That Smell

The Zoo Crew is spinning "That Smell" by Lynyrd Skynyrd from their 1977 album Street Survivors, and Zoo Freaks, this track has some wild stories behind it! Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, "That Smell" is a gritty cautionary tale about drug abuse, inspired by real events within the band. Guitarist Gary Rossington had a near-fatal car crash after partying too hard, smashing his Ford Torino into a tree, which delayed the album’s recording. This incident, along with Allen Collins’ own car wreck, prompted Van Zant to pen the song’s stark lyrics, like “Whiskey bottles and brand new cars, oak tree you’re in my way,” directly referencing Rossington’s crash. In a 1977 interview, Van Zant said the song was a wake-up call for his bandmates, calling it “a warning about the smell of death” that comes with reckless living. The track’s eerie vibe was amplified by its slower, extended early version, later released on the Street Survivors: Deluxe Edition, showcasing the band’s raw emotion during those sessions.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s production. Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded Street Survivors twice—first with producer Tom Dowd in Miami, then at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia, with Kevin Elson and Rodney Mills. The Doraville version, used for the original release, gave "That Smell" its punchy, menacing edge. The song also features backing vocals by The Honkettes—JoJo Billingsley, Cassie Gaines, and Leslie Hawkins—adding a haunting texture. Tragically, just three days after the album’s release on October 17, 1977, a plane crash claimed the lives of Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines, making "That Smell"’s dark themes even more prophetic. Fans on StreetSurvivors’ Facebook page often share how the song’s raw honesty still resonates, with one post calling it “a gut-punch reminder of the band’s real-life struggles.”

Now, let’s rewind to how Lynyrd Skynyrd got their start. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band began as a group of high school friends under the name My Backyard. The original lineup included Ronnie Van Zant on vocals, Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on guitars, Larry Junstrom on bass, and Bob Burns on drums. They honed their craft playing local gigs, cycling through names like The Noble Five and One Percent before settling on “Lynyrd Skynyrd” in 1968, a playful jab at their strict gym teacher, Leonard Skinner, who disapproved of their long hair. By 1973, they’d solidified their Southern rock sound with the release of their debut album, Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd, featuring hits like “Free Bird” and “Simple Man.” Their relentless touring and raw energy caught the attention of producer Al Kooper, who signed them to MCA Records, launching them to fame.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s journey wasn’t easy—lineup changes, like Burns leaving in 1974 and Steve Gaines joining in 1976, shaped their evolution. Gaines brought fresh energy to Street Survivors, co-writing “You Got That Right” and singing lead on “Ain’t No Good Life.” After the 1977 tragedy, the band disbanded but reunited in 1987 with Ronnie’s brother Johnny Van Zant as frontman. Today, they continue to tour with a lineup featuring Rickey Medlocke and Michael Cartellone, honoring their legacy. You can keep up with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at sites like lynyrdskynyrd.com and the StreetSurvivors Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for classics like "That Smell" and swap stories about the band’s enduring impact.