Lynyrd Skynyrd have released an official statement, confirming that they will carry on as a band following the death of co-founder and guitarist Gary Rossington.
The late, great Rossington, who co-founded the band in 1964, passed away last month at the age of 71. Watch Slash and other rocker’s perform a tribute-medley of ‘Simple Man’ and ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ to him here.
Rossington was also the last original member of the band to pass away.
Now, the surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd have released a statement, confirming that they will continue on as a band.
"The current members of the band, led by Johnny Van Zant, the singer for the past 36 years, were unsure if they would continue following Gary’s untimely passing,” the statement says.
“After much discussion with the band, the families of Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, and Dale Rossington, the collective has reached unified support, and feel that continuing to perform LIVE, and keeping the music alive, is in the best interest of the fans and everyone involved."
The younger brother of the late-great Ronnie Van Zandt, Johnny, said:
"Gary was not only my brother, bandmate and friend. I think he loved me as much as I loved him. We would do anything for each other. We laughed, we fell, we cried and made up, and shared the stage for the last 36 years.
“Gary, along with my brother Ronnie and Allen started this band and left us all a legacy of music that has stood the test of time, and crossed three generations of fans. The music they created, and the music we created, together since 1987, was always meant to be experienced LIVE.
“We have come together with the founding band member estates, and everyone involved, and feel the music should continue for everyone to love and enjoy. So we will continue to perform for the Skynyrd Nation."
Lynyrd Skynyrd were our winners for The Rock 2000 last year, with their classic ‘Simple Man’. Have a look back at how every song and artists placed in the Rock 2000 countdown last year, here.
