# Lynyrd Skynyrd 49 Years After Tragedy

> Lynyrd Skynyrd's 49th anniversary of a 1977 plane crash that killed three members.
- Title: Lynyrd Skynyrd 49 Years After Tragedy · American Songwriter
- Summary: Lynyrd Skynyrd's 49th anniversary of a 1977 plane crash that killed three members.
- Keywords: lynyrd skynyrd, ronnie van zant, steve gains, 1977, plane crash, street survivors, music, culture, Lynyrd, Skynyrd, Years, Tragedy
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/49-years-after-tragedy-took-three-of-its-members-lynyrd-skynyrd-reminds-fans-their-music-lives-on
- Author: Chris Piner
- Published: 2026-10-21T16:55:38+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lynyrd skynyrd, ronnie van zant, steve gains, 1977, plane crash, street survivors, music, culture
## Lynyrd Skynyrd's 1977 Album Release
Lynyrd Skynyrd released Street Survivors in October 1977, peaking at No. 5 on the US Billboard 200.
## October 20, 1977 Plane Crash
A plane crash on October 20, 1977 killed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and others.
## 49 Years After Tragedy
Lynyrd Skynyrd posted a throwback picture honoring the generational talent lost in the 1977 crash.

> They may have left us on this day in 1977… but the music and their spirit has never dissipated and only grows stronger and resonates throughout the world
## Key takeaway

Lynyrd Skynyrd's 49th anniversary of a 1977 plane crash that killed lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines.