Lynyrd Skynyrd Interview prior to Tribute Tour 1987

The Backstreet Video Magazine was invited to interview the entire Lynyrd Skynyrd Band in 1987. The 3/4 inch Umatic program master was recently discovered and so we are releasing this for fans. The Backstreet program was granted the permission to shoot, edit and air this interview as well as the music that was recorded at this session.
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38 SPECIAL, BLACKFOOT, MOLLY HATCHET

[@racecar157]

nearly 45 years later, we're still playing their music.

[@freebirdtony]

Lynyrd Skynyrd Lives On! 😊✌

[@billyaltvater1880]

Leon Wilkeson was the coolest member of the band. calm, cool and chill laid back good old boy. Underrated member of the band imo. RIP Mad Hatter

[@bananka4905]

Great basser. If it wasnt for him they wouldn't have that sound

[@1807521]

Bom baixista

[@dsalbert9572]

Agree strongly! I think he was not necessarily underated, but maybe overshadowed by the amazing guitar work of the other members. Yes, his bass work is incredible when you listen close to their studio recordings- helped them to their awesome sound!

[@dsalbert9572]

@@bananka4905 Agree friend!! Hear hear!

[@evelynwilkeson7251]

Leon was such an integral part of LS, and yes I agree his work that he contributed to LS was untouchable. He was my husband & I loved him from the first time I met him when I was 18yrs old…1978 till this day. I miss him so badly but I know I’ll see him again one day, Praise God!

[@cameronjose3600]

Allen Collins (who was paralysed ) but still alive at this point doesn’t even get a mention. When Leon is introducing the members and they get to Randall Hall who is Allen’s replacement it never got brought up. Ronnie was the soul and Allen was the Heart of lynyrd skynyrd

[@crypttonite]

Allen was the sound

[@TheCountryDon]

Allen top 5 ever

[@ronniewoodinsteadofmt2615]

Agreed with the last two comments. You know your stuff

[@donrobinson3378]

As a rhythm guitarist Ed was avirtuoso​@@TheCountryDon

[@chrisgodlaproductions3106]

Johnny is pure 80's here. The hair, mustache, short shorts, most likely drove there in his trans am/ firebird. Gotta love it!

[@richietorrance9933]

hahah!!!

[@grammy965]

Johnny looks like a porn star

[@tontoepstein6860]

@Bumble Blimfield He drove there in his Pinto or Gremlin?

[@tontoepstein6860]

@@nodaysback8390 If he got there in a Trans Am, then I'm pretty sure he hitchhiked in one to get there.

[@brianglade848]

He used to ask people at the bar to get him a drink he was so broke

[@tassymccormick]

Billy Powell could tear a piano up! Underrated member of the band

[@swvastories3498]

Big Time underrated member! I loved his playing on this as well as Call me the Breeze, Working for MCA, and of course FREE BIRD!

[@williamthompson5504]

Billy Powell is up there with Rick Wright (Pink Floyd). Both of them have a heavenly sound. sadly, both passed the same year.

[@ukslag]

Billy was huge part of the sound.

[@ruthbowcock9490]

You are so right. Billy Powell one of the very best piano players in rock or southern rock

[@seangable1448]

I could never underrate that man 🤘🏻

[@bigtexmacgonigle444]

R I P Ed King...a guitar virtuoso.

[@devinw5150]

Ed King tearing it up note for note! Great guitar player!

[@JackKincaid..]

It would have to be note for note. He wrote it. Lol

[@babbyfacerevocation2740]

I want to Jam with you guy's so bad just get me behind that microphone do the best I can.

[@babbyfacerevocation2740]

@@JackKincaid.. he can roll the note with his voice. Roll the Note it's a southern thing Rony was the master.

[@JackKincaid..]

@@babbyfacerevocation2740 Tyrone, we're talking about Ed Kings playing not Ronnie's singing.

[@bobbielineberry5199]

@@JackKincaid.. A

[@chrispellicci6587]

If I had walked into that room and saw them practicing for this tour. I'd probably fall to my knees and cry.

[@hotwheel6663]

Glad I got a chance to see them with Ronnie in August '77 just 2 months before the plane crash.

[@kenperk9854]

Skynyrd crashed in October of '77. Elvis died a couple of months earlier, over in Memphis. Not good times.

