Legendary musician Peter Frampton took to the stage at the 2023 CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas on Sunday to introduce a tribute performance honoring the late Gary Rossington, co-founder of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Rossington passed away on March 5 at the age of 71.
Frampton, who had previously announced his retirement from touring in 2019 due to his diagnosis of inclusion body myositis, a degenerative muscle disorder, appeared in good spirits as he stood with a cane and paid tribute to his friend and tourmate. “Gary Rossington was a southern rock icon and an original founding member of our beloved group, Lynyrd Skynyrd,” said the 72-year-old rock icon. “He inspired millions of fans and musicians. He’s now joined his fellow Skynyrd bandmates in rock and roll heaven, but we will all enjoy their music forever.”
Following Frampton’s introduction, a star-studded lineup including Cody Johnson, Billy Gibbons, Paul Rodgers, Slash, Chuck Leavell, Warren Haynes, Wynonna Judd, and LeAnn Rimes took to the stage and performed Lynyrd Skynyrd classics “Simple Man” and “Sweet Home Alabama” in honor of Rossington.
