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Jacksonville Dispatch Archives

...Anticipation for Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight...

...Anticipation for Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight... I just re-watched Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. It's been three years since Tarantino released a movie. I needed a break from revising stories, and decided to delve into his last read more...

View the BBC's Southern Rock Documentary on Swampland

Swampland has added the BBC's new Southern Rock Documentary to it front page. Go here to view it - Swampland Front Page

Sam Rivers RIP

Jazz Musician Sam Rivers Passes Away At 88 Oklahoma-born jazz musician Sam Rivers passed away on December 26, 2011, in Orlando, Florida at 88.

Lera Lynn Headlines Jacksonville's Natural Life Music Festival

Lera Lynn Headlines Natural Life Music Festival November 20 Athens, Georgia, musician Lera Lynn will headline the Natural Life Music Festival in Jacksonville, Florida, on November 20. The festival began as an event to support the Children's Home Society ten read more...

Tom Petty Sides with Indie Radio & Beyond...

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Play Gig For Indie DJ I found this L.A Times Tom Petty article regarding events that read more...

Duane Allman: 40 Years Later

Duane Allman: 40 Years Later 40 years ago today Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24 in Macon, Georgia. One of the greatest slide players to ever touch a guitar, Allman played with Aretha Franklin,

Lynyrd Skynyrd's Gary Rossington Renews Wedding Vows

Gary Rossington Renews Wedding Vows The Florida Times Union reported

Lynyrd Skynyrd In The Studio

Lynyrd Skynyrd In The Studio Lynyrd Skynyrdʼs Gary Rossington is In The Studio for the 35th anniversary of theʻliveʼ classic One More From The Road in Dallas, TX- Oct 10, 2011. North American syndicated Rock radio show In The Studio: The Stories read more...

Upcoming Interview: Preston Lauterbach's Chitlin' Circuit: And The Road To Rock 'N' Roll

The Chitlin' Circut: And The Road To Rock 'N' Roll Memphis writer Preston Lauterbach's first book--The Chitlin Circut: And The Road To Rock 'N' Roll--arrived in the mail on Monday. An upcoming interview with Lauterbach is on the way, but I wanted to write a quick read more...

Tom Petty Issues Cease & Desist Letter To Michele Bachman

Petty Issues Cease & Desist To Republican Presidential Candidate This article reports

A Father's Day Gift From The Traveling Wilburys

Free Father's Day Stream On Father's Day--Sunday, June 19--The Traveling Wilburys will release a free 24-hour stream of "The True History Of The Traveling Wilburys". The program begins read more...

Official Duane Allman website debuts

Galadrielle Allman, the daughter of late Duane Allman, has helped create a website in tribute to her father - duaneallman.com. Clearly a labor of love, the website provides a home for Duane's legacy as it contains discographies, stories about Duane's life, and a forum for read more...

A Memorial Day Tribute: An Early Salute

A Salute To All The Veterans An early salute for the upcoming weekend... In honor of Memorial Day, and all the read more...

Gregg Allman Signs Book Deal

Greg Allman Memoir Due Out Spring 2012 This week Gregg Allman signed a book deal to write his life story. The memoir will be published by William Morrow in the spring of read more...

Never A Pal Like Mother

Happy Mother's Day 2011 Happy Mother's Day to Everyone! Since it's Mother's Day weekend, I thought I write a dispatch around the great Atlanta label

Furthur Southern Shows Announced

Southern Furthur Dates Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir will bring their band--Furthur--south this summer. The tour begins in June. The southern dates begin in July, which include Raleigh, NC (July 28), Simpsonville, SC (July 29), Saint Augustine, FL (July read more...

Tom Petty's Buried Treasure Contest

Tom Petty’s Buried Treasure Contest On April 14, Sirius XM will broadcast a special 2-hour live event—Tom Petty’s Ultimate Buried Treasure—in celebration of Petty’s exclusive Sirius XM radio show. Petty’s read more...

Merry Christmas From Swampland

Merry Christmas From Swampland Ho, Ho, Ho…I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from Swampland. Thanks for all the support. A Happy New Year to you all! Don’t let the Devil get you down. I’ve included a couple of read more...

Southern College Football – Coaching Carousel

LEAD STORY With bowl season beginning and holidays upon us, the big news in our Footprint is the gigantic transformation of the coaching hierarchy in the state of Florida. Do you realize that one-season ‘veteran’ Jimbo Fisher of Florida State is now the dean of read more...

Henry Paul On Buffalo Show, Available On Demand

If you missed even one minute of THE BUFFALO SHOW Sunday night, you can download and/or listen to our conversations with Bekka Bramlett and Henry Paul of The Outlaws anytime

Buffalo Radio Tonight Features Guests Molly Hatchet and Swampdawamp

Tonight THE BUFFALO RADIO SHOW welcomes Molly Hatchet bandleader Bobby Ingram. Bobby will discuss the history of the band,their upcoming European tour, and their latest album Justice. Also on tap, Gig Michaels, lead read more...

Happy Birthday Duane

Brother Duane Allman's birthday is Saturday, November 20th. Had he lived, he would have turned 64 years old tomorrow. We at GRITZ remember one of Southern Rock's finest this weekend. We miss you Skydog. The link below will lead you to a high-def performace of

Lynyrd Skynyrd Video Collection

What a way to start the week! Here are some great videos from the Ronnie Van Zant era of Lynyrd Skynyrd. -Buffalo

Keith Richards Writes About Gram Parsons In Life

Keith Richards Writes About Gram Parsons in Life I’ve been reading Keith Richards’ new book, Life. I’ve already made some notes for the Swampland review, but today I reached page 247 where Keith writes about Gram Parsons. read more...

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' Damn The Torpedoes Deluxe Edition Out Now

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Damn The Torpedoes Reissue This week a deluxe re-issue of Tom Petty’s 1979 Damn The Torpedoes hit the streets. The deluxe edition contains songs left off the original album such as “Surrender”, “Casa read more...

Southern College Football - Week 9 Themes

LEAD STORY So much of the national attention (ESPN) at this point in the college football season goes to just the handful of teams in the BCS chase. Auburn-- as well read more...

Georgia's Rock & Roll Halloween Weekend

Georgia’s Rock & Roll Halloween Weekend ...Written from the eye of the tempest near the Georgia-Florida line during Halloween weekend for the UGA versus UF football game... Folks are rushing around here with football, rock & roll and a read more...

Dylan, Petty & Drive By Truckers Participate In ‘Back To Black Friday’

Dylan, Petty & Drive By Truckers Participate In ‘Back To Black Friday’ In support of independent record stores, November 26 stands as ‘Back To Black Friday’. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Drive By Truckers, Iron & Wine, U2, read more...

Buffalo's Radio Show Sunday Night Features Barry Lee Harwood, Rickey Godfrey

Hey y'all - please join me for my new internet radio talk show, THE BUFFALO SHOW, this Sunday night at 7 pm est when my guests will be

The Buffalo Show Debuts On Blogtalk Radio This Sunday with Barry Lee Harwood, Rickey Godfrey

The Buffalo Show debuts this Sunday, October 24th with a couple of very special guests.

Molly Hatchet To Perform at Somer Thompson Candle Light Vigil

Diena Thompson of Jacksonville, Florida found herself living every parent's worst nightmare when her 7-year-old daughter went missing on October 19, 2009. Two days later, in read more...

Widespread Panic Rocks Saint Augustine

Widespread Panic Visits The First Coast My ears are still ringing… Widespread Panic delivered an energetic show last night at the beautiful Saint Augustine read more...

Neil Young's Southern Shows & Le Noise...Bob Dylan Southern Tour Dates Released...Island Notes

Neil Young in Clearwater Florida Tonight Before the release of his new record Le Noise on September 28, Neil Young will play a string of southern shows beginning tonight in Clearwater, Florida. On the full moon tomorrow Neil plays Hollywood, Florida, and then read more...

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers MOJO Tour: The Last Five Days

The Last Few Shows of Mojo Tour Last night Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers played in Raliegh, North Carolina. Only five shows remain on the MOJO tour. For these last shows, ZZ Top serves as the opening band.

Coach Leonard Skinner Dead at 77

Leonard Skinner, the basketball coach and gym teacher whose name inspired the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd, died in his sleep early Monday morning, September 20, 2010, at the age of read more...

Bloodkin Opens First Shows of Widespread Panic's Fall Tour This Weekend

Bloodkin Kicks Off Panic Tour As fall descends, the interesting season of live shows begin…Bloodkin’s Daniel Hutchens,

Spotlight On Ed King

One of Southern Rock's greatest guitar slingers is Ed King, the former member of Strawbery Alarm Clock who went on to legendary status in Lynyrd Skynyrd. Today, we revisit our read more...

Ronnie Van Zant Featured in Legends Scrapbook

Check out our latest Legends of Southern Rock Photo Scrapbook page featuring the great Ronnie Van Zant! - read more...

Still More Rare Lynyrd Skynyrd Video

Even More Rare Lynyrd Skynyrd Video

Rare Video Find: Skynyrd, Outlaws Jam Together 1976

It is truly rare these days for me to see a video I have not seen before from the history of Southern Rock. When Rebyll called last night and told me about this one, I could hardly wait to see it. From Winterland, 1976,

Molly Hatchet is Out For Justice: Our Exclusive Bobby Ingram Interview

Molly Hatchet is back with a career defining new release, a new tour and a renewed spirit. I spoke with Bobby Ingram yesterday about their read more...

