Southern rock patriarch Lacy Van Zant dies
Father of Lynyrd Skynyrd front man was mainstay on tours
Interviews, performances |
Bon Jovi breaks new ground with foundation Nov. 9: Making a Difference: Rocker Jon Bon Jovi is helping to bring new options for affordable housing to Philadelphia and New Jersey. NBC's Brian Williams reports. |
NASHVILLE - Southern rock figure Lacy Van Zant, the father of late Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant, died Tuesday at his home in Jacksonville, Fla., due to chronic pulmonary illness. He was 89.
Also the father of current Skynyrd frontman Johnny Van Zant as well as 38 Special’s Donnie Van Zant, Lacy was known as the “Father of Southern Rock.” A retired truck driver, he frequently took to the road with his sons’ bands. He was a backstage fixture on Skynyrd’s reunion tour in 1987, which took place 10 years after a plane crash killed Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines.
Lynyrd Skynyrd will postpone or cancel shows scheduled for Aug. 6 in Louisville and Aug. 7 in Greenville, Wis. 38 Special will postpone or cancel shows Aug. 5 in Rama, Ontario; Aug. 6 in Rockland, Maine; and Aug. 7 in Hughesville, Penn.
He is also survived by daughters Darlene and Marlene. A memorial fund has been set up in Van Zant’s memory. In lieu of flowers, fans and friends are encouraged to make donations to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM ROCK |
| Add Rock headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide

