Tragic Plane Crashes in Rock Music: Lynyrd Skynyrd and Beyond
Introduction
Rock music has seen its fair share of tragedy, and perhaps none have been as memorable as the plane crashes that have claimed multiple lives among prominent bands. One of the most notable incidents involving a band losing members in a plane crash is the 1977 crash of Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane, which claimed the lives of several of its key members.
Lynyrd Skynyrd: A Tragic Loss in Mississippi
On October 20, 1977, a plane carrying the iconic Southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, crashed in Gillsburg, Mississippi. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of several band members, including the legendary lead singer, Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines, as well as their assistant road manager, Dean Kilpatrick. The crash also injured other band members, including Franklin "Foster" Wilsey, who eventually succumbed to his injuries a month later, and Greg Walker, who reunited with the band as a guitarist upon recovering from his injuries.
Interestingly, shortly before the crash, Aerosmith had rejected the use of this particular aircraft for their 1977 tour, citing issues with both the plane and the crew. Despite this, Aerosmith's touring family was deeply shaken by the news of the Lynyrd Skynyrd crash, especially given Steven Tyler and Joe Perry's involvement in renting the same plane for their own tour.
Other Notable Incidents
Country Music Legends and Tragic Losses
The aviation industry has not been spared from tragedy, affecting not only rock musicians but also country music legends. In 1963, a plane carrying country singers Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and Hawkshaw Hawkins crashed, killing all three.
The 1959 Disaster: The Day the Music Died
The 1959 Crash commonly referred to as "The Day the Music Died" involved several notable musicians. The crash of a Beechcraft Twin-Bonanza killed rock and roll icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and Ritchie's friend, "The Big Bopper." Only Valens' bassist, Waylon Jennings, survived, having opted to travel by bus instead, as Holly had jokingly stated that 'Luckier, Luckier, Luckier, would have been better for him.'
Recent Tragedies in Music
More recent incidents include the 1991 jet crash that killed Reba McEntire's entire band during a tour. Furthermore, the soft country-rock singer, John Denver, perished in a plane crash in 1997, which also claimed the lives of his experimental aircraft.
Lesser-Known Accidents
The 1985 Douglas DC-3 accident involving rock icon Richie Nelson stands out for its complete loss of life. The plane crash killed all seven passengers on board, with only the two pilots surviving. This incident highlights the unpredictability and danger inherent in air travel, especially for musicians on the road.
Conclusion
The impact of accidents like these on the music industry is profound, both in terms of the lives lost and the lasting impact on the bands and fans. Lynyrd Skynyrd, despite the tragedy, has managed to continue performing and releasing music, with reformed bands like Rossington Collins carrying on their legacy. These events serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks in air travel, especially for musicians and their entourages.