Classic Video: Molly Hatchet Live, 1979

The Drive By Truckers Hit the Road Next Week with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Fourth of July Dispatch Happy Independence Day to all your great Americans…Next week The Drive By Truckers and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers hit the road for most of the month. Now, that’s a ticket worth buying.

Spotlight Videos: Jo Jo Billingsley

Here's a video tribute to our friend Jo Jo Billingsley.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Receives Congressional Record Tribute at U.S. Capitol

Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington and Rick read more...

Barry Lee Harwood EIght Years Later: The GRITZ Interview

Eight years ago Scott Greene interviewed former Rossington Collins Band member Barry Lee Harwood for GRITZ. At the time, Barry Lee was read more...

Tom Petty Talks Southern Mojo

Tom Petty Talks Southern Mojo Mojo—due out June 29—counts as the first Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers album in 8 years. Mojo revolves around the rural south. The music derives inspiration from artists such as

Video Flashback: Molly Hatchet TV Interview

A great 1980's video interview with Danny Joe Brown, Duane Roland, Riff West, John Galvin, Bruce Crump and Bobby Ingram. Look at all the hair on these fellas! -Buffalo

Molly Hatchet: Remembering Danny Joe Brown

Continuing with our month long tribute to Molly Hatchet, we revisit an interview I had the pleasure of conducting back in November of 1999 with read more...

Molly Hatchet's New Album is a Rocker

Beginning our month long tribute to Molly Hatchet, we are happy to post today a review of the band's excellent new release, Justice.

Video of the Day: Barry Lee Harwood

As a follow up to yesterday's review of the new CD from Barry Lee Harwood, we'd like to share this video produced by Barry Lee himself that will g1ve you more insight into the man and his music. Keep it Real. Keep it Southern. Buffalo

Barry Lee Harwood Comes Back Strong

Say you need a good album to listen to this weekend" Boy do I have a good one for you. The new release from Barry Lee Harwood. Check out my review here, and look for our new interview with read more...

New Video From Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' MOJO

"I Should Have Known It" New Petty Single “I Should Have Known It” counts as the latest single/video from Tom Petty’s upcoming new album

Jaguars Disappoint Fans by 'Reaching' for the Wrong Player

We all know the huge decision that the Jacksonville Jaguars faced in the first round of the NFL Draft—“reach” for local hero Tim Tebow with the #10 pick, or take a higher-rated prospect like Clemson running back C.J. Spiller or Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick read more...

NFL Draft Impressions: Rams Get Their Man; Jags Disappoint Their Fans

Did your team improve? Is your fan base excited about the direction of your squad? We will take an in-depth look at the NFL Draft over the next couple of weeks, but wanted to give our read more...

Rams and Jaguars Can Shape Their Franchises on Draft Day

The NFL Draft is upon us, and two of the teams in our Swampland footprint have a great chance to decide the direction of their franchise for the next few seasons. The NFL is a quarterback league, and both St. Louis and Jacksonville can select signal callers who will become the face read more...

Atlanta Film Festival Screens Drive By Truckers' The Secret To A Happy Ending April 23

The Secret To A Happy Ending Screening Filmmaker Barr Weissman's documentary on Athens, Georgia's, Drive By Truckers--

Celebrate Record Store Day 2010!

Record Store Day 2010 is read more...

Wanee Report: Day Two

Swampland Wanee Report: Day Two ...A Few Notes From The Swamp... Funkadelic closed the evening out last night. It's a musical read more...

Col. Bruce Rocks Wanee

Colonel Bruce Rocks Wanee Update number two from read more...

The Wiregrass Road To Wanee

The Road To Wanee “Odds and Ends Lost time is not found again…” On the road to the Wanee read more...

Allman Brothers NYC Run Begins Tonight!

We were hoping that Michael Buffalo would be ready to go tonight, but his eyes still aren't cooperating. He wanted to assure everyone that he will review all of the Allman Brothers Band shows via Moogis once he is able. In the meantime, we know everyone is read more...

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' First Album In Eight Years Due Out In Spring

Mojo Due Out This Spring On Tom Petty’s official website you can hear

Daniel Hutchens' Run To Mexico

Daniel Hutchens Runs Wild In Mexico Last night Daniel Hutchens sent me his “Bloodkin Sails with Lynyrd Skynyrd" article. This mighty read more...

Coaching Uncertainties Create Instability in the Normally Calm Sunshine State

With National Signing Day approaching quickly, tons of attention will be on the state of Florida with so many top players being courted by schools all over the nation. However, the real race to most Floridians happens between the home state programs. The Florida Gators have read more...

Saints vs Colts Present a Dream SPF Super Bowl

Much more to come on this as the Super Bowl approaches, but yesterday's wins by Peyton Manning and the Colts and Drew Brees and the Saints presented our football-hungry region with the best reason yet to watch the Super Bowl.

Team In Turmoil #2 - Del Rio's Presence Hurts Jags Effort To Rebuild Support

After years of wondering and worrying, recent and disturbing word came out from the developer of the new NFL-ready stadium in Los Angeles - their group is

Skinny Molly Gets Political

Skinny Molly will be appearing on former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s show “Huckabee” on Fox News this Saturday, January 16, 2010 (8:00 p.m. EST and 7:00 p.m. CST). The band will be

Allman News: Gregg's New Album, Change of Venue for Annual Beacon Run

Lots of Allman Brothers news is rolling in. I am happy to report that Gregg Allman is finishing up his first read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Bowden Wins Career Finale in the Gator Bowl

It was just supposed to go this way. Florida State overcame a halftime deficit with a convincing second-half performance to win Bobby Bowden’s last game in front of a read more...

Between A Memory And A Dream: Tom Petty's Live Anthology

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' The Live Anthology This new Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' Live Anthology--4 read more...

Jo Jo Billingsley Recovering From Emergency Cancer Surgery

Our thoughts and prayers go out to our dear friend JoJo Billingsley White, who was diagnosed this week with abdominal cancer. Jo Jo was admitted to the UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Gator Bowl To Host Bowden Finale

We wrote last week that the Gator Bowl wanted to match up Florida State (in Bobby Bowden's last game) and West Virginia (his former read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Georgia Tech Beats Clemson in a Thriller

It may not have been the most watched game on Saturday, but the ACC Championship Game in Jacksonville was the most exciting. Georgia Tech answered a Clemson read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Gator Bowl Decision Looms for League and Bobby Bowden

There is a current debate brewing over the pecking order of ACC bowl-eligible teams and where they may head for the postseason. The most interesting scenario read more...

New Skynyrd Photos Added to Scrapbook

Hi Y'all. Check out the latest page added to our Legends of Southern Rock Photo Scrapbook, thanks to reader Mike Sims. Some cool pictures of Lynyrd Skynyrd he shot at their read more...

Spotlight: New Outlaws Page Added to Legends Scrapbook

Greetings fellow travelers... I trust everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving day and had plenty of turkey. At least I hope so! We have added a new page to the Legends of Southern Rock Photo Scrapbook, featuring some classic and new pictures of one of our favorite read more...

Video Spotlight: The Outlaws

Interview of the Week: The Late Great Ace Moreland

One of the most interesting characters I was fortunate enough to get to know during the early days of GRITZ was a guitar player named Ace read more...

The Drive By Truckers Contribute To Eddie Hinton Tribute

Very Extremely Dangerous Singles Shake It Records has released a series of limited-edition 45-rpm vinyl singles, and

The Latest News On Tom Petty...

New Live Anthology Due Out Tuesday Tom Petty’s read more...

Spotlight On Duane Allman On His Birthday Friday

Tomorrow is the 63rd birthday of Duane Allman. I can think of no better tribute than the following piece, written by GRITZ reader and Facebook friend Brian Ringo. He really summed up my own feelings on Skydog as well. Thanks Brian. Keep it Real. Keep it read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Ole Miss' McCluster Has Record Day Against Distracted Vols

Wonder if Ole Miss would increase the speed limit on campus from 18 (Archie Manning's retired number) to 22 after Saturday? #22 Dexter McCluster had a monster read more...

Molly Hatchet Write New Song, Play Concert For Slain 7-Year Old

Bobby Ingram of Molly Hatchet has written a song in memory of 7-year old

SEC Daily Fever: Georgia And Mark Richt Desperate For An Auburn Win

Georgia fans are feeling a little nervous these days. The Bulldogs have already been blown out by two rivals, Tennessee and Florida, and they will face two more in Auburn and Georgia Tech over the next three games.

ACC Daily Fever: Clemson Cannot Overlook NC State

Clemson has won four in a row, and the offense has averaged over 40 points a game during their streak. The Tigers can wrap up their first ACC Title Game berth with read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Spurrier Says He's Staying At South Carolina For The Long Term

As South Carolina and head coach Steve Spurrier prepare to host #1 Florida on Saturday, this game is a reminder to Gamecock fans of what their coach built at his alma mater and what has not happened in Columbia.

ACC Daily Fever: Georgia Tech's Low BCS Status Is A Casualty Of A Weak ACC

With Georgia Tech in the Top Ten and only having one loss, ACC fans would like to think that the Yellow Jackets have an outside shot at the BCS Title Game with a few breaks.

ACC Daily Fever: Florida State Loses Ponder For The Year

Florida State suffered a devastating blow this week with the news that quarterback Christian Ponder is out for the rest read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Officiating Issues Creates Negative Vibes For Top League

It’s the story that won’t go away- another week, another game where bad officiating dominates the league conversation. The SEC read more...

