Nashvile, Tenn. ? Lynyrd Skynyrd has postponed eight appearances this month because lead singer Johnny Van Zant has inflamed vocal cords.

The Southern rock band, best known for songs such as “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” announced the tour schedule changes in a posting Thursday on their Web site.

“Johnny Van Zant, found by Vanderbilt Voice Center to be suffering from ‘significant vocal cord inflammation and swelling,’ will be unable to perform several upcoming shows, following doctor’s orders for strict vocal rest,” the statement said.

Concerts had been scheduled in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas and Oklahoma.