The Rossington Collins Band was a southern rock band founded in 1979 by guitarists Allen Collins and Gary Rossington following the 1977 plane crash which killed three members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, of which both had been members.The Jacksonville band released two albums, but disbanded in 1982. Their biggest hit, "Don't Misunderstand Me", charted in late 1980.
The Rossington-Collins Band rose from the ashes of Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1979 and released two excellent albums before rock’n roll excess took its toll on both of its founding guitarists and the band broke up in 1982.
In 1979 remaining Lynyrd Skynyrd members had recovered enough to play one off show at The Charlie Daniels Band’s Volunteer Jam. They got enthusiastic response from the crowd, which led to formation of The Rossington – Collins Band.
Skynyrd drummer prior to plane crash, Artimus Pyle was supposed to continue on drums, but his broken leg prior to stepping into the studio forced The Rossington – Collins Band to replace him with Derek Hess. Billy Powell continued on keyboards, as did Leon Wilkeson on bass.
Barry Harwood took Steve Gaines’ position on third guitar and to replace Ronnie Van Zant, they hired former 38 Special backup vocalist, Dale Krantz as the lead singer.
Their debut album Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere was for the most part written by Allen Collins and gained good reception from press and fans alike. With hits songs Prime Time and Don’t Misunderstand Me, it peaked #9 at the charts and was eventually certified platinum. The Rossington - Collins Band rarely played any Skynyrd tunes while on stage, but they ended each performance with instrumental version of Freebird, dedicated to Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines.
Troubled with the passing of his wife in 1980, Allen Collins dove deeper into alcohol and drug fueled downward spiral, forcing the band to cancel several gigs. Dale Krantz’s and Rossington’s newly found love also created friction between him and Allen. Soon after the release of their sophomore effort, This Is The Way, Rossington – Collins Band broke up.
Gary Rossington and Dale Krantz formed Rossington Band and rest of the guys added Randall Hall and Jimmy Daughtery to the line-up and continued under the name Allen Collins Band. Both of these bands were short-lived and Lynyrd Skynyrd finally reunited in 1987 with Ronnie's younger brother, Johnny Van Zant on vocals.
