Former Lynyrd Skynyrd Guitarist/Bassist Ed King Dead at 68
Sad news to report out of the classic rock world as Ed King, former guitarist/bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd has died at the age of 68.
The news was confirmed via his Facebook page with the following statement:
“It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Ed King who died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 22nd, 2018. We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career.”
No cause of death is known at this time, but Rolling Stone reports King was recently hospitalized due to issues pertaining to lung cancer.
Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, who is the last original member of the band in the current lineup, issued the following statement via Facebook:
“I’ve just found out about Ed’s passing and I’m shocked and saddened. 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.”
Prior to joining Skynyrd in 1972, King was a founding member of Strawberry Alarm Clock. King would remain in Skynyrd until 1975, and during that time King earned a number of songwriting credits including “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Saturday Night Special.”
King would rejoin Skynyrd during their comeback in 1987 and remain until 1996.
Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.
