Wow another great loss........

[mrmudcat]

http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=349800&GT1=28102

[Rocket]

Yeah, he was just here jammin' a couple weeks ago.

[bigoldron]

All my heroes are dying off. I would say that they'll have a hard time replacing him, but I'm almost of the opinion that they don't need to. Maybe it's time for Skynyrd to retire. Rossington's the only one left of the original group that is playing anymore. I've posted my thoughts on them before - as much as I love Lynyrd Skynyrd, the group that's touring now is merely a "tribute band". The real Skynyrd died in a swamp back in 1987. Another Free Bird flies home... :cry:

[Rocket]

Cousin Jimmie Van Zant has a pretty tight band... I've jammed with them a few times when they've come to town. Well worth the cover charge if you get the inclination.

[Jimi75]

Sad news again!

[Spudman]

Not that old either.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Billy Powell, the original keyboard player with
the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died early Wednesday at his
Orange Park home.

Powell was 56.

Orange Park police said Powell called 911 just before 1 a.m.
complaining of difficulty breathing. Paramedics found him in his
bedroom responsive.

Ross Schilling, a publicist with Vector Management, said they believe
Powell suffered a heart attack, but an autopsy will be conducted to
determine his cause of death.

Orange Park police told Channel 4 Powell had an appointment with his
cardiologist on Tuesday, but he did not go.

Powell moved to Jacksonville as a child and attended Bishop Kenny
High School, where he met Leon Wilkenson, future bass player for
Skynyrd. He originally joined the band in the early '70s as a roadie.
Before a gig playing at the The Bolles School prom, he sat down at
the piano and impressed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant enough to be
invited to join the band as its keyboard player.

Skynyrd went on to sign a national recording contract and become the
best-selling southern rock band in history.

In 1977, Van Zant, along guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister and
backup vocalist Cassie Gaines and assistant road manager Dean
Kilpatrick were killed when the band's chartered plane crashed in
Mississippi.

Powell suffered facial injuries in the crash, but eventually
recovered. He was the only band member well enough to attend the
funerals of those killed in the crash.

In 1987, Powell rejoined Skynyrd for a tribute tour and has toured
with the band ever since. He and guitarist Gary Rossington were the
only two original band members who continued to record and tour with
the band.

[Duff]

It's a sad day for the world of rock music, especially from my generation. Lynyrd Skynyrd was enjoyed by many generations and still is. Hopefully they will still tour, but I've always been saying lately that if you get a chance to see them it might be your last.

Gary I think, had open heart surgery some time back with multiple bypass.

The lastest lineup has been great though. Rickey Medlock has been a great member and goes back to the beginning when they might not even have been a band. His father or grandfather was "Shorty Medlock" who was an early mentor to the youngsters way back in the old days. When the time came they called Rickey Medlock to join back up with them and I think he really tries to capture the original vibe of the original lineup and does it with enthusiasm and honesty.

Hopefully the band will continue on after the grieving, it's kind of traditional, but who knows, it up to them.

You guys probably already know about this and posted it somewhere else on the forum.

Duffy

[mrmudcat]

Hey B.P is jamming with friends.Celebrate his life ,not mourn his death ....

peace Cat

[bigoldron]

Hey B.P is jamming with friends.Celebrate his life ,not mourn his death ....

peace Cat


Good advice, brother! As much as my heart hurts, I'll spend today playing all my Skynyrd tunes and remembering how much Billy blessed us with his own style of piano playing. :smile-us:

Fly home, Free Bird...:o