Workin’ For MCA (Live in Dallas 1987)

"Workin’ For MCA," performed live by Lynyrd Skynyrd in Dallas 1987 for the album Southern By The Grace Of God: Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour 1987 (Live), is a gritty anthem that captures the band’s early struggles with the music industry. Written by Ronnie Van Zant and Ed King, the song reflects their experience signing with MCA Records after years of grinding in small venues. According to the booklet in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s box set, the band debuted the song at the 1973 "Sounds of the South" press party, where their performance was so electrifying that 500 industry veterans stood on chairs to watch. The song’s opening line, “Seven years of hard luck,” refers to the period from 1966, when the band adopted the Lynyrd Skynyrd name, to 1973, when their debut album dropped. Fans on platforms like Songfacts have praised its raw energy, with comments calling it “BAD ASS” and highlighting the “incredible” double leads by Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, paired with Ed King’s “kick-ass” solo.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s performance history. During the 1987 Tribute Tour, captured on the live album, the band was reforming a decade after the tragic 1977 plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant and others. The Dallas show, recorded at Reunion Arena on November 1, 1987, featured Johnny Van Zant on vocals and included special guests like Charlie Daniels and Steve Morse. A fan review on Amazon noted that the use of old Peavey Maces amplifiers helped recreate the classic Skynyrd sound, though some felt Gary Rossington’s guitar was mixed a bit low. The tour itself was emotionally charged, as Gary Rossington was initially hesitant to participate, still grappling with the loss of his bandmates, according to his wife Dale Krantz-Rossington in a Wikipedia entry. The song’s performance was a powerful nod to the band’s resilience and their complex relationship with MCA Records.

Lynyrd Skynyrd began in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964 as a group of high school friends under the name My Backyard. The original lineup included Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), and Bob Burns (drums). They cycled through names like The Noble Five and One Percent before settling on Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1968, a tongue-in-cheek jab at their gym teacher, Leonard Skinner, who disapproved of their long hair. Playing small venues for years, they honed their Southern rock sound, blending blues, country, and hard rock. Their big break came in 1973 when producer Al Kooper signed them to MCA Records, leading to their debut album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), which featured hits like “Free Bird.” Their relentless touring, including opening for The Who in 1973, helped them build a loyal fanbase, cementing their place as Southern rock pioneers.

You can stay updated with Lynyrd Skynyrd through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour dates, merchandise, and tributes to their legacy. Fans also gather on dedicated sites like Lynyrd Skynyrd History, which chronicles the band’s story, and on community-driven Facebook groups where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, rare photos, and memories of epic live shows. These platforms keep the spirit of Skynyrd’s music alive, connecting generations of listeners who still crank “Workin’ For MCA” with the volume all the way up.