Gary Rossington was Honored at the 2023 CMT Awards by Peter Frampton

A tribute performance to Gary Rossington, who died this month at the age of 71, was introduced by Peter Frampton at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. In an appearance to commemorate Lynyrd Skynyrd's death, Frampton announced a tribute performance four years after announcing he was diagnosed with inclusion body myositis.

A dear friend is honored to be honored

A 72-year-old rock icon, who appeared in good spirits as he stood with a cane, said he was honored to honor a dear friend and bandmate who passed away recently. Gary Rossington, a southern rock icon, was the founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd

Gary helped redefine the band's sound along with Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins and inspired millions of fans and musicians," continued Frampton. It will be decades before we stop enjoying their music, but he is now in rock and rolls heaven.

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Heartbroken and devastated

A performance of "Simple Man" and "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd was followed by Cody Johnson, Billy Gibbons, Paul Rodgers, Slash, Chuck Leavell, Warren Haynes, and Wynonna Judd. 

An announcement of Rossington's passing was posted on the band's Facebook page on March 5. The band said that Gary Rossington, songwriter, guitarist, and brother was lost to us today.

Currently, Gary is acting pretty

In the group's message, Gary is now playing it pretty with his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven, like he always has. We'd appreciate it if you prayed for Dale, Mary, Annie, and the entire Rossington family. The family's privacy will be respected.

He announced his retirement from touring in February 2019 and explained he had inclusion body myositis, a degenerative muscle disorder that eventually would prevent him from playing the guitar.

Particularly referring to his legs

Afterward, Frampton told reporters that he felt "great" and had experienced "some progress," describing his legs in particular. A five-day work out a week is what Frampton does to maintain his muscle mass. The condition is affecting my arms and hands a bit, but it hasn't adversely affected my playing, so I'm still enjoying it. I am still determining how long it will last. "

In addition to the difficulties standing and walking, the musician continued, Progress is very slow. Even though it affects everything, I do not feel my playing is at the top of its game." Last year, he performed two shows in Europe and a few in Las Vegas. He retired from touring in April, but he continues to play shows.

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