Gary Rossington, a founding guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd died on Sunday at age 71. Let’s see more details on Gary Rossington and his Obituary in detail.
What happened to Gary Rossington?
“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,” the band said Sunday night in a Facebook post.
“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.”
Cause of Death
Guitarist and songwriter Gary Rossington are dead at age 71. At this point, it is unknown precisely what led to his death apart from the confirmation of his death and the exact cause of his death of Gary was not released as well.
However, Rossington had suffered from heart problems for several years. He had emergency heart surgery in July 2021, the band said via Facebook, adding that Rossington expected to make a full recovery. Alabama guitarist Damon Johnson, known for his work with bands such as Brother Cane and Thin Lizzy, has been filling in for Rossington on tour.
Who was Gary Rossington?
Rossington, a stoic figure, wasn’t a showboat on stage but his skillful and slippery slide-playing on hits such as “Free Bird” helped to fuel the band’s legend and make that song a rock classic.
Skynyrd, formed in 1964 in Jacksonville, Florida, has a long, rich history that’s been marked by triumph, tragedy, and many lineup changes. Rossington was a constant, however, and he survived the infamous 1977 plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant, the band’s lead singer, along with guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines.
The band’s lineup now features singer Johnny Van Zant, Ronnie’s brother, guitarist Rickey Medlocke, drummer Michael Cartellone, guitarist Mark “Sparky” Matejka, and keyboard player Peter Keys.
“We picked up the torch and are carrying it, just like the Olympics,” Rossington said in a 1999 interview with The Birmingham News. “We’re carrying on with the band and the words and the music and the wisdom.”
Career Journey
Skynyrd, a favorite in Alabama, has a long history of performances in the state and a songbook that includes enduring anthems such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Gimme Three Steps,” “Simple Man,” “What’s Your Name,” “That Smell,” “Tuesday’s Gone,” “You Got That Right” and more.
When he talked to The Birmingham News before a concert at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, Rossington said Skynyrd was happy to perform its vintage hits in concert. The musicians realized, he said, that fans would leave disappointed if they didn’t get a rip-roaring dose of their 1970s favorites.
“We go out each summer and play so people can clap and sing and cry and whatever they do,” Rossington said. “The band loves to play the old standard songs because people love to hear ‘em.”
“Sweet Home Alabama” was a no-brainer on the setlist when Skynyrd played in the state, Rossington said. “I’ve been told that it should be the state song,” he said, laughing. “Well, let’s say it’s the self-appointed state song.”
Rossington said uplifting lyrics were crucial ingredients of Skynyrd’s hard-driving country-rock tunes — not religious sermons or deep philosophical tracts, but grassroots comments about happiness and freedom and independence.
Obituary-Gary Rossington
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.
“Please keep the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect the family’s privacy at this tough time.” People were shocked to follow the news shared on different social media platforms. Still, when the official page of Lynyrd Skynyrd confirmed it, people believed it and shared their condolence and prayers for his family member.
It is adamant time to deal with media for his family, so she has asked for privacy and has not shared any information regarding his death.
The musician was callous and was among the survivors of the tragic plane crash on October 20, 1977, which took the life of Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines, Rossington had multiple injuries from the accident, including broken arms, legs, wrists, ankles, and pelvis. ”We always try to write positive things, songs that have a message and a story,” Rossington said. “We try to spread that, and do good.”
Did The Lynyrd Skynyrd Final Original Member Die Of A Heart Attack?
The reason behind his death has not been revealed yet to the public. And the band has confirmed the news without mentioning the reason. He canceled two of his concert due to a heart attack, and in 2021 he underwent emergency heart surgery and recovered from it.
But the sudden death news of the musician has made people rethink the surgery and heart attack he went through. The reason might or might not be a heart attack, as it has not yet been confirmed publicly.
Hopefully, the musician’s death cause will be revealed soon after a particular examination. The musician survived a heart attack in 2015, underwent surgery in 2021, and was the only member of his band to survive the plane crash in October 1997.
Rossington was married; he had two daughters with his partner Dale Krantz-Rossington. People have been sharing prayers and condolence to his family and friends after his death.
Social Media Condolence
Travis Tritt Posted
I just learned that my dear friend, Gary Rossington passed away today. I’m heartbroken! Gary was not only a friend but a collaborator that wrote songs with me and played guitar with me in studio recordings and onstage so many times. My heart goes out to Dale and the girls. RIP
RIP Gary Rossington,today we lost the final member of the original 70s Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup! Thanks for the music Gary!!! pic.twitter.com/0IjXA5Rcwx
— VINTAGE ROCK N’ ROLL 🎸 (@RockNRoLL_85) March 6, 2023
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