Lynyrd Skynyrd definitely made an im- pact in its Dallas concert Wednesday night. From left are Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington. Concert in review Skynyrd draws crowd into spell By PETE OPPEL ‘Rock Mudie Cride of The News: Lynyrd Skynyrd's concert Wednesday night at Memorial Auditorium was the best example of hypno- tizing, galvanizing rock I've ever witnessed. Skynyrd is not a visual band — its mere stage pres- ence cannot excite. But its audio impact in concert is much greater than it is on vinyl. In other words, Ly- nyrd Skynyrd is a band that must be heard, rather than seen, to appreciate; but you must hear the band in concert to appreciate the complete mesmerizing ef- fects of its music, This effect comes from the band's three guitar players — Gary Rossington and Allen Collins on lead and Leon Wilkenson on bass. There are plenty of guitarists who have more flair and certainly more range than this trio, but ] can't think of another three in one band who can plunge the listener into the murkiest depths of rock the way these three are able to do. Listening to Rossington, Collins and Wilkenson on guitars is like riding a roller coaster that only goes: down. And after their performance is complete, the listener is left with the sensation of falling spread- eagle down a narrow bottomless pit and being sen- fenced to this perpetual state of suspension for eternity, Lynyrd Skynyrd is to its audience as kryptonite is to Superman. The reaction is not paralyzing to the mind, but to the body. Superman may not appreciate kryptonite for itself, but he must admit there is noth- ing else that can accomplish its purpose as well. It's like being dragged against your will to some- thing that should repel instead of attract. The listener is irresistibly drawn because the music sucks the fight from the body. Lynyrd Skynyrd has the ability to create a “Day of the Locust” type of environment and this almost hap- pened at Wednesday's concert. During its encore number, dozens of people began clawing and scratch. ing in an effort to climb on the Stage. It was a horri- ble, ugly sight, but like the music itself, it was en event you couldn't help watch. These hungry, crawl- ing creatures looked like miniature scavangers grasp- ing to ascend an almost dead giant body in an effort to pluck the last bit of life from it. And, although the band was at times virtually buried by the mob, it kept on playing, continued to throb with that bottom-line music, Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert plays primitive rock 'n’ Troll that appeals to the baser instincts In all of us, but no one has played this form of rock better than Sky- nyrd did Wednesday night. It wasn't art, but it was a ‘ masterpiece of the form. The opening band, Wet Willie, has improved tremendously since | first saw the band several years 8go as an opening act for The Allman Brothers. It has tightened its act considerably, performing nine num- bers in SS minutes which could be a record for a southern boogie band. Wet Willie's live rendition of “Keep on Smiling” was outstanding and the group also performed a wonderful song called “Teasing Woman.” . Lead singer Jimmy Hall is at his best when he just ' sings with the tunes instead of trying to overpower | them with soul. If he would be content to let his voice | become just another instrument with the band, ing stead of the lead instrument, Wet Willie could become | an outstanding congregation. . .