GRAVES of LYNYRD SKYNYRD & Secret DARK History YOU May NOT KNOW! w/ GENE ODOM

[@kellymancini1977]

Thank you for documenting Gene Odom. He knows the real truth and isn’t afraid to speak it. He was such a loyal friend and continues to be- we should all be lucky to have a friend like Gene.🙏🙌❤

[@rileymcintosh4852]

Gene Odom is a real man

[@lancewebb5990]

Best band ever played! Skynyrd has been a big part of my life since i was born in 82. I have become good friends with the guy who did the lighting for skynyrd. He also was in the crash. He has told me about the crash also that he was very hurt in. He has a big heart down to earth guy. He has a youtube page also you should look at him. Gene is a great guy as well. God Bless!

[@cowdaddy4595]

Gene is a good guy. He just didn't have good sense.

[@FJBriben]

Gene Odom is a grifter. He never wrote, played or sang a single note and he's still making money off of OTHER people's talent

[@Stormcloud32]

Gene Odem was not only a great friend to Ronnie Van Zant, he was his brother. You will not find a more humble and honest person that will tell you like it was from back in those days.

[@Zakk-n6w]

My brother and I met Gene up in NC around 2006 and helped him with a flat tire and spent the evening with him and he had zero problem hanging and telling us all the great stories with him and LS. We also went and had Pizza and he actually took out his eye and showed us!!! Also, I don’t know if he’d remember us but I gave him a RVZ T-shirt and he gave us a book signed. What a decent human being. If only there were more people in this world like him. Thank you Mr. Gene Odom!!

[@larrytate5605]

oh yes gene is nice to everyone

[@crunchsite]

Spent a day with Gene a couple years ago, touring the Skynyrd sites....a day I will never forget. Highly recommend.

[@stmn346]

Love Gene. I’m glad he’s still able to tell the true stories. Rip to all Skynyrd members.

[@duurnamets9678]

Who said that his stories are true, all Lynyrd Skynyrd members are died

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

​@@duurnamets9678 Think much? Gene has been telling his stories for many years. Don't you think if he wasn't telling the truth someone would have called him on it by now?

[@nalmow]

I cannot believe this! I live in Jax and was there at the cemetery visiting with my mom. We drove over to the other side to see if Rossington's headstone was in. I saw a few people standing there off to the side. The man was wearing a white tshirt. Holy cow it was you guys!!!

[@helenallard]

They were the greatest showman ever

[@mariaday712]

Not every day you find a friend like Gene. You can just hear the love he has for Ronnie and some of the other guys. Even till these days. Gene keeps the real stories of Lynyrd Skynyrd alive. God bless Gene. Rest in peace to all the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. We miss you all, but your music still carries on. Thank you, Jordan, for another chance to visit with Gene. Stay safe and take care.

[@jaygreen1313]

How much does Gene charge to take people to graveyards that anyone can go to for free? And when he takes people to Gary Rossington’s gravesite does he trash him all of the time or just when he feels like it? There is no “Love” lost from Gene concerning Gary. If it weren’t for Gary, Gene would be an out of work laborer. He might show a little respect for ALL of the band members, as he is Still making money off of a band that essentially ended October 20, 1977. Real stories? Ask Gene how he feels about Robert E Lee high school changing the name and why it doesn’t really matter because it’s 95% Black?

[@homerhancock9777]

Gene, like most of the Survivors of the plane crash didn't get much money after the plane crash, & with only one eye, brain damage etc...I'm happy to see him getting around as good as he does, & making a little $ money, with whatever stories he can remember. Gary never liked Gene because he never took a drink or toked a joint he tried to pass to him...IMO...

[@Tonymanero1960]

My girlfriend and I spent about 10 days exploring the Deep South recently. While driving up from Louisiana towards Tupelo Mississippi we saw the sign for the Lynyrd Skynyrd crash Memorial,.....so we got off to check it out. Just by total coincidence Gene Odum was there telling stories,..and signing his book with a few friends. He was kind enough to take a few pictures with us in front of the memorials and sign a copy of his book that I bought. It was just one of those times when you were in the right place at the right time. Btw,...the memorials are near,...but not exactly at,...where the actual crash was. The exact spot is on private property and is strictly off-limits except for specific people/events.

[@DazewithJordantheLion]

Gene is the best... one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and tells it how it is.. when I met the first responders, their stories backed up some the truth people don't know.. about Artemis lying about what he did after the crash...

