Lynyrd Skynyrd Drummer Recalls Fatal Plane Crash

A plane crash killed the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977, and 40 years later, the drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle, can still remember that day. He recalled the plane crash and the effort afterwards to get help, which included him getting shot by the first person he found.

[@5150rm]

Plane crash and shot within minutes,that's a bad day. I have heard Pyle talk about this before and states the farmer who shot him calls him every year on the anniversary and says I'm sorry for shooting you that day.

[@chadm9653]

The farmer denies it in every interview I've seen with him. Said he had a gun but swears he never fired it.

[@jonlate4581]

I saw an interview in which he claimed to have fired a single shot in the air.

[@JCDwyer]

Randy McClure he didn’t get shot. That’s just one of his many tall tales

[@TheMercury-13]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXesnISgedmqhdk&t=2270 Pyle; I got up in the front yard of this house & this guy- his name was Johnny Mote, & I'll never forget him - he had a shotgun & he pointed it at me. Then he put it *up in the air* & fired it 'cause I was covered with blood & he thought I was an escaped convict. I fell to the ground & I yelled, 'Plane crash' & he ran to me & helped me to my feet.'

[@TheMercury-13]

And the farmer ringing up to say 'I'm sorry' - or maybe it's Artimus that rings him to say 'Thanks for helping in that horrific situation & working thru' the night to try save my friends'

[@drumdad54sdl47]

I tend to agree with Artemis..Skynyrd ended that day.

[@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews]

pretty tragic because they had a lot of great years ahead of them already had a lot of hit songs how many more would they of had if the crash never happened they went through torment in that burning plane because of the stupidity of the inspectors tragic story all around allen collins completely lost it after the crash

[@faramund9865]

@@GregoryAlanBaileygamereviews That's fate, they already made lots of great music and hopefully enjoyed all of it.

[@jrviade85]

and what about Lynyrd?? they continue? you ass face!!!

[@sublime929]

I would have rather heard him tell the story, no need for the narration.

[@craigpasquinzo4684]

sublime929 true story...awful reporting.

[@perfectfae3534]

I liked it.

[@ngermann46]

Check out the Howard stern interview

[@WEG906]

sublime929 : sooo true

[@Lengsel7]

They had 2 and a half minutes to fit into a newscast, they paraphrased A P to tell the story in the time allotted. They do this all day, every day on the news.

[@bjm1682]

I met Art in Largo Florida about ten years ago. Really down to earth cool guy who treated me as if we knew eachother for years. Im a fan for life

[@johnhornak9916]

Artie is definitely like that. so laid back and very relatable.

[@vascoribeiro69]

what are the odds, in few minutes apart, to survive a plane crash and get a gunshot??? None...

[@opnavesea]

welcome to the south lol

[@tedperry6466]

@Astra Racing, to be fair to farmer. Artemus is really tall, so maybe farmer just misjudged his shot

[@TheMercury-13]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXesnISgedmqhdk&t=2270 Pyle's other version; 'I got up in the front yard of this house & this guy- his name was Johnny Mote, & I'll never forget him - he had a shotgun & he pointed it at me. Then he put it *up in the air* & fired it 'cause I was covered with blood & he thought I was an escaped convict. I fell to the ground & I yelled, 'Plane crash' & he ran to me & helped me to my feet.'

[@austinheinbuch8642]

He wasn’t shot.

[@SteveOMaddog]

I agree, there’s no Skynyrd without Ronnie.

[@juniormint3136]

Man, does artimus ever age, the guy still looks great, sounds the same as when he was alot younger.

[@CodyFreemanOutdoors]

I know Artimus he comes in Harley Davidson of Asheville all the time and he's just an awesome easy going dude

[@michaelchilly93]

Kinda sick , you thinking a convicted pedophile and liar is awesome...

[@Hosidius]

@@williamperri3437 his wife accused him to it. Plead guilty to avoid a life sentence. I dont know but either way kinda fucked

[@PlylerNews]

Everyone swears they know everyone

[@DitzyKisser]

61 here, still love Lynard Skynard…lives were lost, the bickering continues, (tragic experiences lead to stories being told in different ways) & to me that’s ok, the shock of it all still lingers. Just don’t let the music die. I’d be sad for the rest of my life. (Much love)?to all associated with this talented group. PS. Chicago born & raised.

[@67marlins]

Bears fan I assume.....?

