At the age of 71, Gary Rossington, a founding member of the Southern rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed dead. In recent years, Rossington had struggled with a number of health concerns, including a heart attack in 2015 and a stroke in 2019.
In addition to co-writing several of Lynyrd Skynyrd's biggest successes, such as "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird," Rossington also played guitar for the group. He was the final surviving founding member of the band who was still actively performing with them.
In a statement posted to their social media pages, Lynyrd Skynyrd paid tribute to Rossington and thanked their supporters: "We must inform you with great sorrow of Gary Rossington's loss. Gary was a key figure in the history of Lynyrd Skynyrd and a founding member of the group. His contributions to the music and the experiences we created together will always be appreciated. In this trying time, we ask that you remember his family and friends in your prayers."
Many tributes to Rossington have been left by both fans and other musicians in response to the news of his passing. Numerous people have expressed their sympathies and shared their memories of Rossington and his music on social media.
The current farewell tour of Lynyrd Skynyrd will continue until it concludes in September 2023. How Rossington's passing will impact the band's future plans is unknown.