Recently the founding member and last member of the original members of Lynrd Skynrd – Gary Rossington  – died.  While the band is looking to make their final tour, the music could continue.

With all of the original members gone, the question arises as to what to do about the band…and their name.

Johnny Van Zant has been the band’s lead singer for the past 36 years was not sure about the status of the band; but after much discussion among band members, and the families of past members Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, and Dale Rossington they have all agreed to continue on and keep the music alive in a tribute to Rossington and Lynrd Skynrd.

Rossington’s widow Dale spoke on Gary saying, “I recently lost my husband and partner of over 41 years.  He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother and friend, but most importantly was a world class musician and songwriter. It’s been my honor and privilege to share the stage with him for all these years. His music touched so many millions of people around The World, and Gary was always the first to say how, ‘Skynyrd’s music is bigger than me or any one person.’ Gary made it known at every chance to express how timeless the music was, and it was always his goal to keep the music alive for his brothers because that was always their dream. He spent his entire life trying to carry on that dream for Ronnie, Allen, Steve and all the others over the years. While he was not able to physically be on stage with the current lineup over the last couple years, he supported them in every way. His dream will continue thanks to Johnny, Rickey and the rest of our band mates to continue to carry his legacy and music on for future generations.”

Johnny Van Zant added, “Gary was not only my brother, bandmate and friend, I think he loved me as much as I loved him. We would do anything for each other. We laughed, we fell, we cried and made up, and shared the stage for the last 36 years. Gary, along with my brother Ronnie and Allen started this band and left us all a legacy of music that has stood the test of time, and crossed three generations of fans. The music they created, and the music we created, together since 1987, was always meant to be experienced LIVE. We have come together with the founding band member estates, and everyone involved, and feel the music should continue for everyone to love and enjoy. So we will continue to perform for the Skynyrd Nation.”

Ronnie Van Zant’s widow Judy noted, “Lynrd Skynrd has been a part of my life for 50 plus years.  The journey has been filled with love, Joy, friendship, and tragedy.  Ronnie, Gary and Allen’s dream was to write music that would connect with people and to play that music live. I cannot say with certainty what those who have passed on would want us to do, but I do know what Gary wanted. And I know what the fans want. To show our undying love for those who are no longer with us and to pay tribute to them, the music will continue. The Lynyrd Skynyrd family is unified in this decision.” 

This summer Lynrd Skynrd will join ZZ Top in a North American tour.

Lynrd Skynrd and ZZ Top tour dates:
July 21 at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, FL
July 23 at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, GA
July 28 at the Walmart AMP in Rogers, AR
July 29 at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX
July 30 at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, TX
Aug 7 at the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre in Denver, CO
Aug 10 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA
Aug 11 at the Toyota Amphitheatre in Wheatland, CA
Aug 13 at the Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ
Aug 17 at the Hollyowwd Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, MO
Aug 19 at the Hollywood Casin Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL
Aug 20 at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, IN
Aug 25 at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
Aug 26 at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, MI
Aug 27 at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto, ON
Sept 1 at the PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC
Sept 2 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD
Sept 3 at the Star Lake Pavilion in Burgettstown, PA
Sept 8 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY
Sept 9 at the Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, PA
Sept 10 at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ
Sept 15 at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh, NC
Sept 17 at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ

Feature photo credit: Gary Rossington Lynyrd Skynyrd at Simpleman 2011 (cropped).jpg