Lynyrd Skynyrd – If I Leave Here Tomorrow

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They wrote the soundtrack of the South, partied like legends, and lived a story of rock ‘n’ roll triumph and gut-wrenching tragedy.

Think “Almost Famous” with a Southern accent, brotherhood, loss, and a legacy that refuses to die.

This is the best doc on Lynyrd Skynyrd for sure — and perhaps the best Southern Rock doc I’ve seen.

Trailer for “Lynyrd Skynyrd – If I Leave Here Tomorrow”

[sorry, but when click the YouTube link below YouTube insists that you go to YouTube because it’s R-related content]

Watch “Lynyrd Skynyrd – If I Leave Here Tomorrow”

Now, you can watch “If I Leave Here Tomorrow” on:

You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/if-i-leave-here-tomorrow-a-film-about-lynyrd-skynyrd

FYI — I watched “If I Leave Here Tomorrow” on Showtime circa 2020. But it’s no longer on Showtime as I write this (December 4, 2024).

Ratings:

  • My Rating: 95/100
  • IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 98/100 (Users); 100/100 (Critics)

Release Date: August 18, 2018

My Review of “If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd”

Oh, Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s the favorite band that I never got to see!

I live in Oakland, CA and Skynard will forever be remembered for this version of Freebird at the Oakland Coliseum (80 million views):

And for those of you who think Skynard is just about Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama, go explore their other classics.

In fact, the #1 most viewed Skynard song on YouTube is this favorite of mine:

If I Leave Here Tomorrow” delivers a fascinating look at a band that defined Southern rock, carrying its legacy even after devastating tragedies.

It’s directed by Stephen Kijak (known for “We Are X,” “Stones in Exile,” and “Scott Walker: 30 Century Man”).

Director KijK doesn’t shy away from the grit, humor, or heartbreak that made Lynyrd Skynyrd legendary.

You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s story is so wild, it’s hard to believe it’s true:

  • Ronnie Van Zant, the band’s fiery leader, was a self-proclaimed “redneck” who didn’t believe in guns. In a genre and culture steeped in machismo, Ronnie’s contradictions were legendary. In “Saturday Night Special,” he explicitly criticized America’s gun culture, singing, “Handguns are made for killin’, they ain’t no good for nothin’ else.”
  • After Ronnie’s death in the 1977 plane crash, his younger brother, Johnny, stepped in as lead singer. Imagine the pressure of filling your sibling’s shoes in a band built on his charisma. Yet Johnny took on the role and helped keep Skynyrd alive—an astonishing feat given the crash killed or injured most of the original lineup.
  • The band lost multiple members over the years, yet it survived. Guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines also died in the crash, while Allen Collins (guitar) succumbed to complications from a car accident in 1990. Gary Rossington, the last remaining original member, endured countless health issues but kept the flame burning.
  • They flew a Confederate flag at concerts while being peace-loving, inclusive humans. The film delves into the flag’s symbolism, showing how Skynyrd used it as a rebellious Southern emblem without embracing its darker associations. Yet, it sparked controversies they had to address decades later. Members like Gary Rossington later admitted the choice was tone-deaf, a reflection of their youth and ignorance rather than malice.
  • Their feud with Neil Young was playful but intense. Neil’s song “Southern Man” criticized the South’s history of racism, and Skynyrd fired back with “Sweet Home Alabama.” While fans saw it as a rivalry, Ronnie admired Neil and even wore his T-shirts on stage.
  • They woke up at 8:30 a.m. to practice in a sweaty cabin they called “Hell House.” Forget rock-star clichés of excess—this band hustled. Their grueling practice sessions in the Florida swamps helped hone the sound that made tracks like “Free Bird” and “Simple Man” timeless.

The Music That Defined a Movement

“If I Leave Here Tomorrow” plays their greatest hits like a live concert.

But the doc digs into the stories behind their anthems, from the rebellious swagger of “Sweet Home Alabama” to the epic scope of “Free Bird.”

“Free Bird” wasn’t just a song—it was a statement. With its soaring guitar solo and heartfelt lyrics, it became an anthem for freedom and loss.

The doc reveals how it was crafted piece by piece, including Allen Collins’ legendary guitar work.

Sweet Home Alabama Explained

Kijak also highlights the cultural impact of “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Often misunderstood as a blanket defense of the South, the song was actually Skynyrd’s response to being misunderstood themselves.

It’s a love letter to their roots, not an endorsement of everything the South represented.

Life On and Off the Road

The film gives equal weight to the band’s grueling work ethic and their chaotic personal lives.

Skynyrd’s rise wasn’t handed to them—they earned it through relentless touring and those infamous “Hell House” rehearsals.

They started practice at 8:30am and Ronnie Van Zant ruled the band like a drill sergeant, demanding perfection and pushing them to their limits.

Yet, life offstage was just as intense.

The band was no stranger to the rock-star lifestyle of the 1970s, with all the booze, brawls, and wild stories you’d expect.

One standout moment in the doc recounts bassist Leon Wilkeson wearing a penguin suit on stage—just because he felt like it.

The plane crash in 1977 is the emotional core of the film.

Kijak interviews survivors and family members who recount how it shattered the band and their community.

I found this part hard to watch, but it’s a vital part of understanding Skynyrd’s legacy.

Lesser-Known Gems

For superfans (I feel like I’m almost one), the doc is packed with nuggets you won’t find in most retrospectives:

  • Ronnie Van Zant improvised lyrics. He rarely wrote anything down, crafting songs in the moment during jam sessions—a testament to his genius.
  • The band’s first producer was fired after one session. Al Kooper, who helped shape their sound, only stepped in after the original producer clashed with the group.
  • They almost named themselves “The Noble Five.” Before settling on Lynyrd Skynyrd (a nod to their high school gym teacher Leonard Skinner), the band toyed with some hilariously dated names.
  • Their debut album cover had to be reworked after the crash. The original artwork showed the band surrounded by flames—a haunting coincidence given the plane crash that would come soon after.
  • Allen Collins’ guitar solos were often done in one take. His ability to channel raw emotion into his playing is one of the reasons Skynyrd’s music still resonates.

Wrap Up

I believe “If I Leave Here Tomorrow” is the definitive documentary on Lynyrd Skynyrd.

It captures their music, their contradictions, and their resilience with heart and honesty.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, the doc shows why Lynyrd Skynyrd is a piece of rock history that refuses to fade away.

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc

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