Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Billy Powell R.I.P.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s long-term keyboard player and pianist Billy Powell has died, aged 56.

No cause of death has been disclosed at the current time but a message on the official Lynyrd Skynyrd site reads: “A Great Loss – Beloved Pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. We will post more info shortly. The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you.”

Powell was one of only two members of ‘Skynyrd (Garry Rossington being the other) to have survived the bands infamous 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines.

Classic Rock will be adding our own tributes shortly.