Gary Rossington was a founding guitarist of the iconic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, the last of the band’s original members to die.
- Died: March 5, 2023 (Who else died on March 5?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 71.
- We invite you to share condolences for Gary Rossington in our Guest Book.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Rossington was still a young teen when he first began jamming with Ronnie Van Zant (1948–1977) and Bob Burns (1950–2015) in 1964 and the three decided to form a band. Adding Allen Collins (1952–1990) and Larry Junstrom (1949–2019), they originally called themselves the Noble Five, renaming the band Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969. Their enduring hits began with their 1973 debut album and the single “Gimme Three Steps.” They continued to create all-time classics of Southern rock including “Free Bird” and “Tuesday’s Gone,” on which Rossington played lead guitar, as well as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Saturday Night Special,” and “What’s Your Name?” The Lynyrd Skynyrd song “That Smell” was written about a 1976 car accident Rossington was involved in. The following year, he survived the devastating plane crash that took the lives of three band members as well as the pilot and first officer and the band’s road manager. Many of Rossington’s bones were broken in the crash, including both arms and both legs.
After recovering from his injuries, Rossington formed the Rossington Collins band in 1980, then formed the Rossington Band. When Lynyrd Skynyrd reformed in 1987 with Van Zant’s brother, Johnny Van Zant, on lead vocals, Rossington joined. He remained with the band for decades as they toured and recorded new albums, most recently 2012’s “Last of a Dyin’ Breed.” Along with his bandmates, Rossington was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Notable quote
“It’s been a dream. It’s great. I still can’t believe we did what we set out to do. I’m so proud of it. That’s why I keep talking about Ronnie, Allen, Steve, Leon, Billy and all the boys, to keep our memory and music alive.” —from a 2018 interview for Uproxx
Tributes to Gary Rossington
Full obituary: Deadline
