Lynyrd Skynyrd returned to the stage last Sunday at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida, one week after the death of their last original surviving member, guitarist Gary Rossington.
The band honored Rossington with videos and photos on the big screen during "Tuesday's Gone," which was very emotional for guitarist Rickey Medlocke, who wiped tears from his eyes while performing.
Then Damon Johnson went into the guitar, singer Johnny Van Zant said, "Damon Johnson playing it pretty for Mr. Gary Rossington up in rock 'n' roll heaven."
When the song was done, the words "Gary Rossington 1951-2023: Your Legacy Lives on Forever" were displayed on the screen.
On Monday, the band released a statement that read, "We felt you there with us last night, Gary. Looking down from Rock and Roll Heaven and helping us get through one of the toughest shows of our lives. We felt you during the nuances of 'Free Bird,' 'Tuesday’s Gone,' 'Saturday Night Special.' We felt you in the roar of the crowd as they cheered your name and stood up for most of the night. And we will forever feel you on any stage and in our hearts as Skynyrd’s music continues to move billions of people across the world. We love you brother."
Rossington was 71 when he passed away and had been dealing with heart issues for years. Rossington once commented on why Lynyrd Skynyrd’s songs span the generations. He said, “I think it’s just the way Ronnie [Van Zant] wrote songs back then. They were real songs and they said something. You know, that’s kind of why they’re living on.”
Get more Lynynrd Skynyrd on the Big Show Fan Page at KBGO.com and on iHeartRadio, keyword Lynyrd Skynyrd.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]