SEC Daily Fever: LSU-Alabama Is The National Game Of The Week

The eyes of the college football world will be on Tuscaloosa Saturday afternoon when #9 LSU meets #3 Alabama. This game has conference and national read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Clemson Will Control ACC Atlantic With A Win Against FSU

Clemson could virtually wrap up the ACC's Atlantic Divsion with a home win against Florida State on Saturday night. That seemed improbable when the Tigers dropped to 2-3 on the season after their crushing defeat at Maryland.

SEC Daily Fever: Meyer looks bad after Spikes debacle

Many fans around the league are asking the question this week: what kind of program is Urban Meyer running in Gainesville? While many have questioned Meyer’s recruiting read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Virginia Tech tries to avoid third straight loss

In a season where the ACC has looked very vulnerable against non-BCS foes, Virginia Tech will have a tough contest tonight when they visit East Carolina (

ACC Daily Fever: Andrews leaves an amazing legacy at FSU

As expected, longtime Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews announced yesterday that he will retire at the end of this season. And what a read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Georgia's Richt looks to right ship in Athens

While much of the attention following the Florida-Georgia game has been on Brandon Spikes eye-gouging of Washaun Ealey, the reality for the Bulldogs is that they have the feel of a program that has slipped a notch from past seasons.

The Top Ten Instrumentals of The Southern Rock Era

This list might be very different if one were to count the instrumental jams at the end of “Free Bird,” “Green Grass and High Tides” and “Highway Song.” But alas, we are listing only full instrumental tracks. Also note that their are

SEC Daily Fever: Seemingly Insufficient Punishment For Spikes Sparks Controversy

Is a half-game suspension at home against Vanderbilt really a punishment? That’s what many are wondering after Urban Meyer read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Duke Improving Under Cutcliffe

Coming into the season, Virginia Tech looked like the clear favorite in the Coastal Division, with Georgia Tech and Miami also having a shot. The Yellow Jackets have read more...

Beaten Like Dawgs: Florida Humiliates Georgia on Halloween Weekend

Midnight From The Inside Out on Halloween Saturday for the Georgia Bulldogs Well folks, my Georgia Bulldogs were stomped like a gang of losers read more...

SEC Daily Fever: "Cocktail Party" Remains A Great Southern tradition

It's more than just a football game. Whether it's golf tournaments, concerts, or just a long weekend with friends, the Georgia-Florida game has become a can't miss event for both fan bases and for read more...

ACC Daily Fever: North Carolina Revives Season With Improbable Win

Nobody wins in Blacksburg, right? Especially not teams that enter late October without a conference victory. However, North Carolina changed both of those last night with a shocking 20-17 win at read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Ole Miss Looks To Finish Strong

As Ole Miss prepares to travel to Auburn this Saturday, Houston Nutt's team will look to build the same second half of the season momentum that they did in 2008.

ACC Daily Fever: Jacory Harris Struggles, Matures

After starting the season with over 650 yards passing and five touchdowns in the two wins against Florida State and Georgia Tech, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Two North Carolina Teams Hurting The Conference

In a fairly disappointing season for the ACC, two programs falling way below expectation have been North Carolina and NC State.

SEC Daily Fever: Tebow Shuns The Media

An interesting scenario happened after the Florida win at Mississippi State; Tim Tebow did not meet with the media.

Spotlight On The Classic City: Athens, Georgia

Spotlight On The Classic City: Athens, Georgia This week I’d like to shine a spotlight on Athens, Georgia. Like many, I graduated from The read more...

ACC Daily Fever: FSU Gets A Much Needed Victory, But Bowden Still Under Scrutiny

It looked like the Florida State season was about to spiral out of control last night, as the Seminoles trailed 24-6 at North Carolina early in the third quarter. But read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Team In Turmoil #1 - Washington Redskins

We knew it was going to be a tough year for several SPF teams. We are going to spend some time this week on a few individual teams to give a sense of their respective level of desperation. Our first team is the Washington Redskins. Their fall might be the read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Should Florida be on Upset Alert?

Is this the one? Even though the Florida Gators have won two of the last three National Titles, they lost a surprising game in the middle of both of those seasons. Urban read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Tech battle will decide Coastal Division

The Coastal Division could get very interesting on Saturday if Georgia Tech can beat favored Virginia Tech at home in Atlanta. That result would net a three-way tie read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Bengals Blackout?

The Bengals have had a dream season so far. They've beaten their arch rival (Steelers). They've beaten their in state rival. They are a last minute tipped pass away from being undefeated, but they are still at 4-1 and lead the AFC North.

SPF Daily Rating: Saints Fever Sweeping the Gulf Coast

As we predicted, it has been a pretty dire year for SPF teams. Even one of our playoff locks, the Tennessee Titans, is surprisingly winless and going nowhere fast. The best news amongst our SPF teams comes from the Saints who made an off season commitment to read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Will LSU's Running Game Beat Florida?

Prime time national television audience, Baton Rouge, #1 vs. #4; this one should be fun. That’s the scenario as Florida travels to LSU amid questions read more...

ACC Daily Fever: FSU Prepares for Georgia Tech Amid Bowden Debate

It’s been quite a week in Tallahassee. With everyone voicing an opinion on the future of Bobby Bowden, there have been more than enough read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Blank Talks About A New Stadium In Atlanta For Falcons

Amidst a serious economic downturn, Falcons owner Arthur Blank has again begun engaging in public discussion about a new stadium to replace the Georgia Dome. The fact read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Del Rio Keeps Playing Silly Games #3

We guess Jack Del Rio's two game win streak has further emboldened him. After already playing silly media games with players on two different occasions (here and read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Are the Cowboys and Texans Going In Opposite Directions?

As always, there is panic in Cowboy Nation. Panic like this always ensues when their beloved team isn't undefeated or at least in the top half read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Saints Look Consistent, Perhaps Elite At 4-0

It's early, but the 2009 New Orleans Saints look like a very, very good team. No one has ever questioned this team's read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Against His Wishes, This Will Be Bobby Bowden's Final Season at FSU

It might not be "official" yet, but 2009 will be Bobby Bowden's last season a Florida State's head coach.

SEC Daily Fever: LSU's Tight Win Sets Up SEC Mega-Clash

It may not have been the most well played game, but what a finish we all got to see in Athens Saturday. LSU led Georgia 6-0 after three quarters, read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Del Rio Cancels Garrard's Radio Show

We hate piling on, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio has been asking for it. Just recently, we wrote about Del Rio's penchant for playing silly games - most read more...

Lynyrd Skynyrd On The Tube This Weekend

Lynyrd Skynyrd will appear on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Friday, October 2nd performing their new single, “Simple Life.”

SPF Daily Rating: Jaguars to Orlando?

Orlando Sentinel sports columnist, Mike Bianchi, made some big sports news today when he reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars might be looking to move

SPF Daily Rating: Dolphins Trade for Thigpen

The Miami Dolphins wasted no time replacing injured QB Chad Pennington by trading for former Chiefs and Coastal Carolina QB Tyler Thigpen in the wake of Pennington's decision to have read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Chad Pennington to Miss Season

Although they don't want to officially announce it yet because of a possible misdiagnosis, the immediate signs are that Dolphins QB Chad Pennington will miss the 2009 season with a shoulder read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Is Bama the league's top dog?

Florida still has the #1 spot in the national polls, but many believe Alabama is staking a claim as the best team in the read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Another rough weekend

The negative theme continued Saturday for the ACC as Florida State lost to South Florida, while

SPF Daily Rating: Texas Stadium RIP

Last night, the Irving (TX) City Council approved the funds to demolish Texas Stadium. Lost in all the hype of the new Cowboys Stadium, it's hard to believe that a place with so read more...

SPF Daily Rating: What if Redskins Lose To Lowly Lions? Bye, Bye Zorn

It's the unthinkable times two. The first unthinkable is that an NFL team can finish 0-16. That already happened with last year's Detroit Lions. Now that the Lions are 0-2 to start the 2009 season, the question starts - "who will they finally read more...

Happy Birthday to Dangerous Dan Toler

A very happy birthday wish goes out to former Allman Brother “Dangerous” Danny Toler who turns 61 today. Dan shares a birthday with

SPF Daily Rating: Del Rio Playing Silly Games in Jacksonville

In what should be a small story, Jags coach Jack Del Rio has brought back WR Nate Hughes to the practice squad after cutting him on read more...

Video of the Day: Lynyrd Skynyrd On The Tonight Show Last Night

Skynyrd played their new single "Simple Life" on The Tonight Show last night. If you missed it, here's your chance to see it. This is the entire show. Just click on the final segment bar (around the 39 minute mark.) Sorry for all the commercials. It's beyond my read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Lack of Playmakers Leave Florida Teams Winless

"I'm not interested in Pro Bowl players, I'm interested in world champions." "[I'm interested in 'non-talent issues' [namely] the hustle, the effort, the technique, the fundamentals, all of those things." The above quotes read more...

SPF Daily Rating: The Saints Roll Again Behind Smart Decisions

The New Orleans Saints keep their high powered offense rolling once again as they went into Philadelphia and smoked the Eagles 48-22. What read more...

Lynyrd Skynyrd On TV Tonight

Just a quick heads up for all the Free Birds. Lynyrd Skynyrd will appear on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien tonight, September 21. They will be performing their new read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Houston Texans Don't Like Being Called "Soft"

To say the Houston Texans have been disappointing since entering the NFL as a expansion team in 2002 would be an understatement. In a way, however, everything about the Texans seems understated, including their presence on the field according to those who have been calling read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Jacksonville Mayor Makes Personal Plea For Fans To Buy Jags Tix

The Jaguars lost an astonishing 17,000 season ticket holders between this season and last. Expectations are that most of their games will be blacked out locally. So who have the Jags turned to?