[@zero1fifty8]

He's got one of the greatest names in rock-n-roll history

[@Lengsel7]

The name for either a rock-n-roll drummer, or a Civil War general.

[@keithsexton1263]

His name is Thomas

[@Lengsel7]

@@keithsexton1263 Who the hell is Thomas?

[@keithsexton1263]

Artemis Poles real name is Thomas Pyle look it up

[@Born2RiffRock]

I was standing in front of Steve Gaines the entire show damn they were amazing. Next day I was in shock. We lived 50 miles from Greenville and had just bought street survivors. Steve was on the money good.

[@Jgeneraledger23]

Steve had a helluva voice! Loved his singing on 'You Got That Right.'

[@jennyaldrich7456]

I like that song you got that right. Wonder why he survived but others did not.

[@redwhiteblue9866]

I was standing in front of Steve Gaines 5 days before that in Hollywood Florida during the Skynyrd concert. He was an awesome musician

[@gwhiz3708]

I stood in front of Ted Nugent at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky in 1979. I was 13 and the first time I got drunk on whiskey. Ted reached down to shake my hand and I threw up! True story!

[@LoggyDoggy]

@@gwhiz3708 I was there too dude !

[@GregS-01]

I have great memories of the country backwoods of Georgia as a young soldier based at Fort Gordon. Weekends were about dirt bikes, 4 wheeling, fishin, swimming, boating and those country girls. Lynyrd Skynyrd was our go to music and they are the soundtrack to my memories of these good times.

[@18winsagin]

Greg S Haha I've been there several times not as a soldier, my brother was there in 77 as a civilian worker, remember the base had plenty of thick woods, we hustled a load of firewood outta there, he lived in Grovetown then and still in the area now small world

[@marymarmande8446]

I still have my concert ticket for the concert in Baton Rouge Louisiana

[@DarylBark]

Artimus has lost his mind. Mote never shot him. Don't know when he started telling that story but this interview is the first reference I've found. Fact is he went on for years after the crash telling a different story.

[@malloryknox6802]

People should just ask him to show his shoulder to see if there's a gunshot scar

[@redsammy7789]

I agree, never shot, the hospital never treated him for a gun shot, he started this BS awhile back when he wrote his book.

[@vinnybarbareno6711]

Yeah I have never heard this either

[@stephenmurphy6554]

There’s only one way to prove he was shot, let’s see the wound. He’s a male drama queen.

[@faramund9865]

When you come out of a plane crash your mind is completely whacked. If someone fires a shot up in the air right in front of you, you may as well remember it as such.

[@connorreutter166]

Thanks for being a marine and a real member of skynyrd.

[@caroldeming2066]

I had the opportunity to meet Atimus during a concert in Inverness FL, Citrus County, which I had the chance to meet him and the new band. It was a great experience and heard the true story of the plane crash. I'll always remember that time.

[@Annalorraine67]

Changed your life, Artemis

[@LiPo5000]

I have visited the crash site many times, I loved and still Love LS!

[@ronnieparker4311]

How did you not get caught going to the site?

[@moviesforrandy]

is the site well marked? is it easy to get to?

[@jennacasper4923]

The crash site is way back on private property that is fenced off. Do you mean the memorial site that's right off the road?

[@jackoshaw]

Not entirely true... The Rossington Collins Band played before 1987.... The had an album come out in 1980..... What a story and legacy Lynyrd Skynyrd has brought before us....

[@kalel311superman9]

stuff like this stays with you forever

[@gregorypeck876]

You would of never imagined being in a plane crash and being shot on the same day 😕

[@dawnhall2400]

Thanks from Spartanburg South Carolina

[@loriepostlewaite162]

I seen in an interview where the farmer said he fired into the air not art so that’s confusing but regardless it’s still terrible what happened there will never be another Lynyrd Skynyrd 🤟🏼❤️

[@2WheelsTrav]

Yeah, he also claimed it was a ricochet at some point. Artimus in a interview a couple weeks ago said "look i know he doesnt want to be the guy that shot a survivor of the skynyrd plane crash, but he is. I was shot in the shoulder and went tothe ground. Water under the bridge now."

[@jameswilliams1612]

@@2WheelsTrav Artie loves playing the hero. There were three other survivors with him to get help that night also. And no he wasn't shot. I'm sick of people rewriting history. There's a interview with him on October 24, 1977 and he never had ribs sticking out. Just listen to it it's here on KZbin.