[@timippoliti8364]

I wasn't born until '80 so I'm jealous. Seeing the original band must've been awesome

[@zoramirez-jv9hj]

where at?

[@JWPCMH]

Pure class these guys! Offering their music for the people. RIP to those members who are no longer with us. You and your talents are truly missed!

[@JokersWild70]

Pure class? Billy and Leon needed money...bad! Gary sued the estate of Ronnie Van Zant to have Judy removed from the Skynyrd Board of Directors and to take her stock because she objected to the band doing more than 10 shows, which was what they were initially supposed to do. They (Gary, Allen, Judy, Teresa Gaines, and Gene Odom had signed as a witness) had signed a piece of paper back in 1978 saying that they would never used the name Lynyrd Skynyrd again. You need to watch "Hangin with Gene Odom" where he talks about what a weasel Gary was, trying to screw his dead friend and his still living widow over. Gene didn't let that happen. He stood up for his friend and the amount of money Ronnie and Steve would've made from the touring had to be paid to their respective estates.

[@randywalker8960]

The original members all back to together in Heaven with our Father; I heard Ronnie say, Bring up my mules. 🙌🏻🙏🏻. RIP

[@ronnie5129]

R.I.P., Mr. Bob Burns, you will not be forgotten.............. Gary

[@fullthrottlejeffry]

Bob was a heckuva good guy... He'd get out there sometimes, but back then didnt we all? RIP am I losing

[@philp4415]

Ed King said it would only be a 3 month tour and that's it. Lol This tour has been going on for 31 years!

[@TexasMan77]

Philip Penry The new group is all about the money.

[@Rockandrollgeerage]

It was great in 87...it is a joke now.

[@timhuggins7069]

If the lineup had stayed like this all along instead of the bunch that evolved. All the original longtime skynyrd fans would have been thrilled and totally supportive and would excepted them as being Lynyrd skynyrd even though Ronnie was gone and allen isn't there. I know i would've. Just my opinion.

[@michaelbee2165]

That's what's said and for him I guess he was serious. He left for his own reasons back in the day. And I guess those reasons still applied in '87. He did what he felt he owed the band, but apparently still didn't want the touring life again. I Gotta respect the man being true to himself.

[@davidcoleman4291]

@@TexasMan77 dude original band was all about the money why you think they started band lmao

[@MrPlooky]

That was a great tour, to see Ed King finally!! RIP to all members passed.

[@PatriciaLen66]

I love their music so much! My fav band. Rest in peace Billy, Allen, Ronnie, Gary, Leon, Bob and Steve!! 😢 😢

[@daviddeaton1575]

Johny did a great job on vocals in 1987 when the band reunited for the big tour

[@brookswade5774]

Seeing Leon, Ed and Billy was a treat.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Leon Wilkeson has to be the coolest and most handsome Rockstar ever , he got launched in his airplane seat head first together with Steve Gaines into a bulkhead break all his jaw , loses 15 teeth , broken arm , broken leg , 6 ribs broken and all ... and 10 years later on Leon Wilkeson still looks like Thor the God of thunder , amazing, I love Leon so much, to me Leon is one of the coolest together with Johnny Winter. R.I.P Leon Wilkeson I always love you man .

[@neoneherefrom5836]

Leandro Machado sadly his skills were overshadowed and under appreciated by most.

[@biscuit8641]

Leon was awesome!

[@keithperegrim834]

Leandro Machado

[@SPGRAMPA1]

Survived by tha Grace of God!!😊👍

[@RockFan98]

Leon was the best! Right up there in my top 5 with Jonesy, entwisle, Maccartney and Flea. Very intuitive, Ed always said he never writes a bass part without thinking what would Leon play

[@thomashumphrey7395]

Billy Powell added such an extra dynamic and expanded LS's sound. Skynyrd would have been a different band without the piano and Powell. Same with Ed King. They were at their best with those two in the band. Just awesome musicianship.

[@designstudio8013]

Billy added the pure classical element to their plane and reined in the guitars

[@killerdude35]

Ed King looks like "Cousin Oliver" from The Brady Bunch all grown up. LOL!

[@brianglade848]

It is Oliver

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

6 months too late but that was hilarious!

