The guitarist and songwriter who survived Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1977 plane crash co-wrote rock classics like Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama
The Tragic 1977 Plane Crash of Rossington Lynyrd Skynyrd
Guitarist-songwriter Gary Rossington, the last surviving member of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died on Sunday (March 5) at the age of 71, according to a post shared by the band’s official Facebook page on Monday. The band’s founder One of the members, Rossington survived Lynyrd Skynyrd’s tragic 1977 plane crash. He played with the band until this year and on board for a tour scheduled for later this year.
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According to the American music and entertainment magazine Billboard,
“Gary is now in heaven with his Skynyrd brothers and family and is playing it cool like he always does. Please keep Dale, Mary, Annie, and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and the family’s privacy during this difficult time.” According to the American music and entertainment magazine Billboard, the 70-year-old guitarist had been suffering from various health problems for the past few decades. However, the cause of his death not stated in the band’s obituary note.
In 1987, when Van Zant’s brother Johnny founded the group
Rossington badly injured in a 1977 plane crash that killed four members of the legendary southern rock band—Ronnie Van Zant, guitarists Alan Collins and Larry Junstrom, and drummer Bob Burns. Rossington lost both legs, hands, and ankles, and his pelvis was broken. However, when Van Zant’s brother Johnny reformed the group in 1987, he rejoined the band after his recovery. The band had been recording and touring ever since.
Sweet Home Alabama by Rossington
Formed in 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida, their 1973 debut album LP featured classic tracks such as Gimme Three Steps, Tuesday’s Gone and Simple Man. Rossington co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird.
