Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gary Rossington Has 1 Heart Attack Every Hour
Lynyrd Skynyrd co-founder Gary Rossington’s health issues have worsened to the point that he’s reportedly taking a “battery of nitroglycerin pills to stay alive.” “I’m eating those things like tic tacs” said Rossington.
The guitarist told Madhouse Magazine that doctors have been urging him to get off the road for 15 years. Over that time, he’s had more than one thousand heart attacks. “Ah What do doctors know” said Rossington. “The first doctor that told me to stop touring and living hard died in 1987. I outlived them all, I have 9 lives and outlived all the naysayers.”
Here Comes The Big One Elizabeth
That doesn’t tell the whole story though. “I’ve had heart attacks onstage a lot,” he confirmed. “I basically have a heart attack every hour. It’s like clock work. You can set your watch to it. They used to bother me, but now it’s like a hiccup. I just keep on playing. Nothing is going to stop me. Once during “Free Bird”, I had 3 heart attacks”.
Rossington is the lone surviving member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. “You know”, said Rossington, “people today are a bunch of whiners, girly men. They can’t handle a little pain. Back in my day, my daddy worked in the coal mine, and he died and still showed up for work the next day. That’s the way I was raised. I plan on doing one final concert after I die. If I won’t let death stop me, I sure as hell ain’t going to let a little thing like a few hundred heart attacks slow me down”.
Rossington is an iron man. A bionic man if you will. Oh we will. He has broken every bone in his body twice and has more nuts and rods in him than Mariah Carey.
Gary is a rare breed and an incredible guitarist. They don’t make rock stars like they used to, that’s for sure. We wish Gary a long prosperous life and may he keep on ticking. And as Neil Young once said, Long May You Run Mr. Rossington.
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This is friggin awesome!!!
As much as I love Lynyrd Skynyrd I’d rather y’all retire the band. I cant imagine how devastating it would be if Gary fell out on stage. He is my favorite guitar picker of all time. I admire the relationship between Gary & Dale thats a perfect example of true love.
I actually believe Gary hopes to go out that way. Boots on, guitar plugged in, and with the people that he loves. We should all strive for that kind of moment. He’ll go out like the warrior that he is.
at least he’ll go out doing what he really loves to do…and thats jammin’ !
Happy Birthday Gary I’m 1 of your biggest fans Best wish’s to you & your Family with many more Happy & Healthy Birthdays to come God Bless …Steven Dunbar…
Gary, My warmest wishes to you for your birthday. I’ve been a big fan of yours since 1973 when my brother bought me, as a gift, the “Pronounced” album and then the next year when he bought me the best album of all time, from any group, “Second Helping”. Thank you for the gift of Skynyrd music. I had the biggest teenage girl crush on you and saw y’all in concert on 5/13/77 in Greensboro, NC. I was convinced you were going to spot this little teenage girl in the audience and be convinced I was the one for you. Back in the day, we had festival seating and my friend and I got there early enough that we we crammed up against the stage on the side you and Leon were on. Needless to say, you didn’t pluck me from the audience and make me your 13 year old woman, lol. I did, however, get the roadie to hand me your plastic cup that I have kept as a “treasure” all these years along with my ticket stub. Talk about childhood dreams… My very best to you and take care of yourself.
Happy Happy Birthday to you Gary. You are one awesome goodlooking man. We all thank Dale for putting up with all of us. She is one awesome lady. Hope you have many many more and thank you Always and Always for all your dedication. Love you. 😘
Happy birthday Gary. Man i was born & raised in Waycross,Ga which as you know is just a short drive from J-ville. I got to see you open up with Rossington Collins Band in Tallahassee,Fla when the tribute tour was gettin a head of steam up. Man i wish i coulda seen Allen playin wit ya,but he was there jus on the sidelines coachin the team on. When yall played FREEBIRD that jus made my life complete in some twisted way. Only if Allen coulda played it,but you guys did great. Tha ks for all the year’s of hard work & dedication to SKYNYRD MY FRIEND….HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCE CHARMING. ITS BEEN A HELLUVA RIDE!!!!
Wither away in a nursing home or go out doing what you love? Six strings; no holes barred attitude; expect nothing less from Lynyrd Skynyrd and a guitar legend.