Wilkeson would play in both Rossington Collins Band and the Allen Collins band. . Leon Russell Wilkeson (April 2 1952 - July 27, 2001) was the bassist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2001.. His first name is "Leon" and his last name is . Since 2007, the English Wikipedia page of Leon Wilkeson has received more than 817,936 page views. It was also during this time that Wilkeson picked up the gimmick of wearing colorful hats onstage, garnering the nickname "Mad Hatter." We would especially like to feature independent artists to try and get them more exposure. He grew up in Jacksonville, FL and went on to become the main bass player in the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd in the 1970s, the heydey of the band. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. He also lost an enormous amount of blood, and his heart stopped . Dean was the fourth roadie ever hired. At the time of the airplane crash was LYNYRD SKYNYRD's Guitar. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Despite his self-taught approach and working his instrument with a left / right hand technique that bore resemblance to a soft-shell crab skittering across hot pavement, the late Leon Russell Wilkeson was a dexterous player who purveyed many a thrilling passage as anchor of the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd line-up. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. It's hard to imagine Lynyrd Skynyrd without the spectacular talent and wit brought to the table by bassist Leon Wilkeson.Born on April 2, 1952 in Newport, Rhode Island, Wilkeson's bass playing played an integral role in Lynyrd Skynyrd's signature sound - one of the top bassists in Jacksonville, his unique approach to writing bass parts and tendency to play in elaborate counter rhythms . My GRASS IS BLUE screen printed T-Shirt as worn by Leon Wilkeson. Skynyrd dedicated the song . Lynyrd Skynyrd is hitting the road one last time and coming to a city near you dont miss your chance to say goodbye! Find relevant music gear like bass guitar rig, amplifier setup, effects pedalboard, and other instruments and add it to Leon Wilkeson. Woodstock 94 Collectors Set Framed Ticket,vip Pass Etc. He was 49 at the time of his death. At the age of just 49, Wilkeson was found dead in a Florida hotel room in 2001. Leon has ranked on the list of those famous people who were born on April 2, 1952.Leon Wilkeson is one of the Richest Guitarists who was born in the United States.Leon Wilkeson also has a position among the list of Most popular Guitarists. Leon Wilkeson would have been 49 years old at the time of death or 63 years old today. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. . Reports indicated he suffered massive internal injuries, as well as a smashed jaw, broken nose and facial bones, 15 dislodged teeth, six broken ribs, and a broken left arm and leg. Bandleader Ronnie Van Zandt and producer / mentor Al Kooper convinced Leon to rejoin the collective, and the rest, as they say, is history. Wilkeson opted to remain with Allen Collins in a new venture, The Allen Collins Band, issuing one album in 1983, Here, There and Back. After the Collins Band fizzled, little was heard from Wilkeson during the mid-1980s, except for a short-lived membership with Rocco Marshalls Christian-rock band Vision, which also included Billy Powell. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Leon Wilkeson was found dead in his hotel room in Ponte Vedra Beach, near Jacksonville, Florida on July 21st 2001. ALLEN COLLINS BAND Rare PROMO LP (Lynyrd Skynyrd), FINAL LISTING :Original Signed LP :4 Original Members Of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lynyrd Skynyrd * Allen Collins & Leon Wilkeson * Signed Album Cover, Leon Wilkeson Owned Shirt Lynyrd Skynyrd COA, ALLEN COLLINS BAND Southern Rock LP Lynyrd Skynyrd 1983, (Lynyrd Skynyrd)- Leon Wilkeson - Personal Unused Check, Lynyrd Skynyrd -pronounced Lp Signed By Ronnie-allen-gary-ed-leon-bob-bi, Autographed Lynyrd Skynyrd Nuthin' Fancy Album, Lynyrd Skynrd Leon Wilkeson Signature Guitar Pick Rare, 2023 - WorthPoint Corporation | 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 2900. Wearing a trademark stetson or a leather top hat, Wilkeson always cut a . July 27, 2001, Ponte Vedra . Early life. Your credit card or PayPal account will be charged. Profile: American musician, born 2 April 1952 in Newport Rhode Island, USA, died in his sleep 27 July 2001 in a hotel room in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA. This is a carousel with slides. Add to Favorites Lynyrd Skynyrd Embroidered Patch Badge Applique Iron on . Barely recovered from the injuries received in the plane crash on October 20,1977, When in February of 1978 the group FOREIGNER called to work for them in the recording studio and be their Guitar Tech for their second album titled Double Vision and then go out on their 1978 World Tour. Will really hate selling the 1932 Plymouth street rod that first belonged to Leon Wilkeson till Allen Collins finally talked Leon Wilkeson into selling it to him. This was even quoted by Billy Powell and late friends Leon Wilkeson, Allen Collins & Ronnie VanZant. Known as the "man with the hats", Leon's bass was the driving force behind Lynyrd Skynyrd for 30 years. Its hard to imagine Lynyrd Skynyrd without the spectacular talent and wit brought to the table by bassist Leon Wilkeson. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. January 28, 2009, Orange Park, Florida), Leon Wilkeson (b. April 2, 1952d. Lynyrd Skynyrd signed with Al Kooper's production company, Sounds of the South, a joint venture with MCA Records, in 1973. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? [1] He was pronounced dead by St Johns County Fire Rescue Paramedic, Charlie Galambos. On 21 Mar 1975, Leon Wilkeson was appointed to the personal military staff of Gov. . Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Leon Wilkeson was able to dodge death two times (while on tour with the band), but proved not as lucky a third time. However, due to plummeting school grades, Wilkeson had to drop out of the group. Net Worth in 2021. Sites: Wikipedia. 200 _ 1 a Wilkeson b Leon f 1952-2001 4xx's: Alternate Name Forms (19) 400 0 _ a Leon Wilkeson c Amerikaans muzikant (1952-2001) A medical examiner reported that Wilkeson was suffering from chronic liver and lung disease and died of natural causes. Despite the raw grief were sure his bandmates experienced at his loss, Mad Hatter is anything but sad its a love letter to everything Lynyrd Skynyrd and their fans loved about Leon. Sorry! Always great bass lines in Skynyrd. AFTER MANY TOURS HE WOULD FLY HOME WITH ME. Read more on Wikipedia. Leon Wilkeson was born on April 2, 1952 and died on July 27, 2001. Founding member Leon Wilkeson dead at forty-nine. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Barely recovered from the injuries received in the plane crash on October 20,1977, When in February of 1978 the group FOREIGNER called to work for them in the recording studio and be their Guitar Tech for their second album titled Double Vision and then go out on their 1978 World Tour. He began to study the lead bass style of such accomplished players as Creams Jack Bruce, Led Zeppelins John Paul Jones, Jefferson Airplanes Jack Casady, The Grateful Deads Phil Lesh and the Allman Brothers Berry Oakley. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. But tragedy struck as the band and its entourage went down in a plane crash on October 20, 1977, outside of Gillsburg, Mississippi, which left members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines dead and the rest badly injured. Wilkeson acquired a "Fenderbird" bass from John Entwistle. Jenness waived this proviso, and the group continued with replacement bassist Ean Evans. Drag images here or select from your computer for Leon Wilkeson memorial. Leon Russell Wilkeson oli yhdysvaltalainen basisti, joka oli Lynyrd Skynyrd -yhtyeen pitkaikainen jsen. According to his autopsy, he suffered from severe liver cirrhosis caused by years of heavy drinking and traces of drugs were found on his blood, but his death was filed under accident. Must have acquired it in the early 1980s. After the Allen Collins Band fizzled, little was heard from Wilkeson during the mid-1980s, except for a short-lived membership with Rocco Marshall's Christian-rock band Vision, which also included Billy Powell. There is a problem with your email/password. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Leon Russell Wilkeson, 49, died on Friday, July 27, 2001. . More than that, Leon was known for his kind heart, fantastic sense of humor and of course, for the hats he wore onstage during his time with Lynyrd Skynyrd all 29 years, in fact! We have estimated Leon Wilkeson's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. Dubbed the Mad Hatter by way of his proclivity for eccentric headwear on and off stage, among Wiklesons more notable instruments was a purchase from his aforementioned bass hero Entwistle the hybrid Gibson Thunderbird body and Fender Precision neck hence the moniker Fenderbird.. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). The words Fender, Telecaster, Stratocaster and the associated headstock designs are registered trademarks of the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. This was even quoted by Billy Powell and late friends Leon Wilkeson, Allen Collins & Ronnie VanZant. Van Zant subsequently visited Wilkeson and convinced him to rejoin the band, and King moved to lead guitar. Funkster Supporting Member. Last summer I was forced to leave the Road from touring with a Band that had been like family to me for 33 years because of the medication I had to take made me sick, and not good for the hard life that traveling on the road requires.. Other close friend's besides Leon Wikeson have recently died of Hep C so it forced me to leave the road , I resume treatments at the Cleveland Clinic Leaving few options under short notice but to sell the vast collection of LYNYRD SKYNYRD memorabilia saved from the last 33 years. Tune in to the video below to check out Leons singing chops! check out Mad Hatter, from Skynyrd, it is a tribute to Leon Wilkeson, recorded after his death. Worked for members of LYNYRD SKYNYRD since 1973, during that time I have held just about every job title one can hold while working for a rock band. Leon Wilkeson was born on April 2, 1952 in Newport, Rhode Island, but grew up and learned to play music in Jacksonville, Florida. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. was born on April 2nd 1952 in Newport, Rhode Island, but raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Failed to report flower. Lynyrd Skynyrd's tribute to awesome basist Leon Wilkeson, who died in 2001. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? s Guitar Tech, doing all the maintenance on all the Guitars belonging to Guitarist ALLEN COLLINS - GARY ROSSINGTON - STEVE GAINES - and Bass Guitarist LEON WILKESON on the road and in the recording studio. Leon (Wilkeson, from Skynyrd) stayed with me for a while too. 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,024) $ 50.54. He was the bass guitarist for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Leon was born in Rhode Island, but moved to Jacksonville at young age. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. So don't be fooled by her radiance, this chick is the female Leon Wilkeson (hats included).' Last but by no means least is guitarist Jack Davison who maturity of playing added to his youthful energy completes what is a high power and musically skilled band. Your credit card or PayPal account will be charged. A system error has occurred. When the band went on hiatus following theplane crash of 1977, Leoncontinued to work with his Skynyrd bandmates in a variety of other groups. July 27, 2001, Lynyrd Skynyrd , American rock band that rose to prominence during the Southern rock boom of the 1970s on the strength of its triple-guitar attack and gritty working-class attitude. Stood right in front of the stage. Known for his outlandish hats, Leon Wilkeson survived the plane crash in 1977 that killed band memebers Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and singer Cassie Gaines. Born on April 2, 1952, in Newport, Rhode Island, but raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Wilkeson became a major Beatles fan just as he was becoming a teenager and began learning to play bass guitar in order to emulate his favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney. With its outlaw/party-hearty image, tough Southern rock and solid touring, Skynyrd quickly became one of the top bands of the 1970s, scoring such hit albums as 1974s Second Helping, 1975s Nuthin Fancy, 1976s Gimme Back My Bullets and One More from the Road, plus 1977s Street Survivors and such hit singles as Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama. It was also during this classic era that Wilkeson picked up the gimmick of wearing colorful hats onstage, garnering the nickname Mad Hatter.. Former Strawberry Alarm Clock lead guitarist Ed King replaced Wilkeson during the recording of Skynyrd's debut album, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, but just as sessions wrapped up, King and vocalist Ronnie Van Zant both agreed that King wasn't suited to be a bassist. On stage and on record, their full-throttle boogie style was both explosive and surprisingly graceful . Hn liittyi yhtyeeseen vuonna 1972 ja selvisi lento-onnettomuudesta, johon yhtye lokakuussa 1977 joutui. Leon Wilkeson was born on April 2, 1952 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. was born on April 2nd 1952 in Newport, Rhode Island, but raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Under Review. Leon Wilkeson, bassist of legendary southern rock act Lynyrd Skynyrd, died in his sleep Friday in his room at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Beach Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. DURING THE EARLY NINETIES LEON GAVE ME A LARGE SUITCASE TO HOLD FOR HIM SO THAT HE WOULD NOT LOSE THE THINGS INSIDE THE CASE IN ANOTHER BAD SITUATION. Wilkeson awoke to find Gaines dead from a broken neck and himself severely injured. Texas Hatters have made claims to being his hatter, they call it the 'hi-roller.' You can find it currently on sale at the. Rock Songs That Are Loved For Their Live Versions, Peter Gabriel Shares New Mix of New Song The Court, Stevie Nicks Featured On New Gorillaz Track, Paul McCartney Is Going To Be On The New Rolling Stones, Jethro Tull Release New Song The Navigators. Pictured are Artimus Pyle, Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Leon Wilkeson, Steve Gaines and Ronnie Van Zant. Leon passed young due to substance abuse issues; no doubt prompted (enhanced) by Skynrds tragic fate. Early life. Once Skynyrd gained popularity with hit songs such as "Freebird" and "Sweet Home Alabama," Leon started wearing crazy hats on stage, which earned him the nickname "Mad Hatter." . When he nailed the Skynyrd gig, a job which he held for life, Wilkeson got cold feet and sat out the bands debut platter, Rossington-Collins Band Dont Misunderstand Me. Lucky me for being pack rat I kept everything. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. cemeteries found in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Never thought I would sell some of these items but really no other reasonable ideas. He was survivor of band's '77 crash. This was even quoted by Billy Powell and late friends Leon Wilkeson, Allen Collins & Ronnie VanZant. If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please. So tonight, pay tribute, light a match, and tell your brothers and sisters about The Cat In The Hat. Galambos reports that leaving the scene moments after pronouncing Wilkeson dead, news had already leaked to the media, as he listened to the report on local FM radio. When he nailed the Skynyrd gig, a job which he held for life, Wilkeson got cold feet and sat out the band's debut platter Pronounced Leh . Former Strawberry Alarm Clock member Ed King subbed for Wilkeson during the recording of Skynyrds debut, Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd, but just as sessions wrapped up, Wilkeson began having second thoughts about leaving the group. On Buzzlearn.com, Leon is listed as a successful Musician who was born in the year of 1952. Please try again later. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. He also gave me several things, including his lawn . Subsequently he was left with a greatly reduced range of motion, which forced him to hold his bass close to his body and at a distinctive near-vertical orientation. When he nailed the Skynyrd gig, a job which he held for life, Wilkeson got cold feet and sat out the bands debut platter Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd,waxed in 1973. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? The 1980s appeared to bring great promise for most of the surviving band members, as a new group, the Rossington-Collins Band, formed, consisting of Wilkeson, guitarists Gary Rossington and Allen Collins, and keyboardist Billy Powell.[1]. We have set your language to Wilkeson was in town to address charges of driving under the influence, for which he had been cited earlier that year. Leon Wilkeson. . It was an unthinkable tragedy, and one that robbed the world of a unique and important band that played a huge part in . Blackberry Smoke announces new album and tour dates, Lynyrd Skynyrd sues ex-drummer Artimus Pyle, Charlie Daniels announces official memoir, Marshall Tucker Band announces 45th Live in Concert tour, Butch Trucks, founding member of Allman Brothers Band, has died, Whiskey Myers kicks off their North American tour. Never thought I would sell some of these items but really no other reasonable ideas. Leon Wilkeson, bassist with 1970's rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, dies at age 49 (S) . Lieutenant Colonel in the Alabama State Militia. He was 49. Myhemmin hn sai viel lempinimen "Cat In The Hat", kun hn oli selvinnyt . Allen Collins started the ALLEN COLLINS BAND that only lasted about 2 years. UP FOR AUCTION IS this * PLANET HOLLYWOOD * SEATTLE * BASEBALL HAT * OWNED BY * LEON WILKESON * EMBRIODERED LETTERS * EXCELLENT CONDITION * * LEON HAD SOME BAD RELATIONSHIPS THOUGH HIS CAREER THAT DURING BREAKUPS CAUSED HIM TO LOSE MANY ITEMS HE HAD COLLECTED THROUGH THE YEARS ON THE ROAD. .The private lives of LYNYRD SKYNYRD have remained out of loyalty and has been the most dedicated and devoted employee of the LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND since 1973. Allen Larkin Collins loved that car and would have never sold it. Oops, something didn't work. Atlanta, Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750, . How old is Leon Wilkeson? As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. He was, a lot like Berry Oakley, in that he seemed to be an excellent judge of the "too much bass" line in the sand and exactly how far to step back from that line. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. In 1979 another survivor of the plane crash Kevin Elson, who was the Sound Man for LYNYRD SKYNYRD at the time of the crash called saying he was going out on a World Tour with the group JOURNEY and they needed a Guitar Tech to go to the recording studio with them for their second album titled Evolution then also go out on the JOURNEY 1979 World Tour. UP FOR AUCTION IS this * ATLANTA BRAVES 1991 * WORLD SERIES * BASEBALL HAT * OWNED BY * LEON WILKESON * EXCELLENT CONDITION * * LEON HAD SOME BAD RELATIONSHIPS THOUGH HIS CAREER THAT DURING BREAKUPS Search above to list available cemeteries. Verify and try again. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Leon Wilkeson, bassist and founding member of the legendary Southern rock group. Again tragedy struck. Try again later. UP FOR AUCTION IS this * ATLANTA BRAVES 1991 * WORLD SERIES * BASEBALL HAT * OWNED BY * LEON WILKESON * EXCELLENT CONDITION * * LEON HAD SOME BAD RELATIONSHIPS THOUGH HIS CAREER THAT DURING BREAKUPS CAUSED HIM TO LOSE MANY ITEMS HE HAD COLLECTED THROUGH THE YEARS ON THE ROAD. Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members research needs. Here, you can discover the world of southern rock with latest news, videos and (eventually) find information on all southern rock bands in one easy location. Rock Musician. Wilkeson was also nicknamed "The Mad Hatter" because of his tendency to wear top hats whenever he played. However, this didnt prove to be the case, as Wilkeson began to get cold feet just prior to sessions for their debut album, recorded in Atlanta. It was also during this time that Wilkeson picked up the gimmick of wearing colorful hats onstage, garnering the nickname "Mad Hatter." After the crash, Wilkeson and the other survivors bowed out of the spotlight for the remainder of the 1970s as they attempted to . The Fenderbird bass mated a custom made Gibson Thunderbird body to a Fender Precision Bass neck. This account has been disabled. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. It was also during this time that Wilkeson picked up the gimmick of wearing colorful hats onstage, garnering the nickname "Mad Hatter." Lesbian ~ 1972 The Runaway ~ William Smith Lot 3 Cards, Autographed Carol Burnett Photo & Hat From Her Show, SUPERMAN MOVIE EMBLEM New Rare 3-D Sign Brushed Steel, Grateful Dead Vintage 1970 Fillmore West Concert Ticket, Kiss Teen Favorites Presents Kiss Vintage 1978, Lone Ranger/clayton Moore - Rare Orig News Photo, Original Artist Proof 1968 Newport Pop Festival Poster, Johnny Sheffield As Tarzan's Boy Feeding Elephant Photo. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5861203/leon-wilkeson. Was known for his many outrageous hats. It was also during this classic era that Wilkeson picked up the gimmick of wearing colorful hats onstage, garnering the nickname "Mad Hatter." . You must log in or register to reply here. Last edited on 15 December 2022, at 20:14, Learn how and when to remove this template message, The band and its entourage went down in a plane crash on October 20, 1977, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Leon_Wilkeson&oldid=1127629063, This page was last edited on 15 December 2022, at 20:14. He used Peavey Amps, not sure what model or nothing, he used a pick! This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. It is the same illness Leon Wilkeson started with, he didn't treat it properly and Leon Wilkeson died 4 years ago. Leon Russell Wilkeson (April 2, 1952 - July 27, 2001) was the bassist of the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1972 until his death in 2001. . Oops, we were unable to send the email. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. While declared an accidental death, many friends who knew Leon personally, including his personal manager, Dale Bowman, question many of the strange unexplained . Allen Larkin Collins loved that car and would have never sold it. [2] Wilkeson's death put the group in a difficult position since an agreement with Ronnie Van Zant's widow, Judy Jenness, mandated that at least three of Skynyrd's longtime members would have to appear in order for the band to use the name Lynyrd Skynyrd. The "Cat in the Hat" played with a pick but I played his stuff fingerstyle. Wilkeson had apparently been suffering from chronic liver and lung disease. Available in womans small, unisex small through XXXl. Wilkeson was rushed to the hospital. GREAT NEWS! After developing a reputation as one of the best bass players in Jacksonville, Leonended up joining Lynyrd Skynyrd to replace bassist Greg T. Walker. Leon was the first bass player I really took an interest in. Hn liittyi yhtyeeseen vuonna 1972 ja selvisi lento-onnettomuudesta, johon yhtye lokakuussa 1977 joutui. "D'yknow Ronnie Van Zant's dad was a truck driver and he'd go with him on these drives up to New York and stuff as a kid." I tell my friend RJ one night during a round of shoot the musical shit. Born on April 2, 1952 in Newport, Rhode Island, Wilkesons bass playing played an integral role in Lynyrd Skynyrds signature sound one of the top bassists in Jacksonville, his unique approach to writing bass parts and tendency to play in elaborate counter rhythms being responsible for classics like Gimme Three Steps. Died: Found dead on July 27, 2001, in a Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., hotel room; Wilkeson had apparently been suffering from chronic liver and lung . Leon Wilkeson, 49-year-old bassist for the legendary band Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died of natural causes, according to Judy Van Zant Jenness, widow of the . Great bassist. The clip below of Leonsinging backstage may be a rare solo moment for him, but as it turns out, Skynyrd fans have been listeningto his voice all along. As Rock and Roll Paradise reports, "Guitarist Ed King found Wilkeson with his throat cut, bleeding profusely on the group's tour bus." Wilkeson was rushed to the hospital and once again . After becoming a big Beatles fan as a teenager, Leonfollowed in the footsteps of his idol Paul McCartney, and dedicated himself to learning how to play the bass at the age of 14. When Lynyrd Skynyrd's bassist Greg T. Walker left the band, Wilkeson was brought in as his replacement. According to his autopsy, he suffered from severe liver cirrhosis caused by years of heavy drinking and traces of drugs were found on his blood, but his death was filed under "accident".