ACC Daily Fever: Is Miami's Defense Ready For Prime Time?

ACC Daily Fever is the top ACC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. A year ago, Miami simply not ready for Georgia Tech’s running attack. The Jackets totaled 472 yards on the ground on the way to a 41-23 victory. read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Hogs-Dawgs Could Be The SEC Game of The Weekend

SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. One of the more interesting matchups of the weekend has to be Georgia traveling to Arkansas. (Give Mark Richt credit - his tough schedule has kept his team on read more...

SPF Daily Rating: Delhomme Under Fire In Carolina

Things are getting ugly in Charlotte and Carolina for Panthers QB Jake Delhomme. Delhomme is getting major flack from fans. read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Chizik Tries To "Manage" Auburn Fans' Expectations

SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. Auburn fans have had more than a little frustration with their offense over the last few seasons.

ACC Daily Fever: FSU's Players Call Closed Door Meeting

ACC Daily Fever is the top ACC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. It doesn’t affect their ACC title hopes, but the BYU contest in Provo Saturday could become Florida State’s most important game of the season.

SPF Daily Rating: The Falcons Display Winning Formula in Week One

The Atlanta Falcons have opened 2009 just like they did 2008 - by winning decisively. The main difference is that they beat the ultimately 0-16 read more...

ACC Daily Fever: Miami Works Long Hours To Stop Tech's Running Game

ACC Daily Fever is the top ACC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. We wrote last week about how tough it would be for Clemson

Complete Guide To Lynyrd Skynyrd Launched

We are very happy to present the latest in our Six Degrees of Swampland series, a complete guide to every article related to Lynyrd Skynyrd on the site. In addition, we have tossed in read more...

Lynyrd Skynyrd Feedback

Hi Guys - Thank you for all of he comments, e-mails and calls regarding my review of Lynyrd Skynyrd's latest album. Seems like our readership is divided about 50/50 on whether ol' Buffalo crossed some imaginary line read more...

Widespread Panic's Todd Nance Calls From Chicago

Widespread Panic’s Todd Nance Courtesy Call With all the current and upcoming excitement regarding this

Today's Conversation with Widespread Panic Bassist Dave Schools Regarding Current Tour with The Allman Brothers Band

Widespread Panic Bassist Discusses Tour with Allman Brothers Band An hour or so ago I just got off the phone with

Artimus Pyle Acquitted

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Artimus Pyle, the long time drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, was acquitted Friday of read more...

Rare Photos of Skynyrd & Rossington Collins Band Added to Scrapbook

Hi there sports fans. I am very excited about the latest page of photos added to the Legends of Southern Rock Photo Scrapbook, There are some pics of the original

ACC Daily Fever: FSU's Offense Continues to Raise Concerns

ACC Daily Fever is the top ACC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. It seems that Bobby Bowden is not too happy with his read more...

SEC Daily Fever: Latest On Julio Jones and Alabama

SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. It's the story that just won't go away in Alabama.

ACC Daily Fever: Two More QBs to leave the "U"

ACC Daily Fever is the top ACC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. An interesting story broke today in Coral Gables as two more quarterbacks read more...

SEC Daily Fever: How will Kiffin's offense fare in Year 1?

SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. As expected, Tennessee has named senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton the read more...

A Virtual Gravesite Tour of Skynyrd, The Allmans and Marshall Tucker

The past few years have held quite a bit of sadness for lovers of Southern Rock. There have been so many deaths in our extended family. But one fact remains. We will always remember our late brothers and sisters. Always. In keeping with that thought, we are pleased read more...

Hank William's, Jr's Best Album in Years, New Scrapbook Pics Lynyrd Skynyrd 1971

After eleven years of listening to new CD releases in country and Southern Rock I admit I have become somewhat jaded. It takes something really special to stop me in my tracks. Well campers, that is exactly what happened with the new release from the living legend Hank Williams, Jr read more...

New Lynyrd Skynyrd Single Rocks Hard

The new single from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s soon to be released album is called “Still Unbroken,” and it is a balls out rocker. When I first cranked it on my stereo I was read more...

Classic Allman, Skynyrd and More Added To Legends Scrapbook

Greetings from South Carolina! Today I am happy to present yet another page of historic Southern Rock photographs in our ongoing Legends of Southern Rock Photo Scrapbook. Great old pictures of Gregg and Duane Allman, Toy and Tommy Caldwell, Ronnie Van Zant, Bonnie Bramlett read more...

Molly Hatchet's John Galvin Loses Home To Fire

Our good friend and keyboard man for Molly Hatchet John Galvin and his wife lost there home to a house fire on June 30, 2009. The good news is they are okay as are their pets. John also reports that the read more...

New CD Reviews include Ronnie's Daughter Tammy Van Zant

Be sure to check the GRITZ CD reviews page for a couple of new postings. We have a review of the newly remastered classic Creendence Clearwater Revivial album The Concert as well as a review of read more...

Skynyrd On Stage 1974 Added To Legends Scrapbook

The Scrapbook just keeps getting bigger! Check out page nine, with some never before seen Lynyrd Skynyrd concert shots from 1974. Here's the read more...

Butch Trucks Reflects On 2009 Beacon Run

There's no doubt in my mind that The Allman Brothers Band's 2009

For Better or Worse, the Jaguars are Jack Del Rio’s Team

If Jacksonville does not succeed in 2009, there is no one left to blame outside of head coach Jack Del Rio. After the 2006 season, he fired most of the offensive assistants. Following a lackluster 5-11 campaign in 2008, the Jags let GM James Harris go and replaced half of the read more...

Revisiting Lynyrd Skynyrd of 2003; Ean, Billy and Hughie

I was looking through the archives of our old GRITZ print magazine when I happened across a review of a show I saw in Clemson, SC where 38 Special opened for

New Scrapbook Photos Feature Lynyrd Skynyrd

Happy Saturday, y'all. It's "Free Comic Book Day," so be sure to hit your local comic shop on the way to go see X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Just know that while the film is a good action movie, they have changed the whole history from what we all learned in read more...

Cowboy are Our Latest "Legends of Southern Rock"

Tommy Talton is really blazing a comeback trail and sounding great, and many of us who have been fans for years couldn't be happier. Today we pay tribute to his "old band" Cowboy, a group that just happens to be one of my all time favorites. Today they enter the GRITZ

New Live EP From Derek Trucks Band Will Only Be Available in Indie Record Stores

I was simply blown away by Derek Trucks during the recent Beacon run, and have be re-visiting his older read more...

In Defense of Jay Cutler: Why Most SPF Teams Still Don't Get It

I wish it hadn't come to this [trading Cutler]. I'm disappointed. . . . It's a sad day for one of the elite franchises in football and all the Broncos fans, and I'm sad - John Elway The saga of Jay Cutler has mesmerized the NFL landscape just like Brett Favre did read more...

Beacon Wrap Up: Guest Artists Remember The Allman Brothers Band 2009 Beacon Run

The 40th Anniversary Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band continues, but sadly, their phenomenal 20th year Beacon run has come to an end. (Of course, those who read more...

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 28, 2009

The powers that be were playing some mighty fine music through the p.a. prior to the show, Edgar Winter’s White Trash, Robbie Robertson, Buffalo Springfield... It really set the mood for a great night. That ,and seeing

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 27, 2009

The Duane slide show never gets old, and you never know what song The Allman Brothers will play while it is being projected. Tonight it all began with a rousing read more...

The Allman Brothers Band: A Different Point of View from Swampland's James Calemine

James Calemine, a long time contributor to GRITZ, as well as many other publications, including Hittin' The Note, is the man behind the

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 26, 2009

"We'll reach the end well all be singin And well all be friends Back where it all begins..." Tonight was forty years to the day that the band played their first gig in Jacksonville, Florida, so we all knew it would be something read more...

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 24, 2009

The curtain came up, the brother Duane slide show started up, and the Allmans kicked off tonight’s show with “Hot ‘Lanta,” one of my old favorites, read more...

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 23, 2009

The rumors were flying once again. Some thought that Dickey Betts would join the band tonight, while others were speculating on everyone from

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 21, 2009

Saturday night in New York City at 74th and Broadway. Everyone seemed to still be trying to get over the two back to back Eric Clapton jams. No small wonder. Both were just off the charts good. But then came the question, who’s next?

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 20, 2009

Friday night’s Beacon extravaganza began with the Duane slide show backed by “Little Martha,” this time played by Oteil Burbridge solo, on bass. It was pretty awesome. Beautiful read more...

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 19, 2009

The rumors were raging again. Lots of talk about Eric Clapton. Lots of anticipation. No doubt. The curtain came up, the Duane Allman slide show paid tribute to Skydog while Derek Trucks and

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 17, 2009

Excitement was in the air tonight, especially for me. I had known for some time that Tommy Talton and

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 16, 2009

I was speaking to a friend (I can’t say who right now, it’s a surprise) late this afternoon and he told me he had run into Bonnie Bramlett and Bekka Bramlett on the street read more...

The Allman Brothers Beacon Run: Ready for Round Two

Well, The Allman Brothers Band moved read more...

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 13, 2009

There was nothing but “good luck” flying around New York’s famed Beacon Theatre tonight, even if it was Friday the 13th. Jason was no where to be found. The usual

Quarter Notes: Derek Trucks welcomes Bobby Whitlock; Brothers of The Southland Arrive; Tommy Talton Band Rocks

The Derek Trucks Band welcomed a very special read more...

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 12, 2009

I heard from a few people that they thought Monday’s show was amazing but that Tuesday’s was weak. I disagree. I thought both were great. That being said, I honestly feel that tonight’s show was the best so far in the run, and read more...

