Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Powell dies

LYNYRD SKYNYRD keyboardist Billy Powell has died at the age of 56.

Powell, who had a history of heart problems, called police from his Florida home saying he was having trouble breathing.

But emergency services were unable to resuscitate him and he was pronounced dead an hour later. He is survived by a wife and

A statement on the Lynyrd Skynyrd website said: "Beloved pianist for the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band, Billy Powell, passed away last night.
"The family and band request your respect and understanding during this difficult time."

Lynyrd Skynyrd were formed by a group of high school students in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1966, taking their name from their sports teacher Leonard Skinner.

They gained popularity in the early 1970s with a string of US hits including Free Bird, Sweet Home Alabama and What's Your Name.

Powell joined the band in 1972 after working as their roadie and was one of only two survivors of a plane crash in 1977 that killed bandmates guitarist Steve Gaines, singer Ronnie Van Zant and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines.

Powell suffered facial injuries in the fatal plane crash in Mississippi but soon recovered.

In 1987, the band, including Powell, reformed with a new line-up with Johnny Van Zant replacing brother Ronnie as lead singer, said: "Maybe it is just the destiny of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

"We've played before millions and millions of people and it's been a wonderful ride and a bumpy one too."

Van Zant said the band had recorded songs for an upcoming album and shows on Friday and Saturday night in the US have now been cancelled.

The band are due to tour Europe, including concerts in London and Manchester, in May and June.