Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Last Founding’s Member Gary Rossington Dies

After Ongoing Heart Issues The Renowned Guitarist and Musician Passes

Lynyrd Skynyrd released a statement on the bands facebook page detailing the death of their treasured bandmate. ‘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. Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does.’ Though no cause of death was given, Rossington had heart surgery back in 2021.

The only member to feature on all Lynyrd Skynyrd 7 albums he became the unexpected band torch bearer after surviving a plane crash in 1977 which killed several of his bandmates. But despite set backs and ongoing health issues Rossington refused to leave the stage, stating performing was ‘in his blood’

Gary Rossington.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida in 1951 Rossington formed an early incarnation of LS in 1964. Named Me, You and Him the trio consisted of him, bassist Larry Junstrom and drummer Bob Burns. Releasing their first LS album in 1973 the band quickly hit the mainstream. The album featured the infamous nine-minute track Free Bird. Rossington also co-wrote Sweet Home Alabama as well as Tofeatured the nine-minute track Free Bird, which became one of Skynyrd’s most famous songs. Rossington co-wrote Sweet Home Alabama, a hit from their second album, as well as Things Goin’ On, I Ain’t The One, Gimme Back My Bullets and Don’t Ask Me No Questions.

Lynyrd Skynyrd with Gary Rossington onstage.

After the plane crash LS disbanded re-formed in 1987 and has continued to tour with several line-up changes. Rolling Stone ranked LS at No 95 in it in 2004, its 100 greatest artists of all time list. The band was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.