Longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke has unleashed an incendiary new tune called “Rise Again” with his solo group. The song is a country-influenced rock anthem that marks the follow-up to the Rickey Medlocke Band’s single “Never Run Out of Road,” which was released in early 2024.
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The group’s lineup includes Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Peter Keys; Mark Woerpel, guitarist in the Medlocke-led group Blackfoot; and Rickey’s wife, backing vocalist Stacy Michelle. Michelle previously has worked with Meat Loaf, Kid Rock, and Joe Walsh. Blackfoot guitarist Mark Westlund also contributed backing vocals to “Rise Again.”
The track is available now as a digital download and via streaming services.
According to a press release, the new song offers “a call to action to rise up from the ashes, shed your skin, and meet your destiny, time and again, holding on to hope, letting go of doubt, and never giving up in the face of resistance.”
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A portion of the proceeds from sales of “Rise Again” will benefit the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women’s Movement. The funds will go to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, which helps support the initiative.
About the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women’s Movement
The movement calls for the end of violence against indigenous women. It also seeks to bring attention to the high rate of murders and disappearances of Native American women and girls.
Another issue the movement is concerned with is the high rate of sex trafficking of indigenous women and youths.
Medlocke’s Statement About His Support of the Movement
Medlocke has issued a statement regarding to his support of the initiative.
“I am Native American, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Movement is something that is very special and dear to my heart,” he said. “This is a problem that has gone on for decades where Indigenous women and girls disappear and they are never found. It needs to be addressed now.”
The guitarist added, “I am honored to do my part to get people to pay attention to this issue and support the work of the [National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center] and Dream Catcher Foundation to help end this crisis and advance the lives of Native American people everywhere.”
Medlocke vowed to continue to support the cause through his music and sales of Ricky Medlocke Band merchandise.
About Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Upcoming Concert Plans
Lynyrd Skynyrd has no more concerts scheduled for 2024. The only performance lined up is a June 21, 2025, headlining set at Summer Jam in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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