A final bow for Skynyrd's Billy Powell

Ron Whitfield · Post by **Ron Whitfield** » 28 Jan 2009 5:08 pm

Passed on this morning after calling 9-11 from having a hard time breathing.

This leaves Rossington and Medlocke as the sole surviving and still playing original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Few bands have faced death's changes like LS has, and they've managed to continue strong for decades even after losing crucial members, plus Gary having had heart surgery a while back, but this may be the final blow to a legendary Southern Rock band.
Powell added the soft touches to the harder edge.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 28 Jan 2009 5:16 pm

Wow. This is sad news. I loved Billy Powell's playing. He defined southern rock piano. A huge talent and major rock star gone. RIP Billy.

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 28 Jan 2009 5:22 pm

This is awful news...such a great player and a really nice guy. A true gentleman.
My hat's off to him. It always has been.

Clinton Erb · Post by **Clinton Erb** » 28 Jan 2009 7:13 pm

May he RIP. Prayers for his friends and family.

Tay Joslin · Post by **Tay Joslin** » 28 Jan 2009 8:10 pm

Man, this hurts! We need to pray
for Billy's family and bandmates,
as they are like family, too.

How old was Billy Powell?

"Fly on, Free Bird!"

With much love,
Tay & Jenn Joslin

Glen Derksen · Post by **Glen Derksen** » 28 Jan 2009 8:26 pm

Oh man, I can't believe it. Skynyrd has been one of my most favorite bands of all time. I have never seen such a high death toll in one band...seven members since 1977. RIP, Billy, and thanks for the nice touch you provided for Lynyrd Skynyrd. We'll miss you.

Clinton Erb · Post by **Clinton Erb** » 28 Jan 2009 8:34 pm

Tay Joslin wrote:Man, this hurts! We need to pray
for Billy's family and bandmates,
as they are like family, too.

How old was Billy Powell?

"Fly on, Free Bird!"

With much love,
Tay & Jenn Joslin

Either 52 or 56 I can't remember, way too young, either case.

EDIT: He was 56. This is a real tragedy. His piano playing on Freebird was astounding. He made Skynyrd more than just a rock band.

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 29 Jan 2009 5:35 am

New report this morning said he had a history of heart problems and had just missed an apointment with his cardiologist a couple of days ago......

Rick Sharp · Post by **Rick Sharp** » 1 Feb 2009 2:53 pm

Billy was,IMHO, the best honkytonk player ever. This is devistating news. Thoughts and prayers to Billy's family and the remaining members of the band.

My God Bless you, Billy Powell!!!! Tell Ronnie, Cassie, Steve, Allen and Leon hi for us! You will be greatly missed!!

With great regret,
Rick

Tommy Shown · Post by **Tommy Shown** » 1 Feb 2009 9:57 pm

My daughter and I saw Skynrd back in April of 2008 doing a show with Hank jr. Billy was really cookin that night on the keys. They both put on a really good show. It's unbelievable that he had passed.
Tommy Shown

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 3 Feb 2009 10:37 pm

This is such a sad and shocking news as their bass player EION EVANS is battling cancer as i'm writing this he lives only about 5 miles of me in Columbus, ms. and is a good friend i know he is devastated over this.. my condolences to his family and band mates