Gary Rossington Remembered: Photos Of Lynyrd Skynyrd & Their Late Guitarist

Rock and roll has lost another legend. Guitarist Gary Rossington, a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away Mar. 5, 2023 at the age of 71. He also the founder of the Rossington Collins Band.

Skynyrd shared the news via the band’s official Facebook page, telling fans, “It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness that we have to advise, that we lost our brother, friend, family member, songwriter and guitarist, Gary Rossington, today. Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does.”

Gary’s twangy slide guitar became emblematic of Southern rock in the 60s and 70s. In 1977, he cheated death when the band’s plane crashed near McComb, Mississippi. Bandmates Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, and three others were killed in the crash.

Despite the loss, the band would regroup and continue to play. Gary performed with Lynyrd Skynyrd all the way until 2022. He looked like a total rock star while backstage at the Sweden Rock Festival in the town of Solvesborg on Jun. 9, 2012. His hair was long and he wore a cool hat.

Gary Rossington is an undeniable rock legend. Remember his legacy with his best photos here.