LARRY Junstrom, a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd and longstanding bassist with band 38 Special, has died aged 70.
Junstrom formed Skynyrd with his high school band mates in 1964, quitting the group in 1971 prior to the recording of its first album, Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd.
The band would go on to achieve worldwide success with hits including Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird, selling 28 million album to date in the US alone.
In 1976, Junstrom joined 38 Special, co-founded by Donnie Van Zant, younger brother of Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant.
He played on all 12 of the band’s studio albums, the last of which was released in 2004.
He was forced to retire in 2014 due to a hand injury that required surgery.
Junstrom’s death was announced with a statement on 38 Special’s website.
“The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us,” they wrote.
“He rocked arenas all over the world and succeeded in living his dream.
“He was truly one of a kind, a congenial travelling 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.”
Asked about 38 Special’s longevity, Junstrom once said: “I know everyone tells you their fans are the best, but nobody is more loyal than a 38 fan.
“We give 110 percent at everything we do and that shows in our ability to survive the trends in the music business.”
Junstrom last week appeared at the opening of an exhibit documenting the founding of Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Thrasher-Horne Center in Clay County, Florida.
News of his death comes just weeks after the death of singer and saxophonist Eddie Money, to whom 38 Special paid tribute with a statement on its website.
“It is with deep regret that we have to say goodbye to our old friend Eddie Money,” it read.
“We had toured together across hundreds of cities throughout the 80’s and even in recent years.
“Eddie was a force to be reckoned with, a true talent, a great sax player with a strong voice and presence that could absolutely rock the building to its foundation.”
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