[@michaelbee2165]

😅😅😅

[@makitaman60]

Glad they did this, it's a part of history forever. I know the guys were feeling bittersweet, it had to be a hard thing to do. Knowing this was Allen parts, or Steve's and Cassie voice, and the man himself Ronnie. Thanks guys for doing this!

[@brentpruner]

In 1987 I met Craig Reed at an Outlaws show, who gave me contact info for Larkin Collins Sr after I asked about where I could mail some artwork to the regrouped band. I airbrushed individual T-shirts for the all band members. They were nice enough to all autograph (except Allen) a thank you letter back which included kind words from Ed King. Artimus is wearing one of those shirts in this video. They were airbrushed on the 2nd & South Street Philadelphia when I was going to college there. I slept out for tickets for the reunion tour that year and had 5th row center seats. One of my favorite shows. Thank you Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. A thrill to see this video.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Best comment ever Good for you🌠

[@michaelbee2165]

Wow, thank you for sharing that!

[@onthesideofright9755]

Just call me Jealous!!

[@twthomaswebb]

MET AND PARTIED WITH THESE GUYS AT ARDENT RECORDING STUDIOS IN MEMPHIS BEFORE THEIR CONCERT... TOTALLY COOL GUYS AND GALS!!!!!!!!!!! A VERY FOND MEMORY!

[@bonitawilcox2909]

That would have been great.....lucky person you are!!

[@dpd2k105]

Love that Ed came back for the tour!

[@skyeboatman]

Many thanks for posting this. Band aid, Farm aid, Bar Maid ...love it.

[@Mr.CoachBeaulieu]

I've always loved Leon's voice.

[@f.d.7190]

He sounded a lot like Ronnie.

[@drumtum]

Ed King seems like the only steady eddie up there to me. Not surprised. And he should be praised alot more.

[@designstudio8013]

Artemis was a very deep thinker and ex-marine and he was the backbone.

[@robert.m4676]

Loved lynyrd Skynyrd since around 75. Now I was only 9 but I grew up on rock music so they’re up there in the top of my list!

[@unclegeorge4629]

Thanks for sharing this piece of rock history.

[@pbenson56fran]

When a band can come back together after some time they are good. What helps is their love for each other as friends.

[@autocrow]

It's so tight, it's like listening to the studio version. Amazing bunch of musicians! They make it look so easy.

[@jillsample1846]

Just love this interview!! We're getting to see history happen years later!! I saw LS in the 70's and then the new LS in the 80's. I'm 62 and still love them, read and listen to everything about them!!

[@068dirtboy]

Damn 1987, I was 9 years old. What a time to be alive

[@selenaspiers4150]

Yes sir. I was 10. Those were the good ole days.

[@sethlamanna7996]

This was a great interview with a great bunch of Musicians Hats off to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band , thanks for decades of great Music

[@Danman-wz4fw]

Boy these guys here in this interview sure seem very happy and getting along so well enjoying them selfs to bad they did not get along this well all the time shame

[@bananka4905]

love Billy Powell killing it on keyboards.. they all are doing an awesome job... backup vocals are great.

[@brianberry8809]

Ed King rocking out with his Dockers.

[@googoo-gjoob]

and johnny in panties

[@chadhyde50]

The orange tint on his glasses really make those Dockers pop.

[@tapay220]

thats because he southern cal lol

[@tapay220]

@@googoo-gjoob now days folks think he gay lol back in 1987 its ok

[@issuesandtissues9280]

Damn the 80s

[@karencampbell657]

I was too young to see the original Skynyrd but loved their music all the same. I did get to go to the Reunion Tour "Southern by The Grace of God" it was amazing. Back then they did not sing Freebird they placed Ronnie's hat on the mike stand and the audience sang. It was amazing to see most of the original band plus Papa Lacy VanZant introduce the show. Allen Collins was not well but they brought him out in a wheel chair. The presence of Ronnie, Cassie and Steve could be felt all around it was a magical night at the Meadowlands in NJ. My oldest daughter still wears the shirt.

[@jordananderson8299]

+Karen Campbell If Allen's arms were fine, then why the hell cant he play guitar?

