Lynyrd Skynyrd plans to continue as a band following the death of the last founding member Gary Rossington in March.

The remaining members of Lynyrd Skynyrd and family estates released a statement announcing the group’s plans to continue as a touring outfit, including a summer trek with ZZ Top this year.

In the release, Skynyrd revealed they debated whether to continue but ultimately decided it was in the best interest of the band, the fans, and Rossington’s legacy.

Rossington’s widow and longtime Skynyrd backing singer Dale Rossington said, “It’s been my honor and privilege to share the stage with him for all these years. His music touched so many millions of people around the world, and Gary was always the first to say how, ‘Skynyrd’s music is bigger than me or any one person.'”

Singer Johnny Van Zant added, “Gary, along with my brother Ronnie and Allen, started this band and left us all a legacy of music that has stood the test of time, and crossed three generations of fans. The music they created, and the music we created, together since 1987, was always meant to be experienced live.”

The co-headlining tour with ZZ Top, dubbed “The Sharp-Dressed Simple Man Tour,” kicks off on July 21st in West Palm Beach, Florida, and runs through a September 17th show in Camden, New Jersey.

Source: RTT Music News