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| photo: .38 Special |
Larry Junstrom, the original bassist and founding member of Lynynrd Skynyrd and longtime .38 Special member, died on October 6 at the age of 70.
“The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us,” shared .38 Special on social media. “He rocked arenas all over the world and succeeded in living his dream. 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.”
“Rest Easy, LJ,” posted Skynyrd. “You will always be remembered as the big man on the big bass with the even bigger heart! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Rolling Stone notes that Junstrom joined the first incarnation of Skynyrd in Jacksonville, FL in 1964 with singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitar players Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, and drummer Bob Burns; he exited the band prior to the recording of their debut album, 1973’s “Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd”, which made way for Leon Wilkeson to join as bassist.
In 1977, Junstrom joined the Donnie Van Zant-fronted .38 Special; he would perform and record with the group up until his retirement in 2014 after surgery for a hand injury, playing on hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into The Night” and “Caught Up In You.”
See also:
Lynyrd Skynyrd farewell tour concert film coming to theaters
Lynyrd Skynyrd update guitarist’s status following heart surgery
Lynyrd Skynyrd postpone farewell tour as guitarist undergoes heart surgery
Lynyrd Skynyrd add US dates to farewell tour
Search Lynyrd Skynyrd at hennemusic