[@jaxflfreebird]

@@DazewithJordantheLion What lies has Artimus told about the plane crash? Do you think he ran from the crash because he was scared? And there's the story about a farmer shooting at him. Did Arti get shot, wounded a bit? I am not up to date on the incorrect stories Arti has told. I'd like to know why people seem to be so pissed at him for this. Or do they think he's a child molester so he's just a complete liar. Maybe he is a liar, I really don't know. Dolly Parton just worked with him. She doesn't seem to have a problem with him. I know Billy Powell said that Cassie was bleeding from her neck and that the blood was "gurgling". That is supposed to not be factual. The point is that everyone in the crash went through the most traumatic even of their entire life. People were knocked unconscious. People were in SHOCK, literal SHOCK. A lot of what they said is going to be unreliable. I'm sure some of the responders to the crash were traumatized as well.

[@davidh6818]

​​@@jaxflfreebirdArtimus said Ronnie shook hands with him and said goodbye right before the plane crashed,he said he had ribs broken and sticking out of his chest,he said he got hit in the shoulder when Johnny Mote(the farmer)shot at him, all of these are not true.That being said,Artimus isn't the only one who has told a lie or exaggerated the truth.Gene's importance to the band grows as the years pass,and he has said some things that are questionable as well(to say the least).

[@cbrippee]

I found about about the memorial in early summer and knew I had to make a trek from SW OH to visit, preferably on my motorcycle. Then 2nd week of September a new account sent me to Denham Springs, LA. On the way back I stopped for 15 minutes or more and paid my respects. It really is a great memorial. Lynyrd Skynyrd was my favorite band at the time of the crash and me and some friends were going to see them in Kalamazoo, however the crash happened first. Your's is a cool story Steve, and what a pleasure it must have been to meet Gene.

[@linrob1312]

I have a guitar pick from Gary Rossignol from a concert Skynrd did here in New Zealand.. We rocked out with them that day. Freebird is particularly special to us...Thanks for this for their fans over here.

[@katrinacool]

Lynyrd Skynyrd were an adored 70's southern rock band who's like we will never know again. Iconic songs and incredible musicians who have influenced an entire generation - from country to hip hop. I know someone who saw them in 1973 as the opening act for The Who- imagine that lineup! Such a sad ending but they are remembered. Thank you Jordan for appreciating such talented people. ☺️❤️😊🥰☀️🌴🦩😊🥰😊🥰

[@marywright6759]

Ronnie and Gary are both on Dollys new album. She sings Free Bird.

[@marlamays2131]

A few people I know got to see them in concert, I think at Dayton's Hara arena. I might be mistaken, but I think I was told Billy Joel was the warm up,and was just about booed off stage. If I got that correct? What were the promotion people thinking? It still worked out very well for Billy Joel. Oh, my friend was killed in a motorcycle accident and Freebird lyrics are engraved on his headstone. He loved that song.

[@marlamays2131]

​@@marywright6759Oh Wow . I need to find that. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@marilynsaltus3475]

God bless Johnny van zant & gene odem! 🦅🎼🎶🎵🦅💔 Sad story no matter how much time goes by! 💔

[@bethewalt7385]

It would be whose not who's, who's is the contraction for who is, therefore your use makes no sense, to use whose does, say "who is" in place and if it doesn't make sense, well then you know, it aggravates me what deplorable language and grammar skills kiddos have today, it's a complete de-evolution, as a society we're so doomed, doomed for mediocrity....

[@outsider238]

Always great to hear Gene's recollections of the band days. It's crazy how many times they've moved Ronnie's grave.

[@caryscats5346]

They move it all the time?????(((

[@stevebetker829]

Thanks for sharing. So nice of gene. I’m glad Johnny accepted the offer to sing . Glad they are still playing their music. I along with 20,000 fans really enjoyed the concert a few months ago. I definitely will contact gene with friends for a tour. Good to see his friendship with Ronnie will last forever.

[@karentarr8930]

Great to see Gene again, love his story’s he’s so wonderful, I loved Lynard Skynard so much. Spent so much time in Gainsville in the seventies and saw Lynard Skynard whenever they played at the University of FL, ty for bringing back so many great memories Jordan you made my day, I really needed this my friend🤗🥰🐾😎🐈‍⬛

[@bethewalt7385]

If you love them SO MUCH why can't you learn to spell their name correctly? Lynyrd Skynyrd. 😂😂😂😂

[@cindyhenning7832]

Gene was so kind to tell the story to you! He was amazing! Thank you Jordan for going out there to do this story! This is the best video ever

[@alancumming6407]

Jordan, this was an amazing documentary, many thanks and many thanks to Gene for, once more, being kind enough to share his memories - terrific vlog.

