Local band, SLASH, was invited to perform at the 46th annual Lynyrd Skynyrd memorial event in the community of Gillsburg, in Amite County, on Oct. 20.
The observance recalls the date in 1977 when the Southern rock band's chartered plane crashed killing six people, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines.
This year’s event featured unveiling of a new Ronnie Van Zant monument and live music by two bands, with SLASH finishing out the evening.
From left, SLASH members Joseph Lindley, Steve Simmons, Roger Allbritton and Kelvin Simmons stand in front of the newly unveiled Ronnie Van Gant monument near the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash site at Gillsburg. (Photo special to The Sun-Sentinel)
One of 20 survivors of the plane crash was Gene Odom, who provided personal security for his lifelong friend, Van Zant. Odom consented to having his photo taken with SLASH members in front of the newly unveiled Van Zant monument. On the back of that monument is a poem written by Odom about the crash.
Over 3,000 people attended the recent south Mississippi festivities.
SLASH was invited back next year for the 47th commemoration.