All New Butch Trucks Interview Posted, Six Degrees of Swampland features Allman Brothers Band

Greetings. Well, the Beacon run continues tonight, and we'll be watching and listening. If the first two shows are any indication, we are in for even more southern fried goodness tonight. Allman Brothers month continues at GRITZ with our brand new interview with Allman read more...

The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon, March 9, 2009

It was truly one hot Spring night at the newly refurbished Beacon Theatre in New York City last night as The Allman Brothers Band kicked off their 40th Anniversary spectacle, read more...

We Celebrate The Allman Brothers Band During The Month of March

I am extremely happy to announce that March is Allman Brothers Band month here at GRITZ. In celebration of The Brothers' 40th Anniversary and their upcoming Beacon run,

Latest Rolling Stone Brings Back The Good Stuff with Derek Trucks Piece

Well, I am sitting here drinking some tea and looking out the office window at the snow drifting down and covering everything in pure white. Snow is such a calming thing. So quiet.

From the GRITZ Vaults: It's Good to Be The King; Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd

Today I was listening to some random CDs, and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Second Helping came on. I had not heard it in a while, and it was sounding so good, it brought back a lot of read more...

Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere: Derek Hess Talks About Rossington Collins, Drumming and Ronnie Van Zant

Derek Hess is one of the true “unsung heroes” of Southern Rock. He was smack-dab in the middle of the whole Jacksonville scene during the glory days of the seventies, and after the Lynyrd Skynyrd airplane crash, when Gary Rossington and Allen Collins decided to form a read more...

SEC vs ACC: Clemson and South Carolina Try to Make the Palmetto State Relevant

In continuing our look at the states with both ACC and SEC teams, we move to the Palmetto State, where a ton of changes occurred in the offseason.

SEC vs ACC: Georgia and Georgia Tech Battle for Peach State Supremacy

With recruiting classes signed and spring practices approaching, it’s a good time to look at states in the Swampland Footprint that share SEC and ACC teams. We’re going to start in the Peach State, where a long time

Frynds: My Favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd and Friends Videos

Welcome to my Lynyrd Skynyrd video blog. Today, I just wanted to share a few of my favorite YouTube videos of the band jamming with some of their rowdy read more...

From The GRITZ Vaults: Remembering The Early Years of Lynyrd Skynyrd

I'm not sure that everyone realizes just how deep the reading can go here at Swampland. It amazes me sometimes, and I did most of the writing! With all of the talk about the passing of brother

Xmas in February for Southern College Football Fans (SEC, Big 12, ACC, Big East)

It’s finally here! National Signing Day is upon us, and this is the time where quality programs establish themselves for the upcoming years. The welcoming of a new recruiting class energizes fans and provides coaches with the opportunity to show that their school will be-or read more...

The Future of Lynyrd Skynyrd

I still find it hard to believe that Billy Powell is gone. What a great musician, and from all the

Mack Brown and the Longhorns Must Judiciously Draw Talent from their Texas Base

Water is wet, the sky is blue, and the University of Texas is working on another top-notch recruiting class. The Longhorns Mine Their State's Natural Talent Base Most BCS schools try to comb their region (if not the read more...

UNC's Butch Davis Challenges the ACC to Rival the SEC

With the rapid approach of National Signing Day, we’ve focused recently on the critical lifeblood known as recruiting. One of the new players that has emerged in read more...

SB Sunday Reflections on the SPF Season: Teams Fell Short; Dungy & Gruden Gone

As the Footprint wakes to a Sunday featuring the 43rd Super Bowl hosted by one of our great Swampland cities, it gives us a chance to reflect on the past SPF season. Although five of our 13 SPF teams made the playoffs, none made any noise since they all were "one and read more...

More Lynyrd Skynyrd News: Alabama License Plates, Tammy Van Zant Sings

Go Alabama! And I ain't talking about the Tide (this time!) The state now features new auto plates with "Sweet Home Alabama" on them. What a tribute to Lynyrd read more...

To Stewart Mandel, We Say, "SEC Coaching Dollars Make Sense"

Chalk SI.com's Stewart Mandel as the latest member of the national media that just doesn’t understand the culture of the SEC football landscape. Mandel's latest involves

The Swampland Tribute to Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd

The response to my simple request was overwhelming. I asked a few "brothers and sisters" of the road to share their thoughts on the passing read more...

Lane Kiffin is Already Making an Impact on the SEC (and Paul Finebaum)

A few weeks ago, I wrote how I thought Tennessee and Lane Kiffin were going to be a great fit for each other. There was quite a bit of criticism for a major power in the SEC choosing a read more...

Lynyrd Skynyrd Pianist Billy Powell Has Died

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s keyboard player and our friend Billy Powell has died. According to insider sources, he started experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing and called 911 at 12:55 a.m. this morning. When EMS arrived at his

Lynyrd Skynyrd's Best Songs of All Time

Ain't no other band like Lynyrd Skynyrd. That's just a fact. Hard core fact, brothers and sisters. This group has put out some or rock and roll's most enduring music, so when I sat down to make my list of the

Mainstream South Contest Winners Announced

Well folks, the response to our Mainstream South CD giveaway was amazing. Thanks to all who entered. Unfortunately, we only have ten of these autographed editions to give away. I spent the better part of two hours choosing the winners, and have posted them below. As read more...

Dungy and the Colts Both Needed a New Direction

A good thing happened in Indy on Monday – Tony Dungy retired from the NFL to spend more time with his family in Tampa Bay. It’s nice to see the veteran head coach pursue his dream read more...

Former Lynyrd Skynyrd Extended Family Members Release Rocking Instrumental Album

Some of our favorite old school Southern Rockers have recorded an album that may come as a bit of a surprise. Rossington Collins Band members Barry Lee Harwood and Derek Hess along read more...

Ole Miss and LSU Cruise; Alabama and South Carolina Snooze

Overall it’s been a pretty good bowl season for the SEC, going 5-2 with Florida left to play in the National Title Game. The highlights include Mississippi and Houston Nutt getting a

Ean Evans of Lynyrd Skynyrd Diagnosed with Cancer

We are sad to report the news that Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Ean Evans has been diagnosed with cancer.. We received word today from both band members, friends and fans. While we do not read more...

Lane Kiffin fits the Vols and the SEC

Tribal Fever did a great job of presenting the challenge that is coaching in the 21st century SEC. I wanted to focus on the Tennessee job where Phil read more...

SEC and Big 12 Championship Game Reax

The college football regular season ended by giving us the matchup that made the most sense--the SEC Champion vs. the Big 12 Champion. The BCS title game should be a high-scoring, exciting affair and one that all of the fans in our Swampland footprint will appreciate. Florida will read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Fourteen): NFC South Showdowns!

We had to take a couple of weeks off due to technical issues with the site. Check out our Faulkner-inspired T.I. Poll to see how the teams rank. On to this week's read more...

Swampland Footprint National Title: Big 12 vs. SEC

So it’s Oklahoma that gets the chance to represent the Big 12 South in Kansas City, and they will probably get a shot at the National title with a victory. Of read more...

Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday

1. It has finally happened. For the first time since 1982, the Vanderbilt Commodores will be eligible to go to a bowl. Vandy rode D.J. Moore read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Eleven): Key Swampland Showdowns in Jax, DC, and Indy!

After four SPF teams have byes last week (Dallas, Washington, Tampa Bay, and Cincinnati), we are heading into the home stretch. Intra-division matchups will determine playoffs berths. This week our two SPF NFC East teams and the entire AFC South face off. As read more...

Remembering Berry Oakley

"Oakley and I were both young adults when we met, and we were both still searching for our style of playing. He had so much insight and vision. I was playing night clubs, and I was making what would be the equivalent now of about $3000 a week. Back then it was about $600 a read more...

Classic Photos: Mark Emerick and BHLT

Once upon a time there was an absolutely killer Southern Rock band called BHLT, made up of Dickey Betts, Jimmy Hall, Chuck Leavell and Butch Trucks, along with "Rook" Goldflies on bass and Danny Parks on fiddle. I have heard several boots of these guys, as well as read more...

The Mudcrutch Story

The Mudcrutch Story Airs Tonight 11/11/08 Today Tom Petty's band read more...

Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday

1. After all of the Nick Saban drama last week in Baton Rouge, we finally got a close game from a SEC marquee matchup. Alabama and LSU staged a very hard-fought battle, but as we’ve written about so much this season in the SEC, the quarterback play was the difference. Alabama read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Ten): Byes Galore

Four SPF teams have byes this week (Dallas, Washington, Tampa Bay, and Cincinnati). There are only a few good-looking games on the schedule. The rest, outside of a select few, look like virtual byes - either be easy wins or sad losses. As Always, SPF teams in read more...

End of an Era in Knoxville and the SEC

The Dean of SEC football coaches, Phillip Fulmer, announced on Monday that he would agree with the University of Tennessee’s decision for him no to return for the 2009 season. It was one of the

Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday

1. Wow – what an instant classic in the Lonestar State. Texas Tech pulled off an amazing upset of #1 Texas with one second to go and sent their raucous fans read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Nine): SPF Inter-league Barometer Time

Carolina and New Orleans have bye weeks. There's one Swampland Showdown. The rest of today's Slate features matchups between SPF teams and the rest of the NFL. There is a chance that SPF teams can go undefeated this week sending a huge message to the rest of the read more...

Saturday's Slate: Top Games in Each Conference Will Decide Champions

Georgia and Florida in Jacksonville The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party has more at stake than ever – read more...

