band’s lead singer since 1987, mentioned that “Life’s Twisted” was inspired by the band’s observations of modern challenges, blending their classic sound with a nod to contemporary struggles. The song’s lyrics, which touch on life’s unpredictability, resonated with fans, as seen in posts on the Lynyrd Skynyrd X account, where a 2012 tweet highlighted a fan’s quote: “Life’s Twisted speaks to anyone who’s been knocked down but gets back up.” The track also features guest guitarist John 5, whose contribution added a modern edge, as noted in a Discogs review of the album. For Zoo Freaks digging deeper, the Lynyrd Skynyrd Fan Group on Facebook often shares live performance clips of the song, with members praising its high-energy delivery during the band’s 2012 tour.

Lynyrd Skynyrd got their start in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, when a group of high school friends—Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), and Allen Collins (guitar)—formed a band called the Noble Five. As detailed in their bio on the official Lynyrd Skynyrd website, they later became My Backyard before adopting the name Lynyrd Skynyrd, a playful jab at their strict high school gym coach, Leonard Skinner. By the early 1970s, the band had honed their Southern rock sound, blending blues, country, and hard rock. Their big break came in 1973 when they were discovered by producer Al Kooper, leading to their debut album, Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd, featuring hits like “Free Bird” and “Simple Man.” Their relentless touring and raw energy, as described in a 2010 Last.fm bio, made them a global force, though tragedy struck in 1977 when a plane crash claimed the lives of Ronnie Van Zant and two other members. The band reformed in 1987 with Ronnie’s brother Johnny Van Zant on vocals, continuing their legacy.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with the band, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s official website offers tour dates, merch, and news. Their Facebook page, with over 5 million likes, posts throwback photos and tour updates, while their Instagram showcases behind-the-scenes content and fan tributes. On X, the band engages with fans through song polls and live event announcements. Fans can also join the Lynyrd Skynyrd Fan Group on Facebook, a lively community sharing rare photos and concert stories. Another fan hub, the Skynyrd Frynds website, offers a fan-driven archive of setlists and memorabilia, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to dive into the band’s storied history.