R.I.P.: Lynyrd Skynyrd Drummer Bob Burns Has Died

Bob Burns

Sad news to report. Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Bob Burns was killed late Fridasy night in a single car accident in Cartersville, Georgia, according to the Georgia State Police.

He was 64-years-of-age.

Burns was the original drummer for the band when it was formed in 1968.

According to the GA. State Police PIO,  he was traveling on Tower Ridge Road in Bartow County when he approached a curve and left his side of the roadway. The musician struck a mailbox and a tree with the front of his vehicle at approximately 11:56 p.m. Friday night.

He was not wearing his seatbelt.

The drummer helped form Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964 with Gary Rossington and Larry Junstrom. They were later joined by Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. He played on the band’s first two official albums:  (Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd) and Second Helping. “Free Bird,” one of the songs featured on the band’s debut album, helped catapult them to music stardom.


Bob stayed with the band until 1974. He was replaced by Artimus Pyle. Bob rejoined Lynyrd Skynyrd for one special performance on March 13, 2006. He played with Billy Powell, Ed King, Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Honkettes at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.