10 Rock Bands That Survived The Deaths Of Key Members
8. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Ronnie Van Zant
Coming from the American South, Lynyrd Skynyrd's unique brand of hard boogie rock defined what Southern rock would become further down the line. The guitars were always hard-hitting, but the real soul of the band came from frontman Ronnie Van Zant, whose lyrics were stories from the rough-and-ragged rock and roll lifestyle. Just as the band seemed to be hitting their stride, their tour for their album Street Survivors was about to come to a tragic halt.
After boarding their plane en route to the next show, their flight ended in a crash, killing 3 of the band members, including Van Zant. With the surviving members recuperating for several months after the accident, everyone felt that it was not right continuing the group, considering it was Van Zant's baby. However, the band was able to have new life once Van Zant's younger brother Johnny stepped up to the mic. During several tribute shows in Ronnie's memory, fans were taken aback by just how much Johnny sounded like his older bro.
Once the band had gelled for a little while, they took to the road, where they still continue to dominate to this day. May the sweet sounds of Southern boogie continue for years to come.