The last remaining band member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Rossington, has died aged 71, it was confirmed over the weekend.
Rossington co founded the Southern rock group in 1964, alongside bassist Larry Junstrum, and drummer Bob Burns.
Lynyrd Skynyrd are known for several hits, including their 1971 track, ‘Sweet Home Alabama’.
“brother”
This news was confirmed by the band, who released this statement.
“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”, they wrote.
“Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does”, the statement also added.
Lynyrd Skynyrd subsequently broke up in 1977, following the tragic deaths of guitarist Steve Gaines, lead singer Ronnie Van Zandt, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines in the infamous plane crash of 1977, with Rossington also on board.
The band reformed 10 years later, with Rossington the only original member to feature in the new line up, which also included Van Zandt’s younger brother Steve on vocals, and guitarist Ricky Medlocke.
While a cause of death has yet to be officially announced, Gary Rossington had also been suffering with a series of heart problems, while a positive Covid test also forced the band to cancel several shows in 2021.
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