Don’t Misunderstand Me

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Don’t Misunderstand Me" by the Rossington Collins Band from their 1980 album Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, peaking at number 55 on the US charts in August 1980, carries a raw, soulful edge with its driving guitar riffs and the powerful vocals of Dale Krantz. One piece of trivia that stands out is the song’s recording at El Adobe Studios in El Paso, Texas, where the band poured their energy into crafting a sound distinct from their Lynyrd Skynyrd roots. Fans on Last.fm have shared their love for the song, with one user noting, “Man, those drums sound nice!” and another praising the iconic guitar interplay between Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, calling it “awesome.” The song’s lyrics, urging honesty and resilience, resonate with listeners, as seen in a Reddit post where a fan reflected on its uplifting vibe, saying, “Great song that I haven’t heard in awhile.”

Another interesting tidbit comes from the song’s bassline, which sparked discussion on TalkBass.com. A user struggled to decipher the ascending run in the chorus, speculating if the bass was tuned to a dropped D. A fellow bassist clarified that while the guitars likely used drop D, the bass stayed in standard tuning, highlighting Leon Wilkeson’s skillful contribution. The song also holds a special place for fans who saw the band live, with one Reddit user recalling sneaking into a 1981 Tulsa concert and enjoying the band’s energy near the front with a lively crowd. The track’s enduring appeal is evident in fan comments on Last.fm, where one listener called it “the best song they did,” crediting guitarist Barry Lee Harwood’s songwriting as a driving force behind the band’s sound.

The Rossington Collins Band was born from the ashes of tragedy, formed in 1979 by Lynyrd Skynyrd survivors Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, and Leon Wilkeson after the devastating 1977 plane crash that killed three band members, including Ronnie Van Zant. Determined to forge a new path, they recruited Dale Krantz as their lead vocalist, a bold move to differentiate themselves from Skynyrd’s legacy. Krantz, who later married Rossington, brought a fresh dynamic, and the band was completed by guitarist Barry Lee Harwood and drummer Derek Hess. Their debut album, Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere, went gold, driven by the success of “Don’t Misunderstand Me.” Despite their promising start, personal tragedies, including the death of Collins’ wife and his later paralyzing car accident, led to the band’s dissolution in 1982. The band’s brief but impactful run left a lasting mark, with fans still celebrating their music today.

While the Rossington Collins Band doesn’t have an active official website or dedicated social media accounts, fans can find information on platforms like Wikipedia and AllMusic. There’s no official Facebook page, but fans share memories in groups like the Lynyrd Skynyrd/Rossington Collins Band Fan Group, where enthusiasts post about the band’s music and legacy. No specific Instagram or X accounts exist for the band, but searching hashtags like #RossingtonCollinsBand on these platforms reveals fan posts and tributes. Fan-driven sites, such as Last.fm, offer a space for listeners to connect, and Reddit’s ClassicRock community frequently discusses the band, keeping their spirit alive for Zoo Freaks and beyond.