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Gary Rossington: Rockers & More Honor Late Lynyrd Skynyrd Guitarist

By Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Gary Rossington, the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, died yesterday (March 5) at age 71. Rossington’s death was confirmed in a statement from Skynyrd who said, in part, “Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does.”

While the cause of death was not shared, Rossington has struggled with numerous heart issues in recent years. Most recently, he underwent emergency heart surgery in July 2021.

News of the guitarist’s death spread quickly and led to many tributes. Below is just a selection of artists and other notable figures that honored Rossington via social media.

  • James Hetfield

    “RIP Brother Gary. Thank you for bringing me so much joy with your guitar playing and songwriting in one of my all time favorite bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd.”

  • John 5

    “Ever since I was a kid I have loved Lynyrd Skynyrd & Gary’s guitar playing. I was fortunate to make a lotta great music with Gary & the boys. We stayed friends for many years. I will miss you. Rest in peace brother.”

  • Peter Frampton

    “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.”

  • Travis Tritt

    “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.”

  • Neal Schon

    “RIP Gary.”

  • David Ellefson

    “Shocking and sad news to hear of the passing of legendary Gary Rossington from Lynyrd Skynyrd!

    A fan since their “One More For/From The Road” live album in the 70s and equally impressive all-Peavey Electronics amplifier backline, made it a staple on my turntable in my formative musical years.

    Fast forward to 2004, when I was overseeing Artist Relations for Peavey, I set out to recreate that legendary amplifier backline for Skynyrd on their 40th anniversary tour that year.

    I became friends with Gary during this time and we had many great conversations over the next several years from the NAMM shows to Hellfest Open Air Festival. It seemed Gary kept his world small to the outside world but he always let me in it and trusted me as a music buddy from those Peavey days.

    Prayers and condolences to his family, friends & band…he and his legendary guitar work will be missed by us all.”

    Shocking and sad news to hear of the passing of legendary Gary Rossington from Lynyrd Skynyrd ! A fan since their "One...

    Posted by David Ellefson on Sunday, March 5, 2023

  • The Oak Ridge Boys

    “Our hearts go out tonight to our brothers in @Skynyrd … Legendary guitarist Garry Rossington has passed …”

  • Zakk Wylde

    “GOD BLESS GARY ROSSINGTON • tBLSt SDMF”

  • Kenny Wayne Shepherd

    “Rest in Peace my man. @garyrossington One of the best to ever do it. And thank you and @skynyrd for all the great memories on the road over the years.”

  • Jake Tapper

    “RIP Gary Rossington of @Skynyrd. Here’s my 2002 @VH1 doc on the band (yes, I’m cringe but the doc holds up.) Too many of the brilliant musicians in the doc are no longer with us!”

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