Tuesday Tastings (Week 8): Midway Point

Thanks to Patrick "Snowman" Snow's item early Monday morning, he helped us cover a lot of ground for our tastings. Without any further waiting... FINGER-LICKIN' read more...

Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Sunday

1) The Titans and Colts will go at it on Monday Night Football in the Music City. Tennessee comes into the game undefeated and looks to deliver the ultimate knockout blow to the usual AFC South Champ. The

Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday

1) The biggest difference between teams in the SEC this season is simply quarterback play. Alabama, Georgia, and Florida came into the season with experienced/quality signal callers, and they have been the class of the league. Lack of experience or just poor play at quarterback has read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Eight): Big Games in Big D, Music City

Finally, we have a few big games to savor. As Always, SPF teams in CAPS with (Week 7's T.I. Poll Ranking) TAMPA BAY (4) @ DALLAS (1) - This pivotal Swampland read more...

Tuesday Tastings (Week 7): Rams Recognized, while Dallas Declines

It was a tough week of football in SPF land. Two of our teams were off (Jacksonville and Atlanta) and several others played like they were taking the week off. FINGER LICKIN' GOOD St. Louis Rams - It is time to read more...

Thirty One Years Ago Tonight: Remembering Ronnie Van Zant and Co.

Every year at this time, my mind goes back to The Greenville Memorial Auditorium, 1977. It was 31 years ago tonight. As I type, it is 7:30 PM, and I remember it like it was yesterday. I was so excited at the age of 20 to be attending a concert by one of my favorite rock bands. I was read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Seven): Find Some Magic

With only four games worthy of interest and two teams off (Atlanta and Jacksonville), we are looking for a little magic in our Sunday Slate. The NFL usually provides a few unexpected surprises. Maybe this is that week. It certainly won't be hard with entertaiment read more...

Tuesday Tastings (Week 6): Burt Reynolds Loves The Falcons!

It was a very weird week in SPF land. Many teams lost games they weren't expected to lose. A few others had surprising wins. (The Titans were off so they don't get included this week.) FINGER LICKIN' read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Six): The "Must Wins" Begin

The NFL is a game of inches. Each week matters. The stories of each of our SPF teams are told as the season unfolds. There have been enough games to know that this week has more than a few teams in desperation mode. Simply put, more than a few of our teams read more...

Tuesday Tastings (Week 5): Nothing Is Easy

St Louis was off last week, so we are spared another missive on how terrible they are. The good news is that their temporary absence sways our SPF teams well into the positive over all. The best of our teams are living by a simple rule - nothing comes easy in SPF read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Five): Separation Sunday

This week doesn't have the same drama as a Cowboys/Redskins weekend, but SPF teams pushing towards the playoffs, a solid 8 of 15, can further prove their mettle this week by taking care of business. As Always, SPF teams in CAPS with (Week 4's

So Caught Up In 38 Special

I could listen to "So Caught Up in You" every single day of my life, and never get tired of it. There are just certain songs like that with me. "Layla" is another one, and so is "American Pie" and "Ramblin' Man." 38 Special have been read more...

Tuesday Tastings (Week 4): Hail To the Redskins!

Since Miami and Indy had byes this past week, we're leaving them off our weekly Tastings dispatch. That still leaves us with 11 samplings of varied quality. Let's start off with the best of the bunch... FINGER LICKIN' read more...

Big & Rich Rock My Monday Night; Jimmy Farrar Health Update

As I write this little ol' blog, I am tapping my number 13's on the hard wood floor, watching Big & Rich in concert on Direct TV and they are just ripping it up. Dang I love them guys. They combine elements of country, Southern Rock, classic rock and anything else that fits into read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Four): Cowboys vs Indians, er Redskins

Week Four features the only classic pro football rivalry in the Footprint. That's reason enough to tune in. Two of our teams have byes (Indy and Miami) and several others have critical games. We will quickly break it down for you. As Always, SPF read more...

Tuesday Tastings (Week 3): We're Dolphin-safe now, but the Goat, er Ram, is Smoked

After getting a full-sized Sunday helping of SPF games, some things have improved while others took a turn for the worse. "Finger Lickin' Good" Yum, yum. These teams served it up on Sunday leaving their fans hungry read more...

The Sunday Slate (Week Three): The NFC South Goes North While the AFC South Faces Off

Week 3 doesn't feature as many interesting games as last week, but the AFC South faces off and the NFC South heads up north. As Always, SPF teams in CAPS with (Week 2's T.I. Poll Ranking) Here's a read more...

Our Week Two SPF Tastings: Give Us Some Panther, but Steer Clear of Ram and Bengal

After getting a full-sized Sunday helping of SPF games, not everything we sampled was up to par. Let's do a quick break down in hopes that maybe some of the team cooks can get their wares "Finger Lickin' Good" Although read more...

The SPF Week 2 Slate: Pretender/Contender Separation Begins

It's only Week 2, but many of today's games determine how seasons will unfold for our SPF teams. One game may mean nothing, but two games often represents a trend. Let's start with our inter-SPF matchups. SPF teams in CAPS with (

Fun Music Videos: Winters Brothers, Danny Joe Brown, Charlie Daniels Band and Drive By Truckers with Kelly Hogan

Just for fun, I thought I'd post some very cool YouTube videos. I hope y'all dig 'em. Keep it Real. Keep it Southern. Buffalo

Jimmie Van Zant Delivers His Best Album Yet

Somebody say Hell Yeah! I have just finished reviewing a straight up redneck rock and roll masterpiece. A Southern Rock opus. An infectious, hard driving, down south jukin,' 100 proof Dixie fried winner. And it was recorded by a VanZant. Imagine that. My Name is read more...

"Free Bird" Factoids

There’s a reason why “Free Bird” was named as GRITZ best loved Southern Rock song in history. Actually, there are a lot of reasons. Every 15 seconds, someone, read more...

Jimmy Farrar Hospitalized Following Stroke

I just learned this morning that our friend Jimmy Farrar is in the hospital, following stroke last week. I spoke with Jimmy this morning an he sounds great. He told me that he has limited control over his left side and arm, but with a lot of work, they expect a full read more...

The Cities That Gave Us Southern Rock

I find it interesting just how many of our greatest Southern Rockers come from the same cities. Especially our number one city for Southern Rock, Jacksonville, Florida. Check out our list of the Top Ten read more...

Will Jags' Fans Respond?

An interesting question was asked last week in the local Jacksonville paper regarding the Jaguars and their fans: “What has this team not done to legitimately pursue a Super Bowl read more...

John Galvin of Molly Hatchet Turns in a GRITZ Guest Blog

John Galvin of Molly Hatchet is one of my favorite keyboard players. He is also someone I am proud to call a friend. Over the years, I have discovered his vast diversity in music, which closely mirrors read more...

Random Notes: Bo Diddley, MTV Awards, Boxmasters, Winters Jam

Well, summer has made it to South Carolina, and it's hotter than Angelina Jolie in a sweat lodge. But I ain't complainin’ none. I am pretty tired of the cold.

Skynyrd's Billy Powell Has Emergency Surgery

I just got word that our friend Billy Powell of Lynyrd Skynyrd was forced to have an emergency partial revision hip replacement surgery in Jacksonville, Florida on read more...

New Gator Country Album Recalls Hatchet's Glory Days

I have just had my head blown completely off. No foolin.' I am looking up at my headless body from the floor, where my head landed amongst a stack of lame CDs I am putting on eBay. I don't know how my hands continue to type without seeing what I am doing, but it doesn't read more...

Tom Waits Glitter And Doom Tour Dates (Mostly Southern)

Tom Waits Glitter And Doom Tour Dates Mostly Southern 5/6/08 “Well they call me William the pleaser/I sold opium read more...

Post - NFL Draft Newspaper Wrap Up

We found this article from a week or so back that is about NFL Network being the tail the wags the dog for that league. Swampland Sports has long written now about the ways read more...

Mudcrutch & Gram Parsons' Florida Roots

Mudcrutch & Gram Parsons’ Florida Roots 4/27/08 This

SPF's NFL Draft First Round Log (Live All Day!!)

Next Skynyrd Album Will Have Nashville Influence

Gary Rossington says that Lynyrd Skynyrd plans to include the long bootleged song "Cottonmouth Country" read more...

Skynyrd Will Cruise Again in 2009 with Frynds

I just got word that Lynyd Skynyrd will again host their southern rock cruise called the Simple Man Cruise in January of 2009. This will be the band's third cruise, and will be the first to feature three of southern rock's read more...

Jimmy Farrar: "This Ain't Molly Hatchet !"

I spoke with our buddy Jimmy Farrar today about his band Gator Country. As most of you know, Gator Country is one hot rockin' Florida band that features several past members of

Allmans Postpone Beacon Run as Gregg Allman Heals

The Allman Brothers Band have announced that they are postponing their annual run of 15 shows at New York City’s Beacon Theatre set for May 5-24, with rescheduled dates TBA. In addition, they have read more...

38 Years Ago Tonight: The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band played at Mercer University on this dare, February 27, back in 1970. That’s thirty-eight years ago for those of you keeping score at home. One of my read more...

Let The Sunshine In

I was listening to NPR on Saturday morning when I heard the bluesy sound of an acoustic guitar and a voice that reminded me of a cross between Tom Waits and Elvis Costello (more in mood than in actual vocal comparison.). The voice was that of

Blackfoot is Our Latest "Legends of Southern Rock" Entry

"Highway Song" and "Train, Train," "Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie" and "Wishing Well"- all of these bring to mind the fierce, four man attack of Blackfoot - wildman Rick Medlocke out front, Charlie Hargrett on lead guitar, Greg T. Walker on bass and read more...