[@t.wilson5106]

Thanks Jordan, I live in Greenville SC and I was privileged to be at there last concert in October 1977 in Greenville and it was great!

[@DazewithJordantheLion]

Very cool!

[@DazewithJordantheLion]

Im.glad you got to see that show!

[@kellymancini1977]

My Dad took me to the Asbury Park show in 1977. I was 7 years old! It was my first concert and I will never forget it!😊❤🙏🙌

[@neillbickerstaff6671]

Did Ted Nugent open?

[@t.wilson5106]

@@neillbickerstaff6671 no

[@1985rokker]

Great video Jordan. We live in St. Aug and go there often when cruising around on a nice Saturday or Sunday afternoon. We also used to go to Hell House location in Green Cove but a subdivision has been built on the farm where it was located. Just for giggles, my wife drove out there a few months ago and found one lone lot that had not been built on. We parked and walked down to what I think was the dock where Ronnie and the guys would fish. I'd like to think someone cared enough to save that one slice of history in this much-developed area. From the dock you can see the RR bridge where photo's of the band were taken for the Nuthin' Fancy album. Sorry for the book but these are sacred places and this history means a lot to many fans. Anyway, thanks and God bless Gene and keep him well.

[@bassboy1945]

Another awesome vlog Jordan. Glad Ed King was mentioned. I personally knew Ed, Our friendship goes all the way back when he was in the Strawberry Alarm Clock during our touring days with the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars in the late 60's.

[@msr1116]

I still like to listen to Tomorrow for its latin pop flavor.

[@Jreb1865]

Damn... Had no idea he played with them...

[@michellescarborough16]

This is really one of the best condensed versions of the story of the band with Gene. He knows all the facts and I believe him. I had watched a documentary about the band and Judy and Gary were all about the money. I believe Gene is always going to protect Ronnie's legacy and family. Let him tell his stories before his time is up on this earth. God Bless him. Thanks Jordan. This was really revealing! You do good work.

[@DazewithJordantheLion]

Gene could spill the tea on even more, but out of respect he doesnt.. he mentioned to me all the people that were stabbing ronnie in the back that ronnie found out about at the end.. as soon as that tour was over, he was going to clean house in his life

[@davidh6818]

​@@DazewithJordantheLion If you believe all that BS Gene is telling you,I've got some oceanfront property in Arizona to sell you😂😂😂.

[@RUNNOFT71]

Man please don't stop making these video's with Gene. I feel like he's the last connection to that time period, and I absolutely love these interviews.

[@cherylb2008]

You nailed it with this video, absolutely nailed it. In their short lives, they made an unforgettable mark on Rock in Roll. BEST guitarist ever. Steve Gaines would have gone SO SO far on his own. Alan Collins was electric and vibrant when performing. Gary had a sweetness in his style. Didn’t know Steve had a musician brother, Bob. The Gaines mother died in a vehicle accident very soon after Cassie and Steve passed away. The entire band did a fantastic performance on The old Grey Whistle Test. Gene thank you 🙏

[@craigdankers8509]

Hey Jordan I met Gene and bought his book and I was lucky enough to see Skynyrd on October 1977 at the Hollywood Sporatarium in Hollywood Florida they were gone 5 days later it was the greatest concert I have ever seen. Thanks

[@timothypartin8460]

Craig...you are a lucky man to have seen the REAL Lynyrd Skynyrd... I'm sure bitter sweet memories

[@craigdankers8509]

Thank you Timothy I was 16 years old lucky right place right time i will never forget it.@@timothypartin8460

[@susanrombak7959]

Thank you Jordan the Lion for the intriguing Lynrd Skynrd interview with Gene Odom. As a Jax resident and big fan of LS I learned some interesting tid bits about them from Gene’s retrospective. RIP LS and I hope you Jordan enjoyed your stay in Jax. ✌🏽🤘🏽

[@bethewalt7385]

Spelled *lynyrd skynyrd

[@jamesbcaires3946]

Thank you for this post and a great interview with Gene. Thank you Gene, excellent information and learned some new info I Didn’t know about before. Long time Skynard fan. I still listen to original band quite a lot….🤠🦅🎤🎼

[@marthaturki4891]

Thank you Mr. Odom. Another awesome one Jordan. Thanks for all your hard work!❤️❤️🐾🐾🐾

[@andyhamilton8940]

Johnny introduced Larry at the Stadium show in Jacksonville when Larry was very ill. Went to the Hell House whiskey launch at Whiteys, met Johnny, Rickey, Judy, Melody, and Dale. A special night! Thanks Jordan for this vlog.

