Lynyrd Skynyrd give fans update on Gary Rossington's health

The 67-year-old founding member of the Southern rock collective underwent surgery “to fix a leaky heart valve” at the end of July after experiencing “fatigue and other symptoms” on Skynyrd’s swansong Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour.

The band duly rescheduled two shows in Las Vegas, Nevada and Wheatland, California for October to allow Rossington time to recuperate.

Addressing online rumours about the future of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band have now said they have “every intention” to finish off their Farewell Tour in 2020 and they plan to reconvene at Five Point Amphitheatre in Irvine, California on Friday (23rd August).

They wrote: “Gary has made it known, that he does have heart and health issues. Touring from city to city, night in and out, is difficult on his health, as it is with others members of the band.

“Recently, Gary has had a few setbacks and his health has not been 100%. But as Gary always says, ‘it’s what I know’, and that he loves to play guitar for the 3 generations of Skynyrd fans that also love the band’s music that he helped create.”

They explained that once they have wrapped up the farewell trek, Lynyrd Skynyrd will “take a break and won’t tour like they have done in the past”, however they “may still do a special engagement or charity show here or there.”  

Confirming new material is in the works, they wrote: “We have already started recording a new studio album and hope to release new music at some point.”

They concluded: “Gary is healing and feeling better and we hope to see you all next week in Irvine!”

Lynyrd Skynyrd played their farewell UK shows in Glasgow, Manchester, London and Birmingham back in June with special guests Status Quo.