Tonight’s featured artists are still performing legends in the rock industry even though back in 1977 more than half the band was killed in a plane crash.

When asked if the loss of his band mates made him want to give up or forge ahead one member was quoted as saying “for one reason or another, the good God has left me on this planet, surely I will not sit around and not do what I do naturally.” Who was it?That would be Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Their tale is one of tragedy, turmoil and triumph. The band that became synonymous with Southern rock thanks to classic cuts like "Simple Man," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Freebird" was all but decimated on October 20, 1977, when, while on tour to support Street Survivors, the band's plane crashed into a swamp, killing Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, back-up vocalist Cassie Gaines, and road manager Dean Kilpatrick, and seriously injuring the rest of the band members.

Initially, surviving member and guitarist Gary Rossington decided — along with the other survivors — to disband Lynyrd for good. But over the years, Gary has remained a vital pulse of the band, keeping the Skynyrd legacy alive and kicking.

And when Ask Men posed the question to him: Do the tough times make it harder or does it give you the resolve to charge ahead?

Skynyrd Survivor Gary Rossington said: “Oh, it makes you want it more. I mean, for one reason or another, the good God has left me on this planet, surely I will not sit around and not do what I do naturally.”

Let's here tonight's song from the entire original band from back in July of 1977. 'What's Your Name'

Like some more?  Here is the entire concert if you're game:)

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