[@johnperiard9594]

Touching tribute to Gary. Wow.

[@bonnieobrien1478]

I don’t know if it’s just me and the fact that Gary ,was my favorite. But there’s something wrong and sinful talking trash about Gary, standing right there at his grave when he can no longer defend himself! 😢

[@linrob1312]

Agree ...My son is Gary Robert...and Gary was my fave. I got to see him live.

[@Snowalker13]

This

[@FreddieArmstrong-ps7it]

Not very tasteful to say the least. I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@michaelclark9762]

Anyone who has paid attention without rose-colored glasses on for the last 36 years knows that what Gene is saying rings true. Gary himself revealed it time after time in the way he treated the other band members, both those that survived the crash and those that came along later.

[@NJDEVILz86]

Gene has made a living w books ,vids, appearances Selling them at tribute tour shows! Why wait till you can stand on a grave to bring up a Conversation 24hrs before rvz died...COLD!

[@catherine6653]

Thank you, Jordan. This is a meaningful video for music fans.

[@larissabryant8200]

I enjoy every documentary I see with Gene Odom, because I know he’s telling the truth!♥️

[@cherylsmith-zw7pe]

Thank you so much for doing this video!!! I could listen to gene tell stories all day every day!!!

[@RL31367]

Ronnie had a "True" friend in Gene Odom. Not only had his six in the 70's but ever faithful to this day.🤝🏻

[@LynyrdSkynyrdFan]

"You got that right, yeah you got that right" 🎶

[@kevinhoneycutt238]

Gene's poem, waiting on your call, hits me hard every time i hear it, makes me think about my best friend Henry that passed away

[@IBDRINKEN]

I live right down the road from here. Great blog and second time I missed Jordan in town

[@BackstoriesMagazine]

Great Video. In retrospect of the calamity, many decisions are made because all of factors that didn’t exist when initial decisions were made. The story will never be without the trama and drama that materialized, before and especially after the crash. The Van Zant’s are long distant shirt-tail cousins. We had hoped to meet Tammy, but she passed before we had the opportunity. May they all rest in peace.

[@lauriepearce]

This is a great video!! Great to see Gene Odom again!! Thanks again Jordan!!

[@wendyobrien2843]

Fascinating stories about the band. So sad to think people would break in to where he was laid to rest. Really touching that Gene met with you. Amazing to hear his story about the accident & not being found right away. He shared his stories as if it were yesterday. Heartbreaking. 💙🎶🎵

[@janineblaze3417]

What a cool guy !love hearing stories from people that were actually with the stars .Another great video .❤

[@teetotaler6150]

Thank you for posting this. I remember when this happened, I was in high school. It was such a loss.😢

[@1SeanBond]

Thanks for this amazing video on one of our favorite bands of all time! Much appreciated Jordan! Luv&peace Sean&Family 💛✌💫

[@JoeFromJoplinMO]

First of all, I absolutely love Gene. He has told it like it is the entire time, and has a tremendous amount of integrity. His story about how he found out that Ronnie had passed is heart wrenching. When I was a youngster growing up in Joplin, MO, I became acquainted with the Gaines family, who lived just over in Miami, OK. The teens in my family used to take me with them to shows around the area, and I saw Steve play with his band Crawdad many times. Steve went on to other bands, while Cassie joined up with Skynyrd. It was so cool when we all heard that Steve was joining his sister in the band. Steve and Teresa's daughter, Corrina is doing awesome, these days. I have known Bob Gaines for years, up until his death a couple of years ago. I put on a benefit for him when he was ill, and the surviving members of Crawdad played, along with a bunch of other former band mates of both Steve and Bob. Thank you for this video, Jordan, as well as giving Gene a platform. Safe travels.-Joe from Joplin MO

[@helenamountford9234]

That was epic. I hope one day you have the resources to do full documentaries that are distributed mainstream and win awards. Very very good work Jordan.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks again for sharing, Jordan

[@sudershelly1]

The VanZant’s childhood home is on Airbnb. Also, if you haven’t had the chance to me Johnny VanZant, he’s an amazing person! Hope you’re enjoying our City. ❤

[@Debra-k1f]

Ty, I would love to go❤

[@syreetaabney6968]

What a great video and I love hearing the stories that Gene Odom shared with us, Jordan you rock with all these great videos.

