Metal Sludge — Sad news from the world of Southern rock n’ roll as Gary Rossington of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd has passed away.

Rossington was the last living original member of the band that he helped form in Jacksonville Florida in 1964.

The band’s official social media posted the following message today: “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.”

Blabbermouth has also covered the guitarist’s death writing: “Rossington survived the 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. The band reunited with Ronnie‘s brother Johnny Van Zant as singer in 1987 and has been on the road ever since.

Last December, Rossington told Rolling Stone magazine about LYNYRD SKYNYRD‘s enduring relevance: “It’s a tribute band right now, and everybody knows it’s not the original. Everybody who comes to see us is told that during the show, and probably knows before they even get there. But people still come to hear it live.”

Rossington was 71.


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