Gary Rossington, LYNYRD SKYNYRD's last original member, dead at 71

Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist and co-founder Gary Rossington, the sole remaining original member of the long-running Southern rock pioneers, has died at the age of 71. Rossington's passing was announced in a social media post by his current Skynyrd bandmates today (March 5th).

"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," the post reads. "Gary is now with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven and playing it pretty, like he always does."

While no cause of death was given, Rossington, who survived the 1977 plane crash that killed both singer Johnny Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines, dealt with numerous health issues in more recent years, including multiple heart surgeries.

Skynyrd were a huge inspirational force in the world of hard rock and heavy metal, influencing Metallica, Pantera and Down, Zakk Wylde, Lamb of God and even Deftones, who notably covered the band's anthem "Simple Man." Since the news of his passing, many famous fans, including Wylde, John 5 and Motörhead's Phil Campbell have paid their respects.