A legendary Free Bird has taken his final flight.
News of music icon Gary Rossington’s passing swept Lynyrd Skynyrd fans with sadness.
Gary Rossington, founding member and guitarist of iconic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd passed away on March 5, 2023, roughly four months before the band’s planned tour. Rossington was 71.
No cause of death was declared, but the seasoned guitarist had been experiencing health issues that have gotten worse since the mid-2010s. It can be remembered that there were instances when the band had to take a break because of Rossington’s heart ailments.
Lynyrd Skynyrd released an official statement, “It is without 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 time.”
The Last Man Standing
Lynyrd Skynyrd, an American rock band, was formed in 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida. The unique name of the band was derived from a P.E. teacher at Robert E. Lee High School, named Leonard Skinner. The said teacher was quite strict, especially with boys with long hair, and was said to be the reason Rossington dropped out of school.
The band gained widespread popularity in the 1970s with their signature southern rock sound, featuring songs like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” and “Gimme Three Steps.” The band’s original members included Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Larry Junstrom, Bob Burns, and Billy Powell.
The band Lynyrd Skynyrd faced several tragic events throughout the years, such as the loss of three original members in 1977. A Convair CV-240 plane, transporting the band from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, crashed near Gillsburg, Mississippi.
This accident resulted in the deaths of three band members – Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and his older sister and backup singer Cassie Gaines – as well as assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick and both pilots. Rossington and others sustained serious injuries, leading to the band’s immediate hiatus.
After the tragedy, Gary Rossington formed the band Rossington Collins Band with guitarist Allen Rosington, and the band lasted about four years until they broke up in 1982. Lynyrd Skynyrd reformed in 1987, commemorating the 10th year of the tragic plane crash. After that, the band continued playing, recording nine more studio albums and several lineup changes. Gary Rossington was the only Skynyrd member to play on all the band’s albums.
Rocking ‘Til the End
Despite battling several health issues, Rossington was determined to continue playing to pay tribute to all his fallen bandmates and brothers at heart. He said his fellow members all created such amazing music that still resonated with people today, and him being the last one alive, should be able to tell their story and ensure that they are remembered.
In 2006, Rossington’s wife, Krantz-Rossington, shared that they agreed for Rossington to continue playing because it was the best thing for him. Rossington wanted to go out kicking and just do it until they couldn’t anymore.
Rossington is survived by his wife, two lovely daughters, and a few grandchildren.
Conclusion
The news of music icon Gary Rossington’s death shocks the music world and Lynyrd Skynyrd fans everywhere. He was the last surviving original band member, and his passing marks the end of an era. However, his legacy will live on through the music he created and his impact on the world of rock music. We can only hope that his family, friends, and fans find comfort in knowing that his music will continue to inspire and entertain for generations.
Fly high, Free Bird.
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