logo

Lynyrd Skynyrd pay tribute to Gary Rossington at first show since his passing

“We felt you during the nuances of Free Bird, Tuesday’s Gone, Saturday Night Special.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Credit: Scott Dudelson / Getty

When you purchase through affiliate links on Guitar.com, you may contribute to our site through commissions. Learn more.

Lynyrd Skynyrd have paid tribute to founding member Gary Rossington in their first performance since his passing on 5 March.

Taking to the stage at Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida on 12 March, the group played a video tribute to Rossington during the track Tuesday’s Gone, Best Classic Bands reported. Singer Johnny Van Zant addressed the crowd during the tribute, saying, “Damon Johnson playing it pretty for Mr. Gary Rossington, up in rock and roll heaven. If you believe in angels, sing aloud with us.”

Watch fan footage of the tribute below.

The band posted a tribute to Rossington on their Facebook page following the performance, writing, “We felt you there with us last night, Gary.” Adding that the concert was “one of the toughest shows” of their lives, the band continued, “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, the longest-serving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away last week at the age of 71. Having formed Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964 alongside Ronnie Van Zant and Bob Burns, Rossington was a key figure behind the group’s hits such as Free Bird, Tuesday’s Gone and Simple Man.

Related Artists

Related Tags

logo

The world’s leading authority and resource for all things guitar.

© 2024 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks.