“SECOND HELPING” – The Premiere Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Act

Date: July 4th, 2010
Performance Time: 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Silver Springs/Twin Oaks Mansion
The Free Press recently spoke with guitarist Chris McCallister and band manager Billy Davis.

Second Helping has been consistently recognized as the premiere Skynyrd tribute bands working today. According to McCallister, it’s not unusual for members of Lynyrd Skynyrd to sit in with Second Helping.

“Almost every member of our band has played with a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd,” said McCallister.

“Ed King and Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd have both sat in with us in recent years. We’ve also gotten words of encouragement from Skynyrd guitarist Ricky Medlocke.”

At a recent show, former Allman Brother Dan Toler sat in for the band’s entire set. Davis said that the band usually plays to crowds that range in size from 3,000 to 10,000.

When asked what sets Second Helping apart from other tribute bands, McCallister attributes much of the band’s success to lead vocalist Bob Long.

“It really is scary how well Bob Long sings (original Skynyrd singer) Ronnie Van Zandt’s songs. And he also looks like Ronnie. We were on stage one night and I told him that he was possessed!” says McCallister.