[@2WheelsTrav]

@@jameswilliams1612 that's great, I'm going off a recent interview. And I watched the words come out of his mouth. I'll trust that over something from 77'

[@jameswilliams1612]

@@2WheelsTrav something from October of 1977 four day's after the plane crash. It's fresh in his memory. PTSD after years of drugs and drinking you would trust. Not me. I'll trust a fresh account on what happened that day four days after. There's no changing that story to fit the narrative.

[@2WheelsTrav]

@@jameswilliams1612 either way the man went for a hell of a ride and had to deal with being one of the only survivors. If he says he got shot. He got shot as far as I'm concerned. Nobodies changing anything...just listening to Artemis recounting of that night. Neither of us were there so who's to say what's really the truth?

[@Sacred_Silence]

So the guy clearly hears a plane crash, sees a guy coming out of the woods all bloodied up and thinks, "I'm gonna shoot this guy". That's just pathetic

[@howbigisyourlove]

a remarkable band and truly gifted musicians .. swamp music for life ... great interview ,

[@guitarman864]

A friend of mine used to play with the APB , artie is good people, he was the session drummer on the album we recorded!

[@oswaldograzo9714]

He got shot too!? That's insane

[@williedunn1788]

What's funny is he said there's no Lynyrd Skynyrd without Ronnie Van Zant but he was in Skynyrd for a while without Ronnie Van Zant and he didn't mind it being called Skynyrd then

[@TheFruitloop186]

@ Willie Dunn Exactly, that showcases Pyle's hypocritical nature.

[@da324]

Julie S..Maybe he changed his mind. Do you, or Willie Dunn have the same beliefs you've always had, or have some of them changed over time? Seeing many of your posts on Skynyrd videos; why don't you call out the inconsistencies the others have spewed, or do you just have a hard on for Artie?

[@Jgeneraledger23]

That must've been in '87, that reunion was a huge-huge deal, and probably the best time to see them with bay-bro at the helm. Five of the seven were still alive. Today only one is still alive. Well two, but the second one doesn't want to have anything to do with the other.

[@Akva77]

He seems like a kind/Nice man.

[@moviesforrandy]

that was a sad day for a lot of people.

[@rjc7289]

It would be nice if the 2 surviving members from the original band patched things up for at least one final album and tour. It's just Artimus and Gary left, and time won't wait for anyone.

[@JasonNation72]

+RJC 72 Technically, Pyle isn't the original Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer. That would be Bob Burns (who passed in 2015). So really Gary Rossington is the only one left.

[@bradstephens3835]

Ed King is still alive.

[@tommygoode9644]

Brad Stephens ed king is not original either

[@wingnutt4200]

Ed King is an original member on the first album

[@wingnutt4200]

Tommy Goode Ed King is an original member he was on the first album second album and third

[@mattswesweeney6804]

Love Gary Rossington Band Member Grave ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Stratsrule]

His version is completely different than the other surviving members

[@BST-lm4po]

Most of the other surviving members were busted up bad! Some weren't even conscious. So I don't know how they would know any better than Artimus! I've heard Gary Rossington say some derogatory stuff out of spite, but Gary broke both of his legs, arms and ankles and his pelvis in the crash! How would he know what Artimus was doing?

[@justmadeit2]

Unbelievable, he survived the plane crash then the farmer guy shot him shortly after when he stepped on his land looking for help!

[@thegreatdeception2563]

Lynyrd Skynyrd was never the same after that crash...I saw them at Anaheim stadium in 1977...my favorite band ever.

[@pamelachanze4338]

God bless 🙏 all who survived you know when your time is up your Time is up and their is no stopping if he wants to call you home he will I don't mean this in any hardship way just saying and know doesn't clear the mind set maybe help cope with the loss but no matter who passes it's always the same for everyone I wish everyone could live forever but we all know that's not going to happen god bless America one and all

[@Tannerj50]

i really dont know how managers of huge bands like skynyrd or slipknot even survive, its hard enough controlling 4 or 5 band members when you're one of them let alone 7 or 9.there's just so much different thought going around with everyone, i assume it'd be a living hell.

[@DanielGreen-gi3ts]

It sounds pretty clear that the person fired in the air and didn’t shoot Artemis. Not a nice thing to tell about the guy that helped you.

[@morbidTV]

dude survived a plane crash and a murder attempt gunshot. Im officially not as metal as I thought lol

[@falloutshelter1197]

Artimus' drum tec, Marc Frank from Spartanburg, SC survived too.

