Gary Rossington, the last original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, is dead at the age of 71. A cause of death was not specified, however, the guitarist had death with some health issues in recent year.
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. Read More: Gary Rossington, Last Original Lynyrd Skynyrd Member, Dead at 71 | https://loudwire.com/last-original-lynyrd-skynyrd-member-gary-rossington-dead-71/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Rossington, was a founding member of the legendary Southern rock group, survived the tragic 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines. A year prior, Rossington had survived a car accident when his vehicle hit an oak tree.
While initially part of the band from 1964-1977, the guitarist returned for their reunion in 1987 and had played with the band full time from 1991 until his death, appearing on all of the Lynyrd Skynyrd releases.
In addition to Lynyrd Skynyrd, the guitarist also performed as part of the Rossington Collins Band with fellow Skynyrd musician Allen Collins. The two musicians recorded a pair of albums between the initial Lynyrd Skynyrd split and their 1987 reunion. He also recorded a pair of albums with his wife Dale Krantz-Rossington under the moniker The Rossington Band.
With Rossington’s death, singer Johnny Van Zant, who joined with 1987’s reunion, remains the longest tenured member of the band. Rickey Medlocke, who performed with the group in 1971-1972, returned to the band in 1996.
Lynyrd Skynyrd will be hitting the road this spring for their 50th anniversary tour, playing alongside ZZ Top. See dates and get ticketing info here.
Revisit some of Rossington’s musical history with Lynyrd Skynyrd below.
Cisco Adler returns to his roots with new single “Mango Tree”
Cisco Adler isn’t chasing a comeback. If anything, “Mango Tree” feels more like a return — not to a sound, but to a state of
LEVITATION 2026 Lineup Brings Bikini Kill, American Football, Molchat Doma, Peter Hook, The Garden, Arlo Parks and More to Austin
LEVITATION is leaning all the way into its reputation of feeling like someone’s dangerously well-curated record shelf exploding across Austin for a long weekend. The
Sublime Launches 4 New Vinyl Variants for New Album “Until The Sun Explodes”
Sublime have launched 4 new vinyl variants for “Until The Sun Explodes”. The exclusive drop at includes 3 limited-edition variants and 1 standard black vinyl
How Slightly Stoopid and Sublime Headlining Field Of Dreamz Became Cali Reggae’s Stadium Moment
For years, Cali Reggae has lived in a strange middle ground. Too massive to be dismissed as a niche scene, too culturally fluid to ever
Lola Young Returns With New James Blake-Created Single “From Down Here”
Lola Young is back with a new single, “From Down Here,” marking her first new music since the release of I’m Only F**king Myself and
Beastie Boys’ Mike D Releases Solo Single “What We Got”
Mike D follows the “souped-up flavor for your ears” (BILLBOARD) of his recent debut solo single “Switch Up” with the anthemic stomp of “What We
