Lynyrd Skynyrd's First Drummer Dead at 64

Bob Burns killed in a crash in Georgia
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 4, 2015 12:30 PM CDT
Lynyrd Skynyrd's First Drummer Dead at 64
A video grab from YouTube.   (YouTube)

Lynyrd Skynyrd's original drummer has died in a car crash in Georgia. Bob Burns, 64, was killed when his vehicle went off a curve in a road near Cartersville just before midnight and struck a tree. No other vehicles were involved, and the crash is under investigation. Burns was one of five musicians who founded the band in Jacksonville, Florida. During his stint with the Skynyrd, it recorded "Sweet Home Alabama," ''Gimme Three Steps," and "Free Bird." Burns, who suffered from bipolar disorder, left the band in 1974 but rejoined the group on stage in 2006 for its induction into rock's hall of fame, notes a post at Ultimate Classic Rock. (More Lynyrd Skynyrd stories.)

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