Vicksburg Daily News –
GILLSBURG, MS – This year marks the 47th anniversary of the tragic crash that took the lives of six people, including Lynyrd Skynyrd lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines. To honor the anniversary, a celebration with food, music, and more will be held at the memorial site on October 19 and 20, 2024. The two day event will conclude each night with a candlelight vigil led by the survivors.
The Lynyrd Skynyrd Memorial in Gillsburg, Mississippi, was established in 2019 and honors the victims of the 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of several band members, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. Located near the crash site, the memorial features a granite marker with the names of those who died, as well as tributes to the survivors. Since 2019 the site has become a pilgrimage destination for fans of the Southern rock band.
On Oct. 20, 1977, a plane carrying the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in a wooded area near Gillsburg, Mississippi, killing six people, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines. The Convair CV-240 ran out of fuel en route to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and crashed just two days after the release of the band’s fifth album, Street Survivors. Several band members, including guitarist Gary Rossington, survived but were seriously injured.
The event and parking are free for this event, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs. Several food trucks will be on site for both days, cash is encouraged in case of limited Wi-Fi.
Donations will be accepted for the Lynyrd Skynyrd crash survivors.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Memorial Celebration Schedule of Events:
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Note: These are approximate times.
11 a.m. – Opening prayer
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – MUSIC: Slash.
12 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Meet/Greet crash survivors and rescuers.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. – MUSIC: Pedestrians.
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. – MUSIC: Lone Star Skynyrd
6 p.m. – Candlelight vigil led by crash survivors
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Note: These are approximate times.
1 p.m. – Opening prayer
1 p.m. – 6 p.m. – MUSIC: Shotgunbillys with special guests
6 p.m – Candlelight vigil led by crash survivors
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