Guitarist Duane Roland Dies

Duane Roland, one of the original guitarists of Southern rock band Molly Hatchet, died June 26th.

Roland, 53, played with the band from its formation in 1976 until 1990. He also played with the Southern Rock Allstars and Gator Country, which was made up of many early Molly Hatchet members.

“He had a heart as big as Texas and a talent twice that big,” said singer Jimmy Farrar, who performed with Roland in all three bands. “Not only was he a colleague but he was one of the best friends I ever had and he will be sorely missed.”

Roland died of natural causes in his home, according to a funeral home director in St. Augustine, Fla.