Musicians far and wide have been reacting to the death of co founding Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarish Gary Rossington.
Rossington who co founded the band in 1964 alongside Bob Burns and Larry Junstrum, passed away over the weekend. He was 71 years old.
“It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today”, the band wrote in a statement.
“Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does”.
“especially profound”
Since then, many household names from the world of rock music, and beyond have paid tribute to the late Gary Rossington, including ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, James Hetfield of Metallica, among others.
“Gary Rossington’s loss is especially profound for us as we’ve spent countless hours in his company on tour and all points in between”, Gibbons told Rolling Stone in an interview.
He continued, “We facilitated getting Lynyrd Skynyrd on the bill with ZZ Top at a South Carolina date way back during the start of the band’s rise in ’73, which started an enduring friendship”.
“Gary’s extraordinary ability as a guitarist was nothing less than inspirational. It’s an old cliché about somebody who has paid their dues to call them a ‘survivor,’ and it this case it is literally true. Gary was the last of the breed and will be missed”.
Taking to Instagram, Metallica’s James Hetfield shared a photo of him and Rossington performing on stage together, adding, “RIP Brother Gary. Thank you for bringing me so much joy with your guitar playing and songwriting in one of my all time favourite bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd”.
“Saddened to hear about the passing of the great Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd,” added Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine “The last surviving original member of the legendary band. Rest in Peace, Gary”.
Saddened to hear about the passing of the great Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The last surviving original member of the legendary band. Rest in Peace, Gary. pic.twitter.com/rcN2cUFh6k
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) March 6, 2023
See more tributes to Rossington below.
This cannot be! My heart breaks for Dale Rossington and the entire Skynryd family today.
We have been friends since first touring together in the 70s. We will miss you my friend. Gary Rossington RIP— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) March 6, 2023
This has been worst week in my memory. Literally everyday another legend or friend has passed away. Rest in Peace Gary. Thank you for being so nice to me over the years. pic.twitter.com/icded7xH1F
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) March 6, 2023
Ever since I was a kid I have loved #LynyrdSkynyrd & Gary’s guitar playing. I was fortunate to make a lotta great music with Gary & the boys. We stayed friends for many years. I will miss you. Rest in peace brother. #GaryRossington #RIP pic.twitter.com/pw7hdCBiyh
— John 5 (@john5guitarist) March 6, 2023
Love you, Bubba. Thank you for everything ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pYgsWTtrZM
— Damon Johnson (@DamonJOfficial) March 6, 2023
https://twitter.com/Travistritt/status/1632563769078435841
I send this with all of my heart, prayers & condolences to the family, friends & fans of Gary Rossington. On behalf of my family, he brought a lot of great music & many great memories to so many people. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/3Vs6bkS2K5
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) March 6, 2023