Former drummer Lynyrd Skynyrd and other colleagues express condolences
Gary Rossington, original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band. Died Sunday, March 5, aged 71. Rossington survived the 1977 plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines, as well as backup singer Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister), Dean Kilpatrick. Assistant Road Manager, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot John Gray.
“It is with deepest sympathy and sadness that we share today the loss of our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist Gary Rossington,” the legendary band said at the time. This past weekend, “Gary is now with the Skynyrd brothers and family in Heaven. As always, please keep Dale, Mary, Annie and the entire Rossington family in your prayers and respect their family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 by Kid Rock and are known worldwide for their signature hits such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Simple Man,” “ That Smell,” “Gimme Three Steps,” and the nine-minute southern rock song “Free Bird.”
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and former drummer Lynyrd Skynyrd Artimus Pyle shares heartfelt memories of his street brother.
“Gary’s place in music history is very strong. He will be missed forever. Fly high, our ‘free bird’ brother,” Pyle said.
Other friends and colleagues of Lynyrd Skynyrd also shared their thoughts on Rossington.
I send this with all my heart, prayers and condolences to Gary Rossington’s family, friends and fans on behalf of my family. He brought so many great songs and great memories. many come to many people May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/3Vs6bkS2K5
— Bret Michael (@bretmichaels) March 6, 2023
Yesterday we lost our musician brother, Gary Rossington. the person we all love We send our love to him Dale, his family, friends and fans. I’m numb… this thing cuts deep. – Paul pic.twitter.com/LMZIxAS1pH
— Paul Rodgers (@_paulrodgers) March 6, 2023
The world has lost a true legend, all my love, respect and prayers to Gary Rossington’s family and loved ones. But I will never forget that he was sincere. humble and how kind not just me But also my band and crew whenever we cross paths. @Skynyrd pic.twitter.com/OhA29eEBRn
— Brantley Gilbert (@brantleygilbert) March 6, 2023
Gary Rossington sat with the Allman Brothers Band at Beacon on March 11, 2006. They brought Simple Man closer to the first set. Rest in peace, brother. Photograph by Peach Corps member Gene. pic.twitter.com/B8Oukl7uIl
— Allman Brothers Band (@allmanbrothers) March 6, 2023
Saddened to learn of the passing of Lynyrd Skynyrd great Gary Rossington, the last 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 best friend Gary Rossington passed away today. Heartbreaking! Gary is not just a friend. but a co-worker who wrote songs with me and played guitar with me in the studio and on stage on several occasions. My heart goes out to Dale and the girls RIP🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/BuTEIdDaR2
— Travistritt (@Travistritt) March 6, 2023
“It’s okay, continue singing loudly.
It’s okay now Heaven should be proud” – Charlie Daniels 1979The last Free Birds flew home. RIP Gary Rossington. God bless Lynrd. @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
It can’t be! My heart is broken for Dale Rossington and the entire Skynryd family today.
We’ve been friends since we first toured together in the ’70s. We’ll miss you my friend Gary Rossington. RIP.— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) March 6, 2023
