Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist, Ed King, passed away on Wednesday, 22nd August 2018, at the age of 68. The death cause hasn’t been revealed, but it was known that he was battling with lung cancer and was recently hospitalized. King was a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 to 1975, and again from 1987 to 1996, and performed at the first three classic Skynyrd albums. He co-wrote the band’s classic song, “Sweet Home Alabama” – he was also a founding member of the 60s psych-rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock.
King’s family wrote on Facebook: “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”.
Gary Rossington, a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, said he was “shocked and saddened” by King’s death. He said: “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”.
