Ed King, former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist and co-writer of "Sweet Home Alabama" passed away at the age of 68 in his Nashville home on Wednesday August 22. It was reported that he had been battling lung cancer for some time.

King joined the band in 1972 and was one of three guitarists in the southern rock band, playing on the first three albums. He famously left the band in 1975 following personality conflicts with vocalist Ronnie Van Zant.

Fellow guitarist Gary Rossington said “Ed was our brother, a great songwriter and guitar player. I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in Rock and Roll Heaven".

Rossington is the lone surviving member of the touring Lynyrd Skynyrd band that is scheduled to perform in Cedar Rapids on Saturday October 13 at the US Cell Center.

That show is is part of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Final Farewell Tour. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster and at the US Cell Center box office.

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