Ean Evans Former bassist for Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd Date of Birth: 16.09.1960 Country: USA

1. Biography of Ian Evans
2. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
3. The Formation of "Five Miles High"
4. Influences and Musical Career
5. Joining "Lynyrd Skynyrd"
6. Legacy and Death

Biography of Ian Evans

Ian Wayne Evans, also known as Ian Evans, was the former bassist of the southern rock band "Lynyrd Skynyrd". He joined the band in 2001 and remained with them until his death.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Ian Evans was born on September 16, 1960, in Atlanta, Georgia. He developed a passion for music at a young age and started playing the trumpet. As a teenager, he played in various cover bands, specializing in the subgenre of southern rock. At the age of fifteen, Evans switched to playing the guitar and soon became a member of several bands.

The Formation of "Five Miles High"

In the 1980s, Evans switched to playing the bass and formed a new band called "Five Miles High". The band consisted of Evans on bass, Mike Reynolds on drums, Ruben Lees and Del Stockstill on guitars, and Carl Brown on keyboards. "Five Miles High" toured extensively in the southeastern United States and gained recognition, even ranking in the top ten rock bands in a Mississippi radio station contest.

Influences and Musical Career

During his musical journey, Evans was influenced by renowned bassists such as John Paul Jones from the legendary band "Led Zeppelin", Geddy Lee from the Canadian progressive rock band "Rush", and Leon Wilkeson from "Lynyrd Skynyrd". Inspired by their aggressive playing styles, Evans incorporated their techniques into his own bass playing.

With the help of his manager, J.J. French, Evans formed his first successful band called "Cupid's Arrow", which gained significant popularity in the Atlanta area. They recorded over 50 songs, establishing Evans as a skilled studio musician.

Joining "Lynyrd Skynyrd"

When Hughie Thomasson, the leader of the southern rock band "Outlaws", invited Evans to join the band, he agreed. However, their touring plans came to an end when Thomasson joined "Lynyrd Skynyrd". Undeterred, Evans formed his second band called "NOON", where he played guitar and bass, wrote songs, and performed as the lead vocalist.

In 2001, tragedy struck the "Lynyrd Skynyrd" family with the death of bassist Leon Wilkeson, a close friend of Evans. He was asked to fill the vacant position in the band and joined "Lynyrd Skynyrd" that same year.

Legacy and Death

In late 2008, Evans was diagnosed with cancer. Despite his illness, he continued to perform with "Lynyrd Skynyrd" until his health declined. Ian Evans passed away on May 6, 2009, at his home in Columbus, Mississippi, leaving behind his wife Eva and two daughters. His contributions to the world of southern rock and his skillful bass playing continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans worldwide.