Ed King, former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist, passes away age 68

Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist and co-writer of hits such as Sweet Home Alabama, Ed King, has died.

The news was confirmed via King's Facebook page which detailed that the 68-year-old had passed away at his home in Nashville, Tennessee on August 22.

"We thank his many friends and fans for their love and support of Ed during his life and career," the post said.

Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Gary Rossington has made his own tribute to King via Twitter, "Ed was our brother, and a great Songwriter and Guitar player. I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in Rock & Roll Heaven."

I’ve just found out about Ed’s passing and I’m shocked and saddened. Ed was our brother, and a great Songwriter and Guitar player. I know he will be reunited with the rest of the boys in Rock & Roll Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sharon and his family. -Gary Rossington

— Lynyrd Skynyrd (@Skynyrd) August 23, 2018

King was an original member of the iconic band, playing on their first three album's and co-writing such iconic hits like Freebird and Sweet Home Alabama, on which King can be heard making the opening count.

Leaving the band two years before the devastating plane crash that killed singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines in 1977, King reunited with the remaining members 10 years later and played up until retirement in 1996 due to heart problems.

King was also a founding member of California psychedelic outfit Strawberry Alarm Clock, for which he co-wrote the 1967 hit Incense and Peppermints.