.38 Special, Founding Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist Larry Junstrom Dead at 70

Longtime .38 Special and founding Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Larry Junstrom has died at the age of 70.

.38 Special confirmed the news on Facebook saying, "The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us. 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."

The post continued, "We are sending our devoted love, strength and comfort to his wife Thania and Larry’s family. We will miss our friend and partner.
Larry “L.J.” Junstrom 1949 - 2019."

Junstrom formed Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964 alongside his high school classmates Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins and Bob Burns. He exited the band in 1971 when he was replaced by Leon Wilkeson.

Junstrom would join .38 Special in 1977 and would retire from the band in 2014.