[@DevilsInc323]

That’s crazy Gene is a great friend. Glad he told this story

[@mr.nibbles2369]

Such an iconic band, thank you for the video Jordan

[@sherylrodgers7873]

Gene Odom was very interesting. Love that video.

[@ralphjones9903]

Love all Lynyrd Skynyrd interviews you've done with this man a great insight into One of the Bands to ever exist 👍 ❤

[@johnmagill7714]

Looks like everything Artimus has been saying for decades was true. Had Ronnie survived that crash. He would have beat the crap out of Gary Rossington.

[@kirkleythomas9280]

Great video! Love hearing Gene’s stories! (Didn’t realize all of that about Gary Rossington - very interesting!)

[@edwardippoliti626]

Thank you for the tour Jordan ,so cool , and such an iconic band !

[@PaulLoughrin]

Thank you Mr. Jordan, from Jacksonville, Florida. I remember those vlogs you had with Gene Odom. Not to sound morbid here, but I went to that cemetery right after Gary passed. There was no gravestone yet, but a large piece of plywood with orange cones around it, right where Gary is now buried. Gary is now playing it pretty, in heaven.

[@ronnie5129]

WOW, what a story Gene, thank you, This is Very Heavy Things you are talking about here,, A knife in my Back, That Blew My Mind, You will never rob a dead man and his kids, Those are heavy words Gene, Again what you have said here, is just totally, mind blowing, They have made Many Millions since the Reunion Tour, it is uncountable to me, My best to you, You are A Diamond , How do like your new Truck? Cousin Figel

[@samuelgoodman2825]

Ronnie was a truth teller.

[@onazram1]

Regardless of the internal squabbles every band encounters, Gary Rossington was instrumental in the formation and sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd, to *diss* the guy standing over his freshly dug grave was nothing short of despicable!

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Gene knew that Ronnie was correct about what he wouklld do. Nuff said

[@chadmears136]

Thank you Gene ...much love to you sir. ❤ Awesome video Jordan and thank you for sharing this. ..as a Skynyrd fan this was cool.

[@kaymad143]

Thank you for sharing your talk with Gene, he is wonderful! I think this is one of my favorite interviews you have done! I appreciate his honesty and I believe him 100%. I loved Lynyrd Skynyrd, I have since the first time I heard them. Very nice that the band members are there together, I saw them (after Ronnie died) at the Mohegan Sun Arena and when Billy Powell played the introduction to Freebird, I had tears in my eyes. RIP to the Lynyrd Skynyrd band members (great and true musicians).

[@Shelia-w3w]

Just accidently found this while scrolling. This brought back so many memories...and made me cry. Thank-you.

[@carolm3055]

Thank you both for this interesting, and emotional video! So sad that they past so young!!🥲

[@neillbickerstaff6671]

Saw Skynyrd with Marshall Tucker band back in 2017! What a great show that was!

[@RABSTRAINS]

Outstanding and Thank You!!

[@Thomas-ep2zy]

Well that was a nice talk with GeneOdom i love his honesty his remarkable memories of him Ronnie and the band his stories and reflections on such a legacy he is the oppitamy of the saying what you see is what you get thanks to you too Mr.Lion

[@barbaracrawford1559]

Thanks, Gene, for sharing your wealth of information on LS!

[@JudiKerestan]

I tattooed Freebird on my hand in 1975...and its still there! Loved them all so much

[@dangamber5707]

Great old time stories! Love history, especially music history.

[@F417H]

Thanks Jordon! I was just researching & am so glad to see your work ~merci beaucoup 🍁

[@tomf9292]

I saw this video in December. On my way to FLA for the winter I stopped by this cemetery to pay my respects to THE greatest southern rock band in history. Man it was touching to see the graves of these great souls. I play bass and the very first song I played in front of a crowd was Freebird. I’ll never forget it! Thank you LS for all the great songs. RIP

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

I was so sorry to hear of the mistrust between Ronnie and his family. I'm naive I guess I was hoping it was one big happy family. Gene is a national treasure! That man doesn't mind hurting your feelings he's going to tell the truth. May all the band mates rest well and in peace.

