Gary Rossington Hospitalized: Lynyrd Skynyrd Cancels Mississippi Shows, Founding Guitarist Ill with Abdominal Infection

Reports confirm that Gary Rossington, guitarist and the only remaining original member of the popular southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, was recently hospitalized due to a nasty abdominal infection. Therefore, the band was forced to cancel two scheduled live shows this weekend at the Hard Rock Cafe in Biloxi, Mississippi. Lynyrd Skynyrd recently released a statement, claiming that they will provide more information on Rossington's health status as it becomes available.

A message from the band in regards to Rossington's hospitalization reads:

"Skynyrd Nation, regrettably, our shows at the Hard Rock Biloxi this weekend on February 15th and 16th have been cancelled. Gary Rossington has been hospitalized in Wyoming with an abdominal infection. We are awaiting further tests and treatment, once we receive information on Gary's status we will release additional information. Thank you for your understanding and support." 

Lynyrd Skynyrd is next scheduled to play in Kinder, LA on Feb. 25. For the band's full concert lineup, check out the official Skynryd Nation webite.

Rossington was one of six Lynyrd Skynyrd band members who survived the October 20, 1977 plane crash in Mississippi that claimed the lives of rock legends and longtime friends Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and Cassie Gaines (as well as three others). Despite breaking both arms, both legs, both wrists, both ankles, and his pelvis, Rossington went on to reunite the band in 1987, with former lead singer Van Zant's younger brother Johnny as the new frontman. Lynyrd Skynyrd has continued touring ever since.

Lynyrd Skynyrd is also scheduled to play Monster's third annual "Welcome to Rockville" festival in Jacksonville, FL which will be held on April 27-28. Other popular acts include: Alice in Chains, Limp Bizkit, 3 Doors Down, Shinedown, Stone Sour, Three Days Grace, Papa Roach, Bullet for my Valentine, Halestorm, Buckcherry, Hollywod Undead, Skillet, All that Remains, Asking Alexandria, Escape the Fate, Filter, In this Moment, Steel Panther, Motionless in White, Pop Evil, Otherwise, Saving Abel, Nonpoint, Red, Young Guns, Thousand Foot Krutch, Gemini Syndrome, Girl on Fire, and more.