The family of Gary Rossington has partnered with the Chicago Music Exchange to give some well-known musicians the chance to play the late Lynyrd Skynyrd co-founder’s famous 1961 Gibson Les Paul/SG guitar in concert. The guitar is the very instrument that Rossington used to play the slide-guitar part of the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd anthem “Freebird.”
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According to a recent social media post, the Chicago-based music-equipment store worked for months with Rossington’s family to curate his entire guitar and amp collection.
“It’s been an emotional and unforgettable journey,” the message from the Chicago Music Exchange reads. “From our first meetings with Gary’s family in Georgia—where many of these legendary guitars sat untouched for decades, some still carrying Gary’s touch from just months before—every instrument tells a story. Handwritten notes from Gary and [his widow] Dale accompany each one, offering a unique glimpse into his life and work.”
The Chicago Music Exchange plans to loan out various guitars and amps owned by Rossington to musicians who will then use them in concert.
The first tribute performance took place on November 7, when Blackberry Smoke frontman Charlie Starr got the opportunity to play Rossington’s “Freebird” SG at a concert by his group at a concert in St. Augustine, Florida. The venue was located just 45 miles or so from Gary’s final resting place.
More About Blackberry Smoke’s Performance with Rossington’s Guitar
Blackberry Smoke posted a video of Starr playing Rossington’s guitar at the St. Augustine show. Starr used the instrument on covers of “Freebird” and another Skynyrd classic, “Tuesday’s Gone.”
Before kicking into “Freebird,” Starr addressed the crowd with regard to getting the opportunity to use the historic axe.
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“This is a very special night for Blackberry Smoke, and for me personally, because Ms. Dale Rossington and [daughters] Mary and Annie brought Gary Rossington’s guitar for me to play for you,” Charlie said. “This next song, we’ve never done it, ever, because it’s sacred. So tonight, with the utmost humility, we tip our hats to brother Gary Rossington.”
Other Plans for Rossington’s Guitar and Amp Collection
The Chicago Music Exchange also announced plans to display some items from Rossington’s collection throughout the rest of 2024. Among the pieces available for viewing at the store’s Vault section are Peavey Mace amps Gary used at Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “hell house” rehearsal space, his Dobro, and some of his “Freebird” Les Paul/SGs.
Rossington died on March 5, 2023, at age 71 after experiencing serious heart issues for years. He was the last surviving original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Plans to Release Rossington’s Final Concert with Lynyrd Skynyrd
Longtime Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Johnny Van Zant recently announced that the band was planning to released a live album and video capturing Rossington’s final performance with the band. Chatting with SiriusXM host Mark Stigl, Van Zant reported that the show will be released on CD, vinyl, and possibly DVD, probably in early 2025.
Rossington’s last show with Lynyrd Skynyrd took place in November 2022 at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
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