Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer and other colleagues share their condolences
Gary Rossington, an original member of Grammy Hall of Fame Award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died on Sunday, March 5th at age 71. Rossington survived the tragic 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines, as well as backup vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister), assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot John Gray.
“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 legendary group shared over the weekend. “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.”
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 by Kid Rock, and is known worldwide for their signature hits such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” “That Smell,” “Gimme Three Steps,” and nine-minute southern rock anthem, “Free Bird.”
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Member and former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle shares heartfelt recollection of his brother of the road.
“Gary’s place in music history is rock solid. He will be missed forever. Fly on fly high, our ‘Free Bird’ brother,” Pyle says.
Other friends and colleagues of Lynyrd Skynyrd have also shared their thoughts on Rossington.
I send this with all of my heart, prayers & condolences to the family, friends & fans of Gary Rossington. On behalf of my family, he brought a lot of great music & many great memories to so many people. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/3Vs6bkS2K5
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) March 6, 2023
Yesterday we lost our musical brother Gary Rossington, a man we all loved. Our thoughts are with his love Dale, their family and his many friends and fans. I am numb…this cuts deep. – Paul pic.twitter.com/LMZIxAS1pH
— Paul Rodgers (@_paulrodgers) March 6, 2023
The world lost a true legend. All my love, respect & prayers to the family & loved ones of Gary Rossington. This man was the truth on a guitar, but I’ll never forget how genuine, humble & kind he was not to just me, but my band & my crew every time we crossed paths. @Skynyrd pic.twitter.com/OhA29eEBRn
— Brantley Gilbert (@brantleygilbert) March 6, 2023
Gary Rossington sat in with the Allman Brothers Band at the Beacon on March 11, 2006. They did Simple Man as a closer for the first set. Rest in peace, brother. Photo by Peach Corps member Gene. pic.twitter.com/B8Oukl7uIl
— Allman Brothers Band (@allmanbrothers) March 6, 2023
Saddened to hear about the passing of the great Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The last surviving original member of the legendary band. Rest in Peace, Gary. pic.twitter.com/rcN2cUFh6k
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) March 6, 2023
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🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/BuTEIdDaR2
— Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) March 6, 2023
"It's all right now, keep on singin' loud.
It's all right now, heaven should be proud" – Charlie Daniels 1979The last of the Free Birds has flown home. RIP Gary Rossington, God Bless the Lynyrd @Skynyrd band. Prayers to Dale and the rest of his family. – CD, Jr. & Hazel Daniels pic.twitter.com/EoYXrLFjAh
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) March 6, 2023
This cannot be! My heart breaks for Dale Rossington and the entire Skynryd family today.
We have been friends since first touring together in the 70s. We will miss you my friend. Gary Rossington RIP— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) March 6, 2023