The melodic, slide guitar sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd has crossed the rainbow bridge. Gary Rossington, the man behind the infamous ‘Free Bird’ solo has passed at the age of 71.
As everyone knows, Lynard Skynard were one of the staples of the 70’s. Their success only rivaled by a few rock bands: Z.Z. Top, KISS, Aerosmith, Meat Loaf, Floyd, Zeppelin and Cheap Trick. Their signature southern sound has sold millions upon millions of copies. And while the band has been hit with many unfortunate events. They’ve always seemed to move forward. And Rossington was always there. Always pushing the band. A reliable member who played with intense passion.
Gary Rossington has actually cheated death multiple times. Most notably when the bands private plane went down mid tour in ’77. The frontman, Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gains and background vocalist Cassie Gains didn’t survive. But Rossington escaped miraculously with insane injuries. Some of which included a punctured lung and both arms being fractured. A year prior, he survived his car smashing into a tree. Which would inspire the hit ‘That Smell.’
Not only that, but the man had survived multiple heart attacks and bypass surgeries. Leaving this world not in fear of death. But with a mutual respect for it. And I’d like to think they rode off into the sunset together. He would go on to become one of the most legendary players of all time. His feel and technical prowess being equally mutual elements of his playing. Some other notable contributions to Skynyrd are: ‘Gimme Three Steps,’ ‘Tuesday’ Gone’ and ‘Simple Man.’
But it’s his signature slide and unexpected ending solo jam that made the Skynyrds track ‘Free Bird’ thier signature. And not only that, but probably top ten most adored rock songs of all time. The heart, passion and soul of the song showcases all the genre’s Lynyrd Skynyrd embodied. To absolute perfection. It’s one of the songs that truly has a reason for its success. And is hopefully being played in heaven as we speak. With all the other greats who were awaiting his arrival. RIP Gary Rossington and thank you for your gifts.
