Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Ed King has died, according to The Tennessean and a post on his Facebook page. He was 68.
King played guitar in Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 to 1975 and and again in 1987 during the band’s comeback after a decade of inactivity, following the tragic 1977 airplane crash that took the lives of singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, singer Cassie Gaines and others in the Skynyrd inner circle. King left the band in 1996.
Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington posted condolences on the band’s Facebook page. “I’ve just found out about Ed’s passing and I’m shocked and saddened, ” he wrote. “Ed was our brother, and a great songwriter and guitar player. I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in Rock and Roll Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and his family.”