Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboard player Billy Powell has died at the age of 56 of a suspected heart attack in Florida. Powell, who played on hits including Sweet Home Alabama, called police saying he was having trouble breathing.
Emergency services tried to resuscitate the musician but he was pronounced dead an hour later, police said. Powell joined the band in 1972 after working as their roadie and survived a 1977 plane crash which killed six people, including three band members.
Powell, who had a history of heart problems, had missed an appointment with a doctor on Tuesday.
A statement on the Lynyrd Skynyrd website said: "Beloved pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. "The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time." In 1987, the band, including Powell, reformed with a new line-up.
Johnny Van Zant, who replaced his brother Donnie as lead singer, said: "Maybe it is just the destiny of Lynyrd Skynyrd. "We've played before millions and millions of people and it's been a wonderful ride and a bumpy one too."
Van Zant said the band had recorded songs for an upcoming album. US shows on Friday and Saturday night have been cancelled. The band are due to tour Europe, including concerts in London and Manchester, in May and June.
(w/thanks to The Rock Doctor)
And so another bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd joins the band in Rock&Roll heaven...
I guess by now there's two Lynyrd Skynyrds!
Rock on Billy, rock on...
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