About Second Helping
Second Helping: The Original Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Show is the longest-running national Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute in the world. They are dedicated to bringing Skynyrd music to you as you remember it. Second Helping began in 1988 in Jacksonville, Florida. Second Helping guitarist Chris McCallister was invited by his friend and Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King to a rehearsal at the Lynyrd Skynyrd rehearsal studio located at Larkin Collins’ office. While attending the rehearsal, Chris asked the members how long they would continue to tour. Various Skynyrd members responded, “Just this year as a tribute to our fans,” Chris responded, “What? Someone ought to do a tribute to you guys!” At that point, some Skynyrd members, especially Gary Rossington, laughed. Rossington said to McCallister, “What, like Beatlemania?” McCallister was embarrassed. McCallister returned home to Clearwater and began writing a tribute show to pay homage to Lynyrd Skynyrd. The result was the first-ever tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since 1988, Second Helping has worked with a few of the Skynyrd guitarists on song parts. Soon thereafter, Second Helping was formed, and it began to sell out shows in Florida. It was listed as one of the JAM magazine’s top bands in Florida. Booking agent Richard Lustig signed the band in 1990, and they began touring the United States, Canada, and Mexico immediately. The band’s popularity soared after appearing in a live concert on MTV. The concert was a benefit for Chris Oliva, former guitarist for Savatage. The band had reached national attention and has enjoyed their success ever since. The band tours regularly and has been billed with some of the nation’s biggest acts, including Toto, Starship, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lee Greenwood, The Guess Who, and The Kentucky Headhunters. Jon Riggs, the band’s frontman, leads the band in its current and best lineup. Jon has Ronnie Van Zant's voice down pat! He accentuates every nuance of RVZ perfectly. He does not miss any of those familiar strains. Second Helping is more than a tribute band; it showcases classic Skynyrd music. Expect an evening that will bring you back to a time of youth, fun, and hope.
