How Many Lynyrd Skynyrd Members Are Still Alive? Members Of Lynyrd Skynyrd
by Hemalatha R
Updated Mar 10, 2023
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is a name that has become synonymous with Southern rock. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964, the band spent several years playing small venues and undergoing multiple lineup changes before settling on the name Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1969. It wasn't until the release of their first album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), in 1973 that the band's popularity skyrocketed. Led by Ronnie Van Zant's distinctive vocals, Lynyrd Skynyrd's music was a blend of rock, blues, and country, with a distinctly Southern flair.
The band's lineup included guitarists Gary Rossington, Allen Collins, and Ed King, bassist Leon Wilkeson, drummer Bob Burns, and keyboardist Billy Powell. Burns was eventually replaced by Artimus Pyle, and Steve Gaines joined the band on guitar in 1976. Lynyrd Skynyrd's music was heavily influenced by their Southern roots, and they often sang about topics such as small-town life, the Confederate flag, and their love for the South. Their breakout hit, "Sweet Home Alabama," became an anthem for the state and remains a classic to this day.
"Free Bird," with its iconic guitar solos and emotional lyrics, became another fan favorite and remains one of the most requested songs on classic rock radio. Despite their success, tragedy struck the band in 1977 when their plane crashed, killing Van Zant, Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines. The remaining members of the band were seriously injured, and Lynyrd Skynyrd's future was uncertain. The band disbanded, but in 1987, they reunited for a tour with Ronnie Van Zant's brother, Johnny, as lead vocalist.
Lynyrd Skynyrd continued to tour and record, with co-founders Rossington and Johnny Van Zant leading the way. Other founding members of the band, including Collins and Wilkeson, died either during or after their time in the band. In 2018, Lynyrd Skynyrd announced their farewell tour, which continued until 2022. In 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone magazine named them one of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2004. To date, the band has sold over 28 million records in the United States. Tragically, in 2023, Gary Rossington, the last remaining original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away while the band was still working on their fifteenth album. The legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd, however, lives on, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of fans and musicians.
How Many Lynyrd Skynyrd Members Are Still Alive?
The below table contains information about the Current Members of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Name
1971–1972
1996–present
Guitar (1996–present)
Drums (1971–1972)
Vocals
Mandolin
1987–present
Lead vocals
1999–present
Drums
Percussion
2006–present
Guitar
Backing vocals
2009–present
Keyboards
Piano
2017–present
Bass
Years active
Instruments
Rickey Medlocke
Johnny Van Zant
Michael Cartellone
Mark Matejka
Peter Keys
Keith Christopher
Members Of Lynyrd Skynyrd
The below table contains information about the Members Of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
SL.NO
Members
Former Members
1
Gary Rossington
2
Ronnie Van Zant
3
Allen Collins
4
Bob Burns
4
Larry Junstrom
6
Greg T. Walker
7
Leon Wilkeson
8
Billy Powell
9
Ed King
10
Artimus Pyle
11
Steve Gaines
12
Randall Hall
13
Kurt Custer
14
Mike Estes
15
Hughie Thomasson
16
Jeff McAllister
17
Kenny Aronoff
18
Ean Evans
19
Robert Kearns
20
Johnny Colt
21
Owen Hale
Current Members
22
Rickey Medlocke
23
Johnny Van Zant
24
Michael Cartellone
25
Mark Matejka
26
Peter Keys
27
Keith Christopher
How Many Lynyrd Skynyrd Members Are Still Alive - FAQs
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964. The band became famous in the 1970s and is best known for their hits "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird."
The original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Allen Collins (guitar), Gary Rossington (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), Bob Burns (drums), and Billy Powell (piano).
Lynyrd Skynyrd released their first album, "Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd," in 1973. The album included their signature song "Free Bird."
On October 20, 1977, a plane carrying Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in a forest in Mississippi, killing lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines, and several others. The surviving members disbanded the group shortly after the crash, but later reformed in the 1980s with new members.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is considered one of the most influential and important rock bands of the 1970s, and their music has had a lasting impact on rock and roll. The band's hits, including "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird," remain popular today, and they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.