[@barrett7893]

Artemis looks amazing. For his age. God bless you... I hope I look that good at his age...

[@leonhunter344]

He survived a plane crash only to get shot and survived 🍀 Lucky or unlucky it's very interesting life.

[@andrewhensley3808]

The documentary said they had engine trouble on the last flight and took it up anyway but the drummer said they ran out of fuel? wtf really happend and why can't anyone get the story straight?

[@boataxe4605]

Andrew Hensley The engine trouble was a fuel leak which they thought was fixed, it wasn’t so the plane leaked fuel until it ran out.

[@JackassHill]

According to the official report, they ran out of fuel, but that's not really the whole story. It was concluded that the engine had a minor mechanical problem that cause higher fuel consumption, and that's not really the whole story either. They supposedly didn't travel as far as they should have with as much fuel as they were reported to have had regardless of the fuel consumption problem. Which makes you wonder, were they overloaded, or was the fuel problem worse than they concluded? Who knows, but at the end of the day, the pilots apparently weren't monitoring the fuel gage.

[@hotwheel6663]

@@JackassHill The pilots did not top off the fuel tanks at the airport. They assumed They had enough but did not account for the rich running engine. They cost the lives of themselves and the band members. They did not even check it with the stick they had as the fuel gauge was faulty. Big fatal mistake.

[@JackassHill]

Didn't know the fuel gage was inaccurate. Thx. I also saw someone say that they put the wrong fuel in the tanks? Haven't seen any confirmation on that, though.

[@hotwheel6663]

@@JackassHill I saw recently where there greedy Manager made a Coke run the day before without accounting for the extra fuel with the rich running engine. Pilots still should have checked it regardless,these are Peoples lives You are dealing with not just Your own. The Crash investigation found No gas leak and said plane would have made it if they had enough fuel.

[@dustyflair]

The farmer claims he did NOT shoot him....

[@perfectfae3534]

Rick Fountain, Jr. He claims he fired a warning shot into the air.

[@Ryan-1999]

@@perfectfae3534 Do u have an interview of him?

[@dwainfisher4119]

Well does he have a bullet wound in his shoulder lol

[@kimbontekoe1331]

Yes. I’d like to see the wound and the interview of the shooter. There’s just something about AP’s story that has never seemed to add up with ALL the other stories out there... The first one being that he wasn’t alone when he went to get help. Idk...just something off with a lot of stuff he says. And you can curse and question me and call me names all you want but know that I never come back and look at these comments after my posts. So silly to bicker back-and-forth about some of this ridiculousness.

[@JCDwyer]

Kim Bontekoe yup. Artimus lies a LOT

[@jameswilliams1612]

Why does Artie always has to say he was shot? I don't understand why? And that he was the only one who went and got help? There were three others with him. He loves playing the hero game a bit too much. That's really sad and Fu$ked up at the same time. There's a interview with Artimus Pyle on October 24, 1977 it's been on KZbin for three weeks now. That confirmed everything a fresh account on the plane crash that's not romanticized and glamorized.

[@billyshane3804]

I played in a Skynyrd covers group called THE WEE WEE ON MAMA BAND.

[@itsjustme9354]

He is one true survivor 🙏

[@Jgeneraledger23]

I always think Gary Rossington is the only member left of Skynyrd, I always forget about Artimus. On an aside, I'd never heard anything about him getting SHOT after the accident, that's crazy!

[@venturamichael50]

Gary is the only original member.Artimus joined after original drummer Bob Burns quit.

[@vindivergilio3482]

Acc to an interview i watched with Johnny Mote, he did not shoot Artimus. He said he fired over his head.

[@brendahipsher273]

Absolutely devastated me...

[@Born2RiffRock]

NTSB report is online tells every detail of the accident.

[@patrickostrom2762]

It's a shame that, politics keep! Artimus from being in RVS farewell concert! That was kick ass 10-20-2017:show at the Arcada theater,the Steve Gaines family,and a few others from plane crash where on stage as well ,what a 40th anniversary/ tribute to RVZ and those who didn't make it!

[@wv171]

I just can't buy that story Pyle got shot. Nobody else ever confirm that story that I know of.. People in that plane crash took 1 huge hit. Understandible they was confused but after all the years gone by it be nice to get the honset true story for once.

