The last remaining member of the inaugural line-up, guitarist Gary Rossington passed away in March this year, aged 71
In March of this year, the guitarist passed away Gary Rossington. He was the last living musician from the original lineup of Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as the only member to participate in albums from the classic period — between 1973 and 1977 — who was still in the band. He was 71 years old.
When the news became public, the natural reaction of many fans was to think that the group would come to an end. Although Damon Johnson replaced him since 2021 due to health problems, it was to be imagined that the activities would be closed.
That’s not what happened. And his own family rossington supported the continuity of the band, which came to Brazil, last September, for performances in São Paulo and Jaguariúna (at the local rodeo).
In an interview with website IgorMiranda.com.bralso guitarist Rickey Medlocke told why the decision was made to continue with the group. please note that Medlocke is the only member of the current lineup who was involved with the classical period: between 1971 and 1972, he was a drummer and even participated in the creation of songs that appear on the first album, “(Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)” (1973), but ended up leaving before the album was released.
According to the musician, both he and the vocalist Johnny Van Zantbrother of the deceased Ronnie Van Zant and a member since the band’s return in 1987, they knew the responsibility would fall on their shoulders.
“When Gary died, Johnny and I were very sad, very close to ending. Then we get these comments and emails and texts with people saying, ‘please don’t let this be the end.’ So we figured we could keep going for a while. It was all because of the fans and the music. The fans love the music and it keeps them coming back. As long as the fans keep loving the music and speaking out, we’ll still be there.”
Missing Gary Rossington
Still during the interview, Rickey Medlocke said that he misses a lot Gary Rossington. Of the current members, he and Johnny Van Zant they were the ones who lived with the guitarist for the longest time.
“Gary is not far from our thoughts, especially mine and Johnny. Did you know Gary since he was, I don’t know, 15 years old. I played in the band with him two different times. When you have a story like that with someone and suddenly they leave us, it breaks your heart.”
O Lynyrd Skynyrd has paid tribute to all the musicians who were part of the band and are no longer with us today — there are more than ten. And it’s when Rossington’s image appears on the screen that Medlocke becomes most emotional.
“We pay great tribute to Gary on our screen every night, but to this day I can’t watch the video. I can’t look, you know? I miss you a lot. When I’m on stage every night and I look over there, I know he’s there in spirit, but I miss him. I’ll probably feel it for the rest of my life.”
Despite this, the band continues. And, second Rickey, there are even plans to record new songs. There is no release date for the material.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
