Minions of the Watch

DantesInferno · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 12:08 am Post subject: Lynyrd Skynyrd Keyboardist Dies

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Billy Powell, the original keyboard player with the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, died early Wednesday at his home in Orange Park, Fla.
Powell was 56.
Orange Park police said Powell called 911 just before 1 a.m. complaining of difficulty breathing. Paramedics found him in his bedroom responsive, reported WJXT-TV in Jacksonville.
Ross Schilling, a publicist with Vector Management, said they believe Powell suffered a heart attack, but an autopsy will be conducted to determine his cause of death.
Orange Park police told WJXT that Powell had an appointment with his cardiologist on Tuesday, but he did not go.
Powell moved to Jacksonville as a child and attended Bishop Kenny High School, where he met Leon Wilkenson, future bass player for Skynyrd. He originally joined the band in the early '70s as a roadie. Before a gig playing at the The Bolles School prom, he sat down at the piano and impressed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant enough to be invited to join the band as its keyboard player.
Skynyrd went on to sign a national recording contract and become the best-selling southern rock band in history.
In 1977, Van Zant, along with guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick were killed when the band's chartered plane crashed in Mississippi.
Powell suffered facial injuries in the crash, but eventually recovered. He was the only band member well enough to attend the funerals of those killed in the crash.
In 1987, Powell rejoined Skynyrd for a tribute tour and had toured with the band ever since. He and guitarist Gary Rossington were the only two original band members who continued to record and tour with the band.
Powell is survived by his son, Richard, who was at the family home early Wednesday morning.
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The Wicked One · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 2:39 am Post subject:

Not into too much southern rock but Lynyrd Skynyrd had some great stuff. Seeing as how my favorite song by them is Tuesdays Gone With the Wind.

He will be missed. RIP
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Kanadwen · OM NOM NOM NOM Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 653

RIP man.
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I will devour, I will divide. TheComingCurse, your anti-Christ, I am the watcher's eye.

Set Abominae · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:21 am Post subject:

A sad day for southern rock.

Too many rock legends are dying.
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Fallen from grace cuz I've been away too long
Leaving you behind with my lonesome song
Now I'm lost in oblivion

Dante · Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject:

R.I.P

Tainted Innocence · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:30 am Post subject:

who's lynyrd skynyrd?
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paranoidmexican · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 4:34 am Post subject:

Set Abominae · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:36 am Post subject:

paranoidmexican · Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 7:04 am Post subject:

i also moved this to the non-metal section
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Kanadwen · OM NOM NOM NOM Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 653