Sad news as former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King has died. He was 68. No cause of death for King was released, but he was reportedly been battling lung cancer and had recently been hospitalized for some time. King’s family confirmed his passing on his Facebook page. They wrote: “It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Ed King who died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 22nd, 2018. We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career.” King was an incredible guitar player and songwriter who first gained fame as a founding member of psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock (‘Insense And Peppermints’) before joining Skynyrd. With Skynyrd, he co-wrote their signature song, ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, played on their seminal first three albums Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd (1973), 1974’s Second Helping (1974) and Nuthin’ Fancy (1975). He played with the band from 1972 to 1975, and again from 1987 to 1996 and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006. We send out condolences to Ed’s family, friends and fans at this time.

Skynyrd co-founder Gary Rossington commented:

“He was shocked and saddened.” “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 Sharon and his family.”