Lynyrd Skynyrd Founder Larry Junstrom Dead at 70
Longtime Southern rocker and Lynyrd Skynyrd founder Larry Junstrom has died at the age of 70. The legendary bass player was an original member of Lynyrd Skynyrd and was a member of Jacksonville Southern rock band .38 Special, appearing in all 12 of their studio albums. The announcement of his passing was posted on Facebook on Sunday, which referred to Junstrom as “The Big Man on the Big Bass.”
After founding Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964 along with high school buddies Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins and Bob Burns, Junstrom left the band in 1971, just months before the recording of the band’s debut album, Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd. Junstrom found his greatest success starting in 1976 when he joined Southern hard rockers .38 Special.
“He rocked arenas all over the world and succeeded in living his dream,” the statement reads. “He was truly one of a kind, a congenial traveling companion and a great friend to all with a humorous slant on life that always kept our spirits high – a kind man with a big heart for everyone who crossed his path. There will never be another like him. We are sending our devoted love, strength and comfort to his wife Thania and Larry’s family. We will miss our friend and partner.”