We are sad to report that legendary guitarist Gary Rossington, who was the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd has died at the age of 71, the band revealed on Sunday (March 5).
The group broke the news to fans via social media. They wrote, "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 had a history of health difficulties, most recently undergoing emergency heart surgery in the summer of 2021. In August of 2017 he underwent "a procedure to address some blockage in his arteries to his heart," the band reported at the time.
Gary also underwent a similar surgery in the summer of 2016, which followed a heart attack in October of 2015.
The iconic guitarist was a survivor of the tragic plane crash in 1977 that took the lives of frontman Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines. He returned to the group when it reformed with Ronnie's brother Johnny Van Zant taking over lead vocals in 1987 and had been an active member of the group until recently being forced off the road due to his health.
Artimus Pyle Delivers Anthems - Honoring The Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Slash and Billy Gibbons Rock Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute At CMT Music Awards - 2023 In Review
Lynyrd Skynyrd Legend Gary Rossington Dead At 71 - 2023 In Review
Caught In The Act: Ministry Rocks Chicago
RockPile: Spotlight on Season of Mist
Box Sets: Aretha Franklin - A Portrait of the Queen 1970-1974
Columbia, Missouri's True/False Film Fest Part 2: Music and More
Journey Surpass Major Milestone With 'Don't Stop Believin'
Pantera Recording Current Shows For Possible Live Album
Thomas Rhett Scores 22nd No. 1 With 'Mamaw's House'
Foo Fighters Add Stop To Everything Or Nothings At All Tour
The Who's Roger Daltrey Plots Mostly Acoustic Tour
Weezer Sells Out Madison Square Garden And More
The Dead Daisies Announce U.S. Spring Tour
Kamelot Share NightSky Lyric Video Ahead Of North American Tour