Wednesday, January 28, 2009
National Skyline R.I.P. Billy Powell: Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist Dead at 56
Posted by Adam Gold on Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 12:58 PM
The Lynryd Skynyrd story is one of perserverence and untimely death. Keyboardist Billy Powell, a member of the band since 1973, has been there through just about all of it. Including the 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of three fellow band members, and health problems that claimed the lives of two others. His street survivin' came to an end last night at his home in Jacksonville. He was 56. A cause of death has yet to be announced. According to a press release recieved by The Scene:
Beloved Pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night. We have no further details. The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you.
Powell's death means that guitarist Garry Rossington is now the only suriving member from the band's classic lineup. I'm willing to bet that he's having a hell of time finding an affordable life-insurance policy.
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Powell had heart problems, and one report says he skipped an appointment with his heart specialist on Monday. He called 911 himself but had died by time they got there.
Powell and Rossington were the two members of the classic lineup who were still in the current band. Drummer Artimus Pyle and guitarist Ed King were there in the heyday, and they're both still alive. They just hadn't been a part of the touring band in a long time.
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