ONE TIME SKYKYRD GUITARIST DIES

Ed King, who was a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd on their first three albums has died at the age of 68.

Although no cause has yet been confirmed, it is know King has been battling against lung cancer for some time.

King was a member of pyschedelic band Strawberry Alarm Clock in the ’60s, before initially joining Skynyrd in 1972. He temporarily took over from bassist Leon Wilkeson, but when the latter returned stayed on as one of the iconic band’s guitarists.  He played on the albums, ‘Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-nerd’ (1973), ‘Second Helping’ (’74) and Nuthin’ Fancy’ (’75); he co-wrote the famed ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, counting “1, 2, 3” on the song’s intro.

King left in 1975, but returned for their reunion in 1987, before quitting for a final time nine years later, due to health issues.

Commenting on King’s death, Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington has said: “I’ve just found out about Ed’s passing and I’m shocked and saddened,” he said. “Ed was our brother, and a great songwriter and guitar player. I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in Rock and Roll Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Listen to ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ here: