guitar player Gary Rossingtonthe only surviving founding member, Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died at the age of 72, as reported in recent hours through his networks. American group, the author of such hits as Sweet Home Alabama.

“It is with deepest sadness that we have to announce the loss of our brother and friend, as well as the composer and guitarist. Gary is now with the rest of his Skynyrd siblings. in heaven, playing beautifully as always,” reads the message, which asks that the family’s privacy be respected.

The musician’s cause of death has not been disclosed. in 2015 he suffered a heart attack and that in 2021 he had to urgently undergo cardiac intervention.

Rossington (Jacksonville, 1951) founded Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964. along with vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, also guitarist Allen Collins, drummer Bob Burns and the short Larry Janstrom, using the name of some of the members’ gym teacher as the band’s name.

Became one of the most famous bands strong influence from southern rock, blues and hard rockbecame a part Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2016. and estimated sales of about 28 million records in the United States alone.

Already with his first album, Pronounce ‘lĕh-‘nerd’ skin-‘nerd (1973), the band achieved some notoriety with what became one of their classics. free Birdin which Rossington was an essential part as the guitarist of one of his most emblematic fragments.

despite problems with alcohol and drugs what he carried with him during those early years and inspired the band’s theme song “The Smell”, he became one of the most stable members of a band that changed lineups frequently.

One of these reformulations was due to misfortune whenIn 1977 they suffered a plane crash in which the singer died and in which he was one of six survivors, although he received multiple fractures throughout his body, which did not prevent him from playing again later.

Apart from Lynyrd Skynyrd, for several years also played with The Rossington Collins Bandfounded in 1980 by his former partner Allen Collins.