Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, last surviving original member of band, dies aged 71-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

‘Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven,’ the band said (Picture: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Gary Rossington, the last surviving member of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died aged 71.

The announcement was made by the band in a statement published on Facebook, which said that the late guitarist was ‘now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven’.

‘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 message read.

‘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.’

Lynyrd Skynyrd was first formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964.

Rossington seen performing with the band in 2007 in California (Picture: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

In addition to Rossington on guitar, the original line-up in the American band included Ronnie Van Zant on lead vocals, who died in 1977 aged 29; Allen Collins on the guitar, who died in 1990 aged 37; Larry Junstrom on the bass guitar, who died in 2019 aged 70; and Bob Burns on the drums, who died in 2019 aged 70.

Rossington was born on December 4 1951, having initally been interested in becoming a baseball player before pursuing a career in music.

While Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in 1964, the group settled on the name in 1969, after previously being called The Noble Five and The One Percent.

The band has mourned the late guitarist (Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

In 1977, the band suffered tragedy when their chartered airplane crashed, resulting in the deaths of Van Zant, guitarist and backing vocalist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines.

The rest of the band who were on the flight were seriously injured.

A decade later, the band reformed for a reunion tour, with Van Zant’s brother Johnny Van Zant taking on the role of lead vocalist.

The late musician suffered a heart attack in 2015, before undergoing emergency heart surgery six years later.

Rossington married Dale Krantz-Rossington in 1952, with whom he had two daughters.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Dolly Parton collaborator David Lindley dies aged 78

MORE : Tom Sizemore’s most memorable roles from Saving Private Ryan to Heat following death aged 61

Follow Metro on Snapchat

You can follow our new Snapchat show Pop Cultur’d, the go-to place for all things pop culture.

Keep up with the latest Showbiz exclusives by following Metro Showbiz on Snapchat.

And football fans can indulge in all the transfer gossip and more on Metro Football on Snapchat.

Entertainment – MetroRead More