[@dwade6322]

I saw a interview with the farmer an he said he pulled out his shot gun on Artemis,but DID NOT shoot him. So,not sure why a farmer would lie 40 years afterward...also not sure why Artemis would lie but one of them is wrong ..

[@greglapointe1311]

I don't think at this stage of the game it's really that important. Artimus was probably in shock and thought he was shot, it doesn't matter.

[@jaywyche416]

Scott Rains playing that guitar

[@donaldcassidy1592]

Artie and Blondie are great people who occasionally frequent SOFLO. Pompano Beach outdoor concerts still ROCK! ENJOY GOD BLESS AMERICA AND STAY HEALTHY!!! Your transplanted Kentucky buddy is always ready to see you guys and remember the past and respect the original members and friends!

[@laurajenney6368]

God bless you Artimus!

[@thelegion3682]

Art signed my wifes skynyrd shirt and we got to take pics with him in a place called "the basement" in Logan WV back in 1994 . the dude knew a thing or two because he definitely seen a thing or two. I really have respect for any man who will selflessly reach out for help by daring to trespass on someones property in the dirty south . he said he knew he was a goner but as it turned out the man had already gotten dressed because he seen or his wife seen the actual plane crash art was inquiring for help about in the first place. Bottom line' art is the man yall.

[@chrishensley6745]

Arty is a class act and keeps the REAL skynyrd music going......unlike Judy and money market they created with the NEW Skynyrd.

[@archiecunningham3734]

How did anyone survive that crash

[@artkyger3425]

Damn,,, survived a plane crash and a bullet in the same evening......

[@rygdoomed442]

He would be proud being in Kingsman, that scene made want to learn guitar

[@leonardduke6791]

From what I understand artimus was 1 hour late for this flight which burned fuel while waiting.....They were 15 mins flight time from baton rouge....Now ask yourself would they have made it??Maby that is the animosity today.....

[@greglapointe1311]

They said in the video the pilot dumped fuel so I don't think it made a difference.

[@kaidenfox4454]

I went and saw Lynard Skynard a few years ago when they did a joint concert with ZZ Top. The feeling definently wasn't the same with the Skynard as it used to be. Now it's more modern country ish. Hard to explain but not the same at all.

[@michaelrobinson9188]

Because it was a cover band. No-one from the original band.

[@garypeacock5919]

Why can people not spell skynyrd correctly, it's not rocket science.

[@JCDwyer]

@@michaelrobinson9188 Gary is there, and has been since day 1. Still, you’re right, cover band.

[@Hannah-201]

I thought I heard Gary interview saying he was sitting in the middle of Dean and Ronnie, and in front of him was allen in the middle with Steve and cassie next to him, but artimus is saying here he sat infront of cassie?

[@ritabaker7847]

I saw the Artimus Pyle Band a few years ago at the Largo Cultural Center. I met him after the show and he kissed my hand lol Fun night!!! Great guys!!

[@juliereminiec4937]

This is the plane crash that contributed to my aviophobia

[@MattC78]

Artimus Pile has been in 3 plane crashes.

[@SL-vi4tk]

Artimus is a living testimonial for Marine discipline and vegetarianism

[@Utonian21]

He yelled out "plane crash" with what he thought could be his last breath because he didn't want to die failing to alert someone, what a G

[@johnyerkov1553]

I never knew this and I have seen them in concert plenty of times

[@2WheelsTrav]

How in the world did you not know being a fan of the band?

[@johnyerkov1553]

@@2WheelsTrav I did not know I am probably old enough to be your father or grandfather I am 61 I have seen Lynyrd Skynyrd in their heyday in the 1970s I never knew this happened

[@kittywhiskerz]

Incredible drummer with the most beAutiful hair!!

[@nsny24]

It reminds me of that mission in the GTA San Andreas game in which it said: "Trespassers will be shot. Survivors will be shot again"..

[@travisstockton8591]

Met him pumping gas cool guy. I grew up about 5 miles from where he did.

[@woodyhayes7402]

Never have I heard the part where he was shot by a Farmer while looking for help. First I heard this....damn, talk about a bad day! plane crash, seeing dead friends and then being shot by a farmer while looking for help....DAMN! I'm Never gonna complain again!