[@maripeti4036]

Loved that band! Ty Gene for sharing the truths and loved this, I never knew who/what was Lynyrd Skynyrd, ty for sharing-loved knowing this. Going to MCO & I would love to take his tour. Ty Gene for being so wonderful & faithful to your friend and his memories. We all truly appreciate the truths. You are truly a wonderful man! Ty Jordan for sharing these stories for all of us to hear, very appreciative.

[@midwestmedium4303]

No one speaks about Steve and Cassies mom. She died shortly after them in a car crash by the cemetery 😢

[@devarskinnee8760]

Thanks Gene,your the real hero brother.i was in it from the start! High school and Lynyrd Skynyrd every day.great video of gene.such a good man!! Thank bro Skinner.

[@denisearmbruster7478]

WOW!!!! Excellent video! Thank you sooo much! ❤🎼🎵🎶

[@resqfreedom9308]

That dude hasn't rested since he passed! Wow what a story! Thank you for the video! And GOD BLESS 🙏❤️✌️

[@Samara1977]

Thank you Jordan and Gene for that update on Lynyrd Skyndrd I was born in December 1977 I heard my first song when I was about 5 years old my brother Steve and his best friend got me into listening to them my favorites a simple man travelin man and so I wish I could name off all my favorite song but that would take all night I had heard alot about this band from my boyfriend he knew alot I would love to hear more about them from Mr.Gene

[@tanyastamant]

I love to listen to Gene talk about the band. Would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to pay him to take me on a tour around their hometown in Jacksonville.

[@Stormcloud32]

Learning something new every time I listen to Gene. So Artimus Pyle was done. He was about to be replaced with Steve Gains’s brother on drums. But the plane crash stopped it from happening. It was over for Skynryrd October 20, 1977 . RIP RVZ - Steven Gains - Cassie Gains - Dean Kilpatrick 🙏

[@bethewalt7385]

*Skynyrd

[@bethewalt7385]

Both pilots were killed as well

[@jenniferswieboda5696]

WOW great video Jordan and Gene. So sad they are all passed now

[@ROCK.ON.]

MAN I LOVE LYNYRD SKYNYRD AND RONNIE VANZANT IS THA ONLY 1 THAT SHOULD BE SINGING SKYNYRDS SONGS PERIOD GENE I LOVE YOU BRO NEVER MET YOU MAYBE 1 DAY I WILL HAVE THA HONOR AND PRIVELIDGE TO THANKS JORDAN FOR A GREAT VIDEO HAPPY HOLIDAYZ 2023 TO 2024

[@blasterguam]

Excellentvideo and great stories. i grew up with this music in high school and still love the music. Ilive in jacksonville and frequented the free bird bar before it closed. Many fond memories in my life. Rest in peace guys.

[@joejohnston2035]

Gene Odom is the real deal . I had the pleasure of meeting him in Nashville 2016. Anyone who'll stand over a mans grave , and call them out on shenanigans has my respect .

[@jaxflfreebird]

Allen Collins Band album Here, There and Back came out in 1983. Allen crashed his car, killed his girlfriend in the crash in 1986. So Gene is off with his story. That said, it's a very nice album. I played it a lot back then. I had the album on cassette and it got heavy play. I was trying to WILL Skynyrd back into existence.

[@kevinjackson9351]

