Larry Junstrom , founder of Lynyrd Skynyrd and bassist for .38 Special , passed away at the age of 70. The news was confirmed by .38 Special's social media accounts last Sunday, the 6th.
“The great man behind the great bass has left us,” they wrote, “He played in arenas around the world and lived his dream. He was one of a kind (…) A gentle man with a huge heart. There will never be another person like him.”
Junstrom played bass with Lynyrd Skynyrd from its formation in 1964 until he was replaced by Leon Wilkeson seven years later. After that, he joined .38 Special with Donnie Van Zant , younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant . He participated in all twelve of the group's studio albums. The last release was in 2004, Drivetrain.
He left the band in 2014 after a hand injury that required surgery. The cause of his death has not yet been released, and Lynyrd Skynyrd has not yet commented on the incident.