[@mattmammone2338]

What an eloquent, intelligent man of music. I loved this guy ever since I heard him speak on Vh1 about the music the band and the crash. What he did was what I hope I could do and pray others could do for me in an accident like the plane crash. I thought about that on a plane one time, in a holding pattern over the same kind of terrain of hardwood trees and swamp around Virginia North Carolina. We almost ran out of fuel but we had a Navy pilot who kept us aloft. I wasn't scared for myself, I was with my mother on the plane and dodging thunderstorms I was thinking about my Dad back home in Connecticut losing us, I was certain my mother being 60 at the time and in delicate health wouldn't make it. Anyway, he did his duty as a great man and he's got a seat in heaven, so to speak.

[@helenallard]

I don't love it because of the wreck....

[@pamelachanze4338]

Sooo sad that definitely was a loss that noone can get out of minds that's why I will never fly

[@mattswesweeney6804]

Allen Collins Band Member

[@fumanpoo4725]

Great band. Horrible things that happened to them.

[@Born2RiffRock]

Plane broke In half right where Ronnie and Steve were. Ronnie was thrown out hit a tree. They were all dead on the scene. I never heard or read about Steve Injurirs that caused death I'm sure sheet metal lacerations and blunt force head trauma. Damn this was sad.

[@panosanest7625]

Steve passed on his way to the hospital from internal bleading.

[@65roro]

@@panosanest7625 According to the others in the plane Steve was killed instantly, broken neck..Cassie lived for awhile but bled to death waiting for rescue...Ronnie hit a tree and was killed instantly but according to his wife he only had a small "bruise" on his head

[@panosanest7625]

@@65roro No one was killed instantly, that's the official bull.

[@cantbeatthebay4765]

0:09 - 0:11 Y'all need a real editor?

[@WickedWest512]

The truth is bad enough. Why do you have to lie?

[@dieseldown]

I just realized Artimus sounds just like Dog The Bounty hunter.

[@erkandpent]

Wow I was hoping he’d go in depth at the horrors of experiencing a plane crash and finding his friends dead and mangled in a wreck. That was highly disappointing.

[@imilf2003]

EvenSteven Productions Artimus has told so many lies about that day.specially saying the farmer shot him which was totally fake.

[@BLUEHD05]

He probably has ptsd. That's a terrible thing to say

[@meatwad1]

No, that was Billy Powell's job.

[@rookiebeeeautch5847]

My home town Nashville!!!!!

[@oldschoolhawking8191]

I saw a Lynyrd Skynyrd in Oakland in 1977, right before the plane crash. OSH :-(

[@jeanettedegiulio8220]

I was there too. I spent the summer with my Aunt and Uncle in San Francisco. The concert was a surprise and truly the best part of my summer.

[@emmanuelhiras7960]

I wish I got to see them I fell in love with there music not to long ago hoping to see them in a show but I recently found out they had died

[@oldschoolhawking8191]

@@emmanuelhiras7960 Some died, some are still touring.

[@emmanuelhiras7960]

old school hawking ya but it’s not the same, the dude said “I would never call it lynerd skynard” because it’s not anymore

[@oldschoolhawking8191]

@@emmanuelhiras7960 I would go see them at least once, I heard them, they're pretty darn close.

[@edziuw638]

What a Liar

[@sylviapotter6328]

I totally agree with Artimus about Lynyrd Skynyrd being Ronnie VanZant, when the fake Lynyrd Skynyrd came out we were told this brother Johnny VanZant would replace Ronnie and that he looked and sang like Ronnie and they were going to bring back the original members, I don't care who you are that was beyond disrespectful to Ronnie because Johnny sounded nothing like Ronnie although you could tell he was Ronnie's brother he looked similar. They didn't bring back all the members either leaving out Artimus Pyle was a big mistake, no one in the band could write music and no one could ever write music like Ronnie. I felt like I was lied to just to try to hype up the band but without copying Ronnie songs they were nothing. I was so disappointed by the mockery they made of poor Ronnie and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@texasmade6547]

Was he fired ? Love his drumming !

[@greglapointe1311]

I think there is an issue between him and Ron's widow that is bothering Artimus and getting in the way of a reunion with the band.

[@mrhyde2484]

I don't know why Artimus says he was shot by the land owner, I saw the guy tell his story and he says he fired one shot in the air when Artimus was running toward him.

[@jonyjoe8464]

the story sounds better when he got shot, and he was just in a plane crash in shock, so he might have got shot in his mind.

[@TheTruthRocks]

Yeah, nobody got shot. No record of anyone having treated a bullet injury. Why Pyle feels like he needs to embellish an already insanely tragic story is puzzling.