I've seen you in the comments of other lynyrd skynyrd videos, and you seem very knowledgeable about them and their history. Asking respectfully, Is what Gene said about Gary true? Did Ronnie Van Zant really distrust Gary? In a few lynyrd skynyrd documentaries, it was said, Ronnie was a few years older and was like a father to the band, especially to Gary and Allan as they didn't have their father's. Gary's father, I believe, died when Gary was pretty young, he was around 5 or 6. And Allen's father wasn't in his life until later years when Lynyrd skynyrd was becoming famous. I feel there might be a story there too. Anyways, I think Gary was the one who said he and Allen, not having present fathers in their life, learned about the facts of life from Ronnie. From women to driving, drinking, and all the other things father's teach their sons. It seemed so sweet, they were more then a band, they were brothers, they were family. Of course they had their fights, and their fist fights and a whole lot of bickering, and disagreements, but at the end of the day they loved and cared for each other unconditionally, like family should be. So it was sad to hear they (Ronnie and Gary) didn't stay close. And I always was disturbed by the story of Ronnie slashing Gary's hands/wrists with broken glass. If I remember correctly, Gary said they were having a drunken moment and started fighting about the correct way to spell schnapps or the correct way to pronounce it, something like that. It seemed to start off as a funny disagreement, but took a dark turn. Especially considering Gary's hands were his money maker, his talent, his livelihood. It just seemed over the top, and could have cost him his ability to play. I can't imagine, (or want to believe) Gary saying he didn't care about Ronnie or his children, maybe Judy too..... who knows. I knew I'd be going down a rabbit hole with lynyrd skynyrd, turned out there were many rabbit holes! I was 5 when their plane went down, as a teen, I of course knew sweet home Alabama and free bird, but that was about all I knew of lynyrd skynyrd. But the past few years I have discovered all their other songs, and they all are amazing ❤ and i was fascinated by their story, and as I watched and researched, it became apparent there were many stories and/or Stories that didn't match. Their music and their talent is mind blowing and timeless. Unlike most of today's music 😢 I have so many questions about Artimus, but I don't want to open up that can of worms right now 😂 I just love hearing the songs and the stories, especially by those who knew them ❤ Sincerely. Jennifer Jackson

[@kevinjackson9351]

Sorry for the long rambling comment/questions ❤

[@baneverything5580]

A friend of mine I played in a band with hung out with the new Skynyrd guys sometime in the 2000s and he said everybody was cool except Gary. He played with their cousin Jimmie Van Zant for awhile. Gene says Jimmie wasn`t a blood relative of the Van Zant brothers. He dressed like Ronnie and looked like him from a distance. I had a chance to audition on drums but I was too messed up from alcohol and substances during a period of depression and was out of my head and I had to get treatment.

[@kristinegroch2231]

Ronnie is still one of the greatest... Forever

[@peterrichard3706]

Thankx Gene

[@mahlonedwards6826]

Lynyrd Skynyrd - a national treasure. I feel the same of Gene Odom,too. Thank you Jordan,too.

[@sjgoode6590]

Greatest Band EVER!

[@drzsmith2368]

My only complaint is this video is not 3 hrs long. That was damn good. Well done!!

Thanks Jordan for documenting so many important events and people-been watching for years.

[@truth-or-nothing]

Skynard is the greatest American band ever.

[@RonniePullen]

I bèlieve Gene over anybody telling these accounts of the band's history.

[@gingerblair2932]

I love "Simple man!" Please put a rose from me on each of their graves in case I never get to. They'll always be loved. I found the Lynyrd Skynyrd movie at a local pawn shop. I'll treasure it always! I love seeing the tomb stones-thankyou! Ronnie's stone deserves way more fanciness imo. I like the way they came up with the band name from their coach.

[@rebeccalincoln8782]

Thanks for documenting all this f this Jordan. Love all the history and stories. Happy memories for such a tragic end. Love this vlog❤❤❤❤

[@nickie3544]

I'm late to the party 🥳 I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you! Big Skynyrd fan

[@joleneloveland4602]

Love ya Gene! I also know Ronnie loved you as a brother until the day he passed and beyond in another place. And i hope when the time is right we all will meet again. The last statement i say in honor of Tommy Talton who passed last week December 28, 2023, it's a quote from one of his songs Finally Free It's on KZbin and i feel it's fitting. Jax and Macon have common ties with musicians. Tommy was from Orlando. Anyway Gene you are so lovable and I appreciate your info and take on the band. You are also talented, i love your poetry and it is so good you could have been a great songwriter yourself! Take care of yourself Gene,, many love and appreciate you as well as myself.❤❤

[@lindamay3704]

Great video and thank you for posting it. I did not know any of the other band members but I did know Artemis

[@roknrolbilly]

thank you jordan....... love skynyrd. been there at that cemetary. 🎼🎶🎵

[@carlnash7200]

Love the background and the information. Thank you.

[@averybryant6997]

thanks to Gene we now have documented truths, untold till now about the band, and every lengendary band has a few, but none has a Gene!

[@petergosenya3027]

I love it! Good episode!! I live in Jax. My parents went to Lee high school with the boys

[@midnightrider715]

I met Gene Odom the legend at a Molly Hatchet concert in Cocoa Beach FL. In 1987 88. I bought a little book he wrote and autographed it for me .I still have it in mint condition. He is one of the most down to earth person I've met. Thanks Mr. Odom❤❤