Sad news as Lynyrd Skynyrd Guitarist Gary Rossington has died. He was the last remaining original member of the band, formed in 1964 as My Backyard. He passed today, March 5th 2023, at the age of 71. No cause of death has been revealed, but Rossington suffered from heart-heath issues, with a heart attack in 2015, and he underwent an emergency heart surgery in 2021. A statement from Lynyrd Skynyrd reads: 

“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.

Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”

Rossington co-founded the band, one of the most original rock bands in American history, and co-authored the band’s sound with his songwriting, iconic slide guitar, and lyrical solos on songs such as “Freebird” and “Tuesday’s Gone.” A survivor of the terrible 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines, as well as backup vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister), assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot John Gray, Rossington performed with the Rossington Collins Band and The Rossington Band in the 1980s. He remained a constant member of the band through several reunions, especially 1991 until his death.