LYNYRD SKYNYRD Vow To Continue Without Any Original Members, Following The Death Of Guitarist GARY ROSSINGTON

Lynyrd Skynyrd 2023

In light of guitarist Gary Rossington‘s passing last month, LYNYRD SKYNYRD released a statement affirming their commitment to continue performing live and preserving the music of the renowned Southern Rock group, despite losing their final founding member.

The statement from the band reads: “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. 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.”

Rossington’s wife of 41 years, Dale Krantz-Rossington, who performs backing vocals for the band, added: “I recently lost my husband and partner of over 41 years. He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother and friend, but most importantly was a world class musician and songwriter. It’s been my honor and privilege to share the stage with him for all these years. His music touched so many millions of people around The World, and Gary was always the first to say how, ‘SKYNYRD’s music is bigger than me or any one person.’”

Gary made it known at every chance to express how timeless the music was, and it was always his goal to keep the music alive for his brothers because that was always their dream. He spent his entire life trying to carry on that dream for Ronnie, Allen, Steve and all the others over the years. While he was not able to physically be on stage with the current lineup over the last couple years, he supported them in every way. His dream will continue thanks to Johnny, Rickey and the rest of our band mates to continue to carry his legacy and music on for future generations.”

Johnny Van Zant, the younger brother of the group’s original lead singer, the late Ronnie Van Zant, 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.”

Ronnie‘s widow Judy Van Zant Jenness added, “LYNYRD SKYNYRD has been a part of my life for 50+ years. The journey has been filled with love, joy, friendship and tragedy. Ronnie, Gary and Allen’s dream was to write music that would connect with people and to play that music live. I cannot say with certainty what those who have passed on would want us to do, but I do know what Gary wanted. And I know what the fans want. To show our undying love for those who are no longer with us and to pay tribute to them, the music will continue. The LYNYRD SKYNYRD family is unified in this decision.”

LYNYRD SKYNYRD is set to resume their 50th anniversary festivities with a performance on April 29. Following this, the group will join forces with ZZ TOP for a joint summer US tour called “The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour.”