Founding Lynyrd Skynyrd member and long-time .38 Special bassist Larry Junstrom has passed away at the age of 70.

.38 Special confirmed the news on their official Facebook page. “The Big Man on the Big Bass has left us,” his former bandmates posted. “He rocked arenas all over the world and succeeded in living his dream. He was truly one of a kind, a congenial traveling companion and a great friend to all with a humorous slant on life that always kept our spirits high — a kind man with a big heart for everyone who crossed his path. There will never be another like him. We are sending our devoted love, strength and comfort to his wife Thania and Larry’s family. We will miss our friend and partner.”

Junstrom formed Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964 with his high school classmates Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins and Bob Burns. He ultimately left the group in 1971, before their debut album, Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd, was even recorded.

Six years later, he joined Van Zant’s younger brother Donnie in his band, .38 Special. Junstrom stayed with the band until their 2004 album, Drivetrain, when a hand injury forced him to retire in 2014.

RIP, Larry Junstrom.