Lynyrd Skynyrd to release new album

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NEW YORK, May 2 (UPI) -- American rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd is to release its first new studio album in three years this summer, Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records announced Wednesday.

"Last of a Dying Breed" reunites the band with producer Bob Marlette who produced "God & Guns," which was released in September 2009. The new album is set for release Aug. 21.

"It was great to get back in the studio with Bob for this new album," the group's guitarist and only original member, Gary Rossington, said in a statement. "We kind of went back old school this time. All of us playing together in the studio as a band, tracking songs and creating licks. We had a lot of fun and the music really flowed for us, so that's when you know you are on to something good. We can't wait to let the fans hear these songs and play 'em live."

Joining Lynyrd Skynyrd is bass player Johnny Colt, who has played with the Black Crowes, Train and Rockstar Supernova.

When asked about receiving a phone call from guitarist Rickey Medlocke on behalf of Lynyrd Skynyrd to join the band, Colt said: "What else do you say to Medlocke, Rossington and [singer Johnny] Van Zant? We're talking southern rock royalty. We're talking Lynyrd Skynyrd. The only thing out of my mouth was, When and where?"

Lynyrd Skynyrd will be on tour throughout the summer in North America and Europe, the band's label said.