Video: Jimmy Johnson and Alan Walden from Lynyrd Skynyrd Documentary

I have been aware of the Lynyrd Skynyrd documentary being filmed by Rick Broyles and Tony Beazley for a few years now, and by all accounts it looks like it will be just the documentary we have all read more...

Weekend Notes and Tom Dowd On Ronnie Van Zant

I really hope everyone is enjoying the new look of GRITZ, as well as our “Mothership” Swampland.com. The powers that be have worked really hard for months on the redesign, and I for one am very pleased with the results. I hope you feel the same. We at read more...

Picture of the Day: Allen Collins with Rossington Collins Band

The late great Allen Collins. This photo from Kent Griffith shows Collins during the first ever concert by Rossington Collins Band.

Adventures In The (Pig) Skin Trade On Super Bowl Sunday

Roving Notes On Super Bowl Sunday 2/3/08 "There is some kind of back-door connection in my head between Super Bowls and The Allman read more...

Picture of the Day: Gary & Dale On Simple Man Cruise

Gary Rossington and his wife Dale Krantz Rossington take a break during January's Simple Man Cruise that brought fans up close and personal with Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as Marshall Tucker, Cowboy Mouth and others.

Allen Collins Band Singer Jimmy Dougherty Has Died

Jimmy Dougherty Sr., 56, passed away on January 20, 2008. He was the singer/song writer of the Allen Collins Band and Alias. He is survived by his read more...

Skynyrd and Hank Return with Rowdy Frynds Tour 2008

(Nashville, TN)- Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best music imaginable when Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, Lynyrd Skynyrd join country music icon, Hank Williams, Jr. for another round of their Rowdy Frynds Tour hitting cities nationwide beginning April read more...

Picture of the Day: Rossington Jam

Today's photo was taken in 1987 during the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour. The Rossington Band was opening. On this night, Steve Morse of The Dixie Dreggs caught a jam with Gary Rossington and

SPF T.I. Poll (Week 19, Part 4): Down By The River

12. Cincinnati Bengals and 13. St. Louis Rams - Our final Poll spots are held by two teams that have a connection via the river culture from which they arose. Like railroad tracks in towns across the south, rivers often appear to be a cultural divide, but they read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week 19, Part 3): Teams at the Crossroads (aka the NFC South)

We've now gone through the first 7 teams in the T.I. Poll. So far, the entire AFC South has been covered as well as the traditional big market teams in Dallas, DC, and Miami. This leaves us with a group that the NFL has neatly placed in a division they call the NFC read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week 19, Part 2): Teams "On the Verge"

This is SPF's group of teams that are "On The Verge" of reaching elite status. They all have challenges, but they are clearly heading in the right direction. 4. Washington Redskins - A lot can happen in a week. The Redskins' read more...

SPF's Divisional Playoffs Pre-Pregame Show (or T.I. Poll Week 19)

There are three SPF teams left in the Super Bowl hunt, but the news doesn't stop with them. Of the 4 current coaching vacancies, SPF has three of them (Miami, Atlanta, and Washington). Signs point to a year of great transition. The SPF footprint has some of the read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Wild Card Weekend Edition)

We're mixing it up again going into the playoffs. In an up and down year, six of the 13 SPF teams made the playoffs. Two, Washington and Tennessee, made it in the final weekend. SPF is rooting for an all-Footprint Super Bowl, and this isn't out of the realm of read more...

SPF's Week Seventeen Pre-Pregame Show

Playoffs and draft slots. It's all on the line in a strange season-ending weekend in the Footprint. EARLY GAMES Jacksonville (11-4, 5-2 away) Houston (7-8, 5-2 home)

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Seventeen)

It's the last week of the NFL season. There isn't much left to be decided. Two SPF teams (Washington and Tennessee) can get in the postseason fun if they win. We expect them to do so if only because they are playing two other SPF teams (Dallas and Indy) who are read more...

Outlaws to Tour in 2008; Picture of the Day, Classic Outlaws

The Outlaws, who had just finished recording a new album when founding member Hughie Thomasson passed away, have announced that they will tour early in 2008. The lineup will include original members Henry Paul and Monte Yoho. Dates for the tour are expected to be posted soon at

SPF's Week Sixteen Pre-Pregame Show

SATURDAY NIGHT Dallas (12-2, 6-0 away) Carolina (6-8, 2-5 home) NFL Films Video Preview This is a much better read more...

Picture of the Day: Grinderswitch

A classic photo of Capricorn Records recording artists, Grinderswitch, Dedicated to the memories of Dru Lombar, Joe Dan Petty and Stephen Miller.

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Sixteen)

SPF laid down the gauntlet before last weekend's games. Many teams answered the bell. With two games left in the regular season, teams out of the playoff picture may have as much to play for as those that are in. Don't sleep SPF fans, there is still much to be read more...

SPF's Week Fifteen Pre-Pregame Show

It has been a largely disappointing season for SPF, but these final weeks can redeem or further decimate a team's momentum for 2008. There are three shoe-in playoff teams in the Footprint - Dallas, Indy, and Tampa. Two others (Jacksonville and Tennessee) have to keep read more...

In defense of Bobby Petrino (and Arkansas)

Tribal Fever prides itself about being on the pulse of college sports in the Footprint. We aren't here to sugarcoat it in any way. College football is king down here. Everything else runs a distant second. In that light, we want to set the record read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Fifteen)

SPF will say it - this has been a very tough year for pro football in the Swampland Footprint. Of our 13 teams, more than half of them have been in serious disarray. At best only 5 or 6 teams will have a clear direction heading into 2008. Most will be going back to read more...

SPF's Week Fourteen Pre-Pregame Show

SPF has been beating a few drums this year, but one is about letting players play. Coaches coach systems. GMs find players to fit into these systems (or in the case of special players, systems are designed for their talents). Except for read more...

John Sayles Interview

Mystery & Manners John Sayles Interview 12/8/07 On Thursday I interviewed John Sayles. Sayles' new movie Honeydripper was filmed in Alabama. Honeydripper read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Fourteen)

SPF has looked at the coach/QB relationship. Now, it's time to look at the owner/coach relationship. When this relationship is good, everything clicks for the fans. The fans want to see the coach as an extension of the owner, an extension that helps build a bridge read more...

SPF's Week Thirteen Pre-Pregame Show

While Tribal Fever nation witnessed their conference championships this weekend, SPF has found a few of their own. There are four key head to head matchups in the SPF footprint this week - two of which will probably decide the winner of the AFC and NFC South. Our other read more...

TF Conference Championship Preview

Today is the day we find out whether it will be an all-Swampland matchup in the BCS Championship Game. If all goes according to plan it should be Missouri vs. West Virginia. Still, there are a few other game worth watching. It has been a great year for college read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Thirteen)

Coaching changes. They happen every year even though it seems as though jobs are more than safe. Changes are usually made because the coach no longer has the confidence of the fans. Once that occurs, the owner is left with little choice. As long term, one read more...

SPF's Week Twelve Pre-Pregame Show

Leadership. Is it there? The leader(s) of each SPF team define that team to their fans. Already, Thanksgiving solidified a sense of leadership between coach and QB with both the Colts and their Manning/Dungy duo and the Cowboys with their Wade/Romo combination read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Twelve)

SPF often talks a team's style when it comes to identity. Style, though, is kind of a catch all. Dig a little deeper and it comes down to coaching and, of course, a team's QB. This week seems like a good one to put the QB position under the read more...

SPF's Week Eleven Pre-Pregame Show

This week, more than any other this NFL season, the fan will find out who their teams are. Are teams going to the playoffs? Will they be Super Bowl contenders? Are they on the rise even if playoffs aren't likely? We shall see.

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Eleven)

Week Ten was a very weird football weekend. Many of the SPF teams lost games. Few had important wins. It just seems like this was a week to stumble. Desperation might be the biggest factor in any NFL game. The teams that are desperate have an edge read more...

Cowboy Take Me Away: The Scott Boyer Interview

GRITZ is happy to present an exclusive interview with one of the South's finest musicians and human beings, Scott Boyer. From his early bands in Florida with members of The Allman Brothers Band, to his highly successful Capricorn Records band with Tommy Talton, Cowboy, Scott gives read more...

Picture of the Day: Jimmie Van Zant at CMA Awards

Jimmie Van Zant and his wfe Zohra at CMAs talking about his new upcoming CD My Name is Jimmie.

SPF's Week Ten Pre-Pregame Show

SPF will stick by this point - no team set the NFL back more than the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. This "champion" brought the worst part of hip-hop's "thug" culture to NFL through the real life violence of Ray Lewis, whose murder acquittal and read more...

TF Saturday Preview: Everything's Still To Be Decided

Patrick Snow has it right. This year's season of college football has shown that it is one of the most compelling sports to follow as a fan, especially in the Footprint.

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Ten)

Everyone knows that football is the dominant sport in the Footprint, but it has always been college dominating the pro variety. The goal of SPF's "Team Identity Poll" is to gauge the connection of each team to their fans. This week, two different studies were read more...

SPF's Week Nine Pre-Pregame Show

It's it the "Clash of the Titans!" The Colts-Pats game deserves the hype that it is getting. Both teams have built long term consistently excellent football teams in the "salary cap era " - something that is supposedly impossible. This read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Eight)

Things continue to settle out in the SPF Footprint. This week's big question is whether the South's best is the NFL's best. The Colts were just that last season, but their old New England nemesis seems to have stolen their thunder again. Here's last week's read more...

