Leon Wilkeson

[Garrett]

In memory of Leon Wilkeson on his birthday!



Apr. 2, 1952 / July 27, 2001

Leon was the bass guitarist for the Southern rock band "Lynyrd Skynyrd". On stage and on record, their full throttle boogie style was both explosive and surprisingly graceful as evident in the genre's landmark "Free Bird" and "Sweet Home Alabama". Known for his outlandish hats, Leon Wilkeson survived the plane crash in 1977 that killed band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and singer Cassie Gaines.

by Ron Moody

 

[godofthunder]

Leon was the best part of that band ! I was never a "southern rock" fan but his talent was impossible to ignore. Happy Birthday Leon your music will live forever. RI.P.

[FlatEric]

Being English (Kenny will tell you) we don't use the word   "Awesome". . . . .
. .  .  very much!


So, here I go . . . . Awesome Band. . . .  Awesome Bass Player.

Nuff said!

Cheers.

[heavychevy]

[nofi]

'southen rock' always seemed much bigger up north and in europe than here (the south ) imo. around here you mention LS and you might get a yawn and a huh?

[heavychevy]

plus I'm sure in the south they just call it rock 

[uwe]

It filled a niche in hard rock because they played more major than minor chords. British bands didn't do that.

[Denis]

Leon has always been one of my favorite bass players. RIP, Leon.

[Chaser001]

'southen rock' always seemed much bigger up north and in europe than here (the south ) imo. around here you mention LS and you might get a yawn and a huh?

Maybe it depends on what part of the south.  Where I grew up in North Alabama, the Allman Brothers were considered almost on the level of the Beatles to quite a few people I was around.  Of course, LS never fell into that category. 

[Freuds_Cat]

Leon has always been one of my favorite bass players. RIP, Leon.

+1

[Highlander]

I had the good fortune to see him play twice... rip Leon, rip...