Larry Junstrom, founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special bassist, dies at 70
Larry Junstrom, one of the founding members of popular rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has reportedly passed away at the age of 70. The cause of the death of the longtime bassist of .38 Special has not yet been ascertained.
The southern rocker's death was confirmed by .38 Special on Facebook. Junstrom's former bandmates expressed their grief on social media and paid a tribute to him by saying he was "one of a kind."
"The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us," his former bandmates wrote. "He rocked arenas all over the world and succeeded in living his dream. He was truly one of a kind, a congenial traveling companion and a great friend to all with a humorous slant on life that always kept our spirits high—a kind man with a big heart for everyone who crossed his path. There will never be another like him. We are sending our devoted love, strength and comfort to his wife Thania and Larry’s family. We will miss our friend and partner."
The musician, in 1964, became a founding member of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd along with his high school classmates. Junstorm, however, quit the group in 1971 before the recording of their first album titled 'Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd.' The band was originally known as My Backyard. The rocker, five years later, joined .38 Special and played on all 12 of their studio albums.
Junstrom, while talking about .38's longevity, had told Swampland: "I know everyone tells you their fans are the best, but nobody is more loyal than a 38 fan. We give 110 percent at everything we do and that shows in our ability to survive the trends in the music business."
He eventually retired from the group in 2014 because of a hand injury.
In a rare public appearance, Justorm was seen at the opening of an exhibit last week at the Thrasher-Horne Center that documented the founding of Lynyrd Skynyrd in Clay County, Florida. The exhibition is set to continue until November 9 this year.