SPF's Week Eight Pre-Pregame Show

Much like yesterday's college slate, this week's SPF schedule features teams looking towards the season's end and where they want to be at that point. Teams know that the season is half over at this point and they need to be making their final pushes. The best teams read more...

TF Saturday Preview: Pole, er.. Bowl Position

If you aren't a Florida or Georgia fan, this weekend might be a good one to spend with the kids. This is a pretty thin weekend for good games in the Footprint. That's why Athlon's college football preview spends most of its time previewing games outside our read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Seven)

SPF's season previews are looking pretty good so far. The teams we singled out like the Jags, the Texans, and the Dolphins have shown themselves to be in hot water with their fan base. The Jags and the Texans suffered "must win" losses that neither could read more...

SPF's Week Seven Pre-Pregame Show

Getting on the same page. Coaches and players that have the same sense of urgency signify teams that are winning. The NFL is a business, and like all business deals - interests must align. This is the reason that ownership, the front office, and the coaching read more...

It Was 30 Years Ago Today: Last Flight of The Free Bird

I only saw Lynyrd Skynyrd, the original Lynyrd Skynyrd, in concert one time. It was October 19, 1977, and sadly, it was to be the very last concert for Ronnie Van Zant. I was backstage the read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Six)

Here we are again for SPF's weekly Team Identity Poll. Things have shaken up a bit. We are much closer to how we saw things at the beginning of the season. Let's start with a look at last week's Poll: 1. Dallas Cowboys 2. Indianapolis read more...

Online Radio Station Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd October 20th

Next Saturday, October 20th at 4pm EST tune into

SPF's Week Six Pre-Pregame Show

It's week 6 for the SPF teams. Four teams are basically done, but the rest have critical games that will go a long way to determining how the rest of the season will play out for them. Here's this week's slate (video links courtesy of read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Five)

The rich seem to be getting richer (and the poor, poorer) in the SPF Footprint. There is happiness at the top, confusion in the middle, and desperation at the bottom. Let's start with last week's T.I. Poll 1. Dallas Cowboys 2. Indianapolis read more...

SPF's Week Five Pre-Pregame Show

It's week five in the NFL season. Overall, the SPF Footprint is shaping up to be a year of the haves and have-nots. The Footprint contains two of the NFL's winless teams (Dolphins and Rams) and several other struggling squads. However, we also have two of the best read more...

SPF T.I. Poll (Week Four)

Just like in the college ranks, it was a bit of a crazy week in the SPF Footprint. Right now, there are more bad teams than good, but the good teams are pretty darn good so we guess that evens things out a little. Here's last week's "Team Identity" read more...

SPF's Week Four Pre-Pregame Show

Welcome SPF fans! Here's today's slate. (SPF teams in BOLD) Early Games Dolphins v. Raiders preview Rams @ read more...

SPF T. I. Poll (Week Three)

Back to our weekly gauge of how each SPF team is resonating with its fans. First, let's take a look back at last week's Team Identity Poll: 1. Dallas Cowboys 2. Washington Redskins 3. Indianapolis Colts 4. Tampa Bay Bucs

SPF 's Week Three Pre-Pregame Show

Here we are again. Let Week Three begin! SPF Teams in BOLD Early Games Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (

Hughie Thomasson, Green Grass and High Tides Forever

Well, it took me a little longer than expected to gather the quotes from a few of Hughie's friends for our Hughie Thomasson Memorial page, but hey, most of these guys were tight friends with Hughie, so read more...

SPF Friday Fishwrap-up: the Cowboy/Redskin paradigm

We've just posted a new analysis of the Wayne issue in Florida, Weaver in Jacksonville and Huizenga in Miami. Team Identity is our focus as always. That's why we start our Friday dispatch with read more...

SPF T. I. Poll (Week Two)

Time for our Week Two "Team Identity" Poll. Things keep getting interesting, and that's how we like it. Let's start off with a recap of last week's T.I. Poll: 1. Dallas 2. Indianapolis (tie) 2. read more...

SPF's Week Two Monday: Playmakers making plays

THE "BEATING THE DEAD HORSE" THEME Our theme for this week is similar to last week's - the importance of playmakers. In the Footprint, we all love great coaches. We all love great schemes. However, it usually comes read more...

SPF 's Week Two Pre-Pregame Show

Each week, it will be SPF's pleasure to bring you the best pregame show on the Net. We provide our audience with clips from NFL.COM mixed in with our commentary and insight. Let's run down today's slate of games: Early games (SPF Teams in read more...

SPF Friday Fishwrap-up: LeBatard vs. Galloway

Another great southern tradition is writing. We have a whole section called Discourse that is dedicated to this pursuit. Newpapers (aka fishwraps) around the Footprint have great sportswriters that deserve to be read, and sometimes needled.

Hughie Thomasson Memorial Coming Monday, Watch a Video Now

Hi Gang. We are all still trying to cope with loss of yet another friend and Southern rock icon, Hughie Thomasson. I have been on the phone and e-mail for a couple of days with friends like

SPF's T. I. Poll (Week One)

Team Identity. This is our constant gauge for the success or failure of NFL teams in the South. College football reigns because people see themselves as part of the team. In the Swampland footprint, allegiances don't change at the college level. Coaches read more...

SPF's Week One Monday: Channeling SEC over Big Ten

12 of our 13 SPF teams have played. Only the Bengals remain with a tough Monday Night battle against the Ravens. It's only week one, but let's review what we know. The Swampland footprint loves football. It is part of the culture. However, read more...

Runnin' Down A Dream: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Perform at the New York Film Festival

9/10/07 ...Runnin' Down A Dream: A new Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Film Showing at New York Film Festival ... Tom Petty read more...

Picture of the Day: Hughie Thomasson and Henry Paul Getting Their GRITZ

Here's a shot of Hughie and Henry just after the Outlaws reunion, holding up their print copies of GRITZ Magazine. The photo was taken by staff member Krazy Kenny Mullins. Hughie (like Henry) was a staunch supporter of GRITZ. we will miss him. Godspeed read more...

Hughie Thomasson Has Died

Hughie Thomasson, founding member of The Outlaws, died at his home in Brooksville, Florida on Sunday, September 9, 2007 following a heart attack. He was 55 years old. We last saw Hughie rocking read more...

SPF Week One Game Log

Thursday's game didn't do nearly what yesterday's college slate did to pump us up here at SPF. Our own James Calemine is a little distraught about his Bulldogs going down to the dreaded read more...

Sunday's slate & Long term troubles for the Jags in Jax

Phew! The 2007 previews are finally up. Now we can get down to some regular daily updates at SPF. Tomorrow's slate of games features these inter-SPF read more...

Swampland Sports Six-Pack for the week ending 9/2/07

Your weekly filter for the top sports stories around the South 1. Our biggest story of the week was the biggest in the nation as the whole country has now learned about read more...

Picture of the Day: Blackfoot Strikes Again

This is a photo sent in by a GRITZ reader that features Greg T. Walker, Charlie Hargrett and Bobby Barth of Blackfoot rocking the stage earlier in 2007. Thanks for sending the picture! Buffalo

New "Legends" Feature: The Allman Brothers Band

Dear Y'all, Swampland and Gritz are proud to present the latest in our series of Legends of Southern Rock. The one, the only Allman Brothers Band. I hope you'll check out the feature article and click on all of the links to re-visit our classic ABB related interviews and read more...

Welcome Back!

Greetings to all you football fans around the Swampland footprint! Southern Pro Football is back to cover another NFL season. Patrick Snow and I will be making sure that SPF covers the NFL from a Southern perspective. For all of you that didn't tune into

...A Call To Harry Crews...

7/27/07 One of my heroes remains the Georgia writer Harry Crews. Some of Crews' books such as Feast of Snakes, Florida read more...

CD and DVD releases for week of July 24, 2007

New Releases Billy Bob Thornton Beautiful Door (New Door) Billy Ray Cyrus

IBMA Coming in October

The International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) annual World of Bluegrass takes place in Nashville, Tennessee October 1-7 at the Nashville Convention Center and the Grand Ole Opry House. The week includes the International Bluegrass Music Awards, a business conference and the read more...

New Van Zant CD September 18th

On the heals of their gold CD Get Right With the Man and a Top 10 single, brothers Johnny and Donnie Van Zant are poised to release their sophomore disc My Kind of Country on September 18.

Buffalo Returns, Brings Along Some Ol' Honk

In case anyone is wondering, the ol' Buffalo has been down for the count for a while lately, which explains my lack of blogging. (Now there's a sentence I would have never used even two years ago, LOL) I had to have the old gallbladder removed, and it has been a bit of a read more...

A boom for Jacksonville's economy?

A new day may be dawning in Jacksonville. Long a home for north Florida and south Georgia farmers looking for a better economic future, Jax has been a "deep South" stronghold in read more...

Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs to Appear On New Gospel Album

Charlie Daniels is participating is in a religious-themed CD of contemporary Christian songs done country-style. Time Life is slated to put the 16-song disc produced by Teddy Gentry of Alabama and Mike Curtis in September, according to Curtis. The disc was recorded in Nashville and read more...

We Pay Tribute To The Bad Boys of Southern Rock, Molly Hatchet

There's a gator in the bushes, he's callin' my name! Yep! This week Swampland.com is proud to tip the hat to some of the baddest SOB's ever to sling a Stratocaster, the one and only Molly Hatchet. Check out our latest entry into the Legends of Southern Rock series read more...

All Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd Out This Week

Stars of country, classic rock and southern rock show their respect for one of the greatest bands ever on a new tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd, released this week on the Cleopatra label. The CD features performances by Molly Hatchet, Charlie Daniels, Pat Travers, and read more...