Duane Roland, Molly Hatchet guitarist; at 53

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- Duane Roland, one of the original guitarists in the Southern rock band Molly Hatchet, has died. He was 53.

Mr. Roland died Monday at his home of natural causes, said Dan Haley, funeral director at Craig Funeral Home in St. Augustine.

He played with the Jacksonville-based band from its formation in 1976 until 1990.

Mr. Roland also played with the Southern Rock Allstars and was in a band called Gator Country, which included many of the early members of Molly Hatchet.