Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr. play Arena

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Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr. play Arena

Rowdy Frynds Tour 2008, featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr., rocked the sold out Gwinnett Arena Friday, May 2, 2008, night.

The Rowdy Frynds Tour 2008, featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd (pictured) and Hank Williams Jr., rocked the sold-out Gwinnett Arena Friday night.

One of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed Southern Rock groups of the 1970s, Lynyrd Skynyrd formed in 1965 in Jacksonville, Fla. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Singer Johnny Van Zant performs 'Saturday Night Special.'

Former Blackfoot guitarist Rickey Medlocke (who played drums with Skynyrd for a short time in 1971) rocks out with Gary Rossington (hat) Friday night in Duluth.

Early names of Lynyrd Skynyrd included 'My Backyard,' 'The Noble Five,' 'Conqueror Worm,' 'Sons of Satan,' Leonard Skinner was the name of the gym teacher of some of the group's members, and he once told them, 'You boys ain't never gonna amount to nothin'.

Skynyrd drummer Michael Cartellone was formerly with Damn Yankees.

In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Lynyrd Skynyrd No. 95 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Country singer, songwriter and musician Randall Hank Williams, more commonly known by his stage name, Hank Williams Jr., was born in Shreveport, La., on May 26, 1949. He is shown performing 'Family Tradition.'

The son of country music pioneer Hank Williams, he is known by the nickname Bocephus, named after Grand Ole Opry comedian Rod Brasfield's ventriloquist dummy. Hank Jr. was raised by his mother, Audrey, after his father's death in 1953.

Hank Williams Jr.'s career began with early lessons on the piano and guitar by Jerry Lee Lewis. Hank Jr. began performing when he was 8, and in 1963, he made his recording debut with 'Long Gone Lonesome Blues,' a song that was a staple of his father's career.

Hank Jr. gained mainstream popularity as the performer of the theme song for Monday Night Football. Based on his 1984 hit, "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,' the opening theme became a classic that earned him four Emmy awards from 1991-94.

The Rowdy Frynds tour fans pack Gwinnett Arena.

Fans from country, rock and genres in between partied together Friday night.

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr. filled the Gwinnett Arena Friday evening.

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The Rowdy Frynds Tour 2008, featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd (pictured) and Hank Williams Jr., rocked the sold-out Gwinnett Arena Friday night.

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