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.
A sad loss,He will be missed. R.I.P Billy.
Fly on freebird, a great loss to a great band, my sympathies go out to this family and fellow band members, i had the great pleasure to meet in 2007, a memory i will not forget
A Southern Rock legend. R.I.P Billy.
God bless you Billy. Thanks for the music.
Is this the end for Skynyrd ? They´re running out of original members,time to bring back Bob Burns or Artimus Pyle? I do believe there´s a contract with the widows of Ronnie and Steve Gaines, that states the condition of at least two original members of todays Lynyrd Skynyrd!
I love this band and have done so since day one! Can´t imagine any other band with such tragedy and bad luck……R.I.P. dear Billy….You´ll be greatly missed!
Another Freebird soars, and not alone. I know your music is what I’ll hear when I soar. Thank you.
I seen Billy play with Skynyrd 7 times; and seen him play with Rossington Collins band twice! Rock’n'Roll Heaven just got a heck of a good piano player! I always got chills up my spine when he would start Freebird! Fly On Freebird; and thanks for all the good music you shared with us!!
Deeply saddened by the tragic news. The greatest keyboard player of the rock era and will be truly missed.
A true “legend” and “street survivor” Second to “Last Rebel” left. Have “One more for the Road” Freebird.
Rest in home “Sweet Home Alabama”
Well you missed one there, mates. Drummer ARTIMUS PYLE also survived that plane crash. Not only did he survive, but the former US Marine also managed to drag himself through a field with a brokern leg to get help for the crash survivors.
Your wings are spread, your heading to your mates,
One more loss for the earth, you are one of the greats,
The south did rise again, the day that you were born,
But it’s time to grace the likes of Heaven, Fly on FreeBird, Fly On.
R.I.P.
Thank you for all the wonderful music & memories Billy…….Fly on proud bird your free at last!!!!!