[@TheFruitloop186]

@ jony More like... 'his mind's shot

[@TheRISINGSTAR35]

October 20th, 1998 is my birthday

[@67marlins]

The farmer said he DID NOT shoot AT Artimus, but rather fired one into the air as a territorial warning. So I don't believe any shot caught ANY part of his shoulder, or anywhere for that matter. Which is a problem- because Artimus has never been known to exaggerate or lie....has he? Do any of you Skynyrd fans know the absolute truth on whether the farmer caught Artimus with any of the buckshot?

[@ChongiFishing]

So you’re taking a random farmers word over someone who you said doesn’t exaggerate or lie? The farmer probably just regrets what he did since it was a pretty bad mistake

[@67marlins]

@@ChongiFishing Re-read everything.

[@biffroberts1007]

Just to clear the air on just WHO is the ORIGINAL Lynyrd Skynyrd, here they are. Bob Burns on drums, Larry Junstrom on bass, Gary Rossington on guitar, & Allen Collins on guitar. These fellers were all hand-picked by Ronnie himself. They called themselves "The Noble Five" at first & they later changed their name to Lynyrd Skynyrd after Gary & Bob suffered repeated suspensions from school for having long hair. While making the first album "Pronounced" Larry Junstrom was replaced on bass by Leon Wilkeson. The rest of the band stayed intact & they added Ed King & roadie at the time Billy Powell. But the first 5 named here, were & ARE Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ed King & Billy Powell & later Artimus Pyle ARE NOT. They came along AFTER Ronnie hand-picked the 4 fellers I just mentioned. And while its true Larry Junstrom didn't appear on the "Pronounced" album, he was still one of the original band members prior too the the band changing its name. Hope this clears up who is & who isn't original band members Lets just enjoy the greatest music by the greatest band Lynyrd Skynyrd!!!!!

[@imilf2003]

Biff Roberts and you don't hear them talk about Ricky Medlocke and Ricky acts like he's a founding member..Ricky played some drums with Ronnie but it wasn't Skynryd

[@biffroberts1007]

True. I remember Ricky from his days with Blackfoot but an original Skynyrd member He's not.

[@TheFruitloop186]

@ Biff Roberts You just won a cigar. You, sir, are correct. Most people are all over the map with this one. Congrats ! a

[@biffroberts1007]

I thank ya for that!

[@TheFruitloop186]

@ mad dog Rickey played on an early Skynyrd album. Actually I've never heard him proclaim to be an original member. They were all friends I think Rickey was speaking in general terms. Greg T Walker played with he new line up for ' about 15 minutes as he's fond of saying. Actually it was for about a yea.

[@deathlarsen7502]

Semper Fi Artimus

[@rramos2876]

Watch this video J. Although, in my 1st comment I was talking about 1977 not last week last month or last year. Every body needs to put dates from now on. Please let them rest in piece already.

[@TheFruitloop186]

@ R Ranos You, my friend make no sense. Yes, I was talking about '77 also, so where does last week, last month, last year come into play ? As far as I kknow, there has only been one plane crash involving LS, that was on 10-20-77 This is a discussion board, and the discussion is about LS. No one needs to put dates about the plane crash, because ALMOST everyone knows when it occured

[@poohasbut]

Yes.....let them Rest In Peace ✌🏻Ramos. Did you eat lead paint chips as an immigrant child of Bogota? Moron.

[@rramos2876]

WATCH THE NEW VIDEO

[@rramos2876]

Julia S - @ least you were nice in your reply, what I was saying, is what I heard on the radio reporting the unfortunate crash in 1977 Yesterday , Saturday August 18th, I saw the video that I was referring to, to the ignorant & abnocious person. He does not count. Thank you, for the response. I hope new video , puts new light for us all.

[@vincegedeon6583]

Running on empty 🥺😩😡

[@LEIFanevret]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sasquatch6903]

6:30 in the morning?

[@TheMercury-13]

Artimus seems a lovely guy, glad he made it. But the 'shooting' kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXesnISgedmqhdk&t=2270 Pyle tells it different in other versions; 'I got up in the front yard of this house & this guy, his name was Johnny Mote, & I'll never forget him, he had a shotgun & he pointed it at me. Then he put it *up in the air* & fired it 'cause I was covered with blood & he thought I was an escaped convict. I fell to the ground & I yelled, 'Plane crash' & he ran to me & helped me to my feet'.