Was There Really A Feud Between Neil Young And Lynyrd Skynyrd?

|
Left: Gary Rossington, Steve Gaines and Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd,on the field before the 1977 Season Opening Atlanta Braves Game. Right: Neil Young on a poster for his 1974 album 'On The Beach.' Sources: Tom Hill/WireImage; Pinterest.

Canadian rocker Neil Young criticizes the American south in a couple of songs; southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd call him out by name in their anthem "Sweet Home Alabama" -- it's one of the most famous feuds in rock history. But was it a feud at all?

Even though fans of the artists want there to be a massive feud between these two titans of the ‘70s, everyone involved says that there was never a feud, just good-natured jabs. But isn’t that what everyone would say when they’re trying to play nice and mitigate a disaster? Getting to the bottom of the Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd rivalry uncovers the way that fandom and regional love can make a good-natured jab into an all-out rivalry.