An unusual twist on the well told story of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gene Odum was not only the lifelong best friend of singer Ronnie Van Zant but was also his bodyguard. Where as most Skynyrd biographies write sympathically about the bands 1977 plane crash- Gene was actually in the plane when it went down.

At times the book does seem to be an almost rose tinted account of the band but I found it to be a personal and honest account of some of the closest moments in the bands history. Gene Odum does not hold back in telling the story of one of America's greatest bands, and obviously has been deeply affected by the loss of his best friend.

Gene gives a brief account of the band after the crash, there is also a great list of all the gigs played by the original line-up and a comprehensive discography.

All in all, an enjoyable read- well told and from a personal angle.

****

Review by Nikk Gunns