[@ColdSmokes]

+Jordan Anderson From what I gathered, Allen was hurt from the chest area down rendering his arms and hands not fully operational. Just an unfortunate ordeal :(

[@jordananderson8299]

That sucks! Thought his arms were working :( At least they replaced him with Randall Hall. Then after Ed King came Rickey Medlocke and Hughie Thomasson. After Thomasson's death, there came Mark Matejka (who's still touring with them as of 2016). Rossington is still the only original member left...Unless they know Rickey was with them in 1971-72.

[@antrcapo]

This was a great tour, as close to the real deal as was possible. Hard to beleive they are still touring though it's a now an extremely watered down version.

[@michaelbee2165]

I got to see the Rossington Collins band at the Memorial Coliseum at Auburn University. I think it was 1979. They did the same thing during Freebird. Mic stand alone with Ronnie's hat on it. It was a free show! Student fees were considered as payment. Just had to show a student ID! Great show! Got to see Rickey Medlock's band Blackfoot, same place, free show as well. Good times, good times lol. Rickey WAS with Skynyrd back in 71, 72.

[@WVFreebyrd]

Never got to see the original band (too young :) ) but on October 4, 1987 I got to see Skynyrd for the first time at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena. One of the most memorable nights of my life. Daggone, I wished Allen would have been able to play with them.

[@chiaradic813]

WVFreebyrd I miss Allen so much. Terrific guitar player.

[@mauimig380]

me too. first time 87. Great show. Couldn't agree more about missing Allen although we got to see Billy Powell, Gary, Artimus, Leon and Ed King. But yes, while it was great it was missing Allen and Ronnie. Allen was probably the best guitarist in the band, with Ed 2nd then Gary. But that tour was great, and the last good one, as these later ones are too full of "replacements"

[@randytritt4610]

Chiara Baldini i agree!!! Allen was the best!!

[@lynyrdskynyrd7779]

Lynyrd Skynyrd died the same day Ronnie Van Zant died !!!

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Born & raised South of Pitts closer to Wheeling ended up being asked to marry man who went to school & partied with Lynrd Skynrd lucky me

[@hazor777]

Almost didn't recognize Artimus with short hair. I vividly remember this happening back in '87, I was a freshman in high school , and everyone I knew and hung out with (and smoked weed with) were all going - to the Jacksonville show (of all shows for that tour). I just remember there was this huge "buzz" of excitement and anticipation for that show.

[@tapay220]

I was 32 in 1987

[@jackalsthelast3941]

He did trim his beard bd sideburns too. I did not recognize him either

[@tmc515]

Ed King had been playing guitar for 40 years already at this specific 87' reunion. It shows with his superb guitar capabilities.

[@Jacob-mc6tn]

You are wrong. How had he been playing guitar for 40 years when he was only 38 years old here?

[@davidcoleman4291]

Think he was only 39 at the time

[@kjones7561]

I’m so glad they did this. And I am sure the members that passed away in the plane crash would have wanted them to carry on with the music. I never understood why Ronnie’s wife didn’t want them to do so. At least that’s what has been written and spoken in interviews. I hope to see Lynyrd Skynyrd this coming September in NC! They are touring this year! Can’t wait!!

[@roadglidin62]

A really wonderful look back at the re emergence of the Tribute band. It's remarkable how the guys all tend to agree the length of time of the Skynyrd Tribute tour was to last roughly 3 months, with perhaps a few dates for very special reasons. I saw this tour at the New Haven coliseum, Ct. Unforgettable experience. Fast forward to 2015, I look back and feel remorse the bands management (Vector) has pushed Gary to continue using the name of his,Ronnie's and Allen's band. It meant something when Leon, Billy, Ed King and Arti shared the stage with Gary to play the music RVZ wrote.

[@tonycren2105]

+roadglidin62 very well said.. what started out as a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd, turned into a cash cow. It is nowhere near LS now, hasn;t been since '87.. it is no more than a cover band now. has been for so many years, decades now. In my opinion (which I know doesn't matter) The Artimus Pyle Band is a better LS cover band than the band now.... have a great day everyone........

[@michaelbee2165]

I think you hit the nail just right. But I'd call it Ed's, Billy's, Leon's and Arti's band too. Today it's just a cover band. It isn't LS. I so wish they would stop. It's just the $ now. It's not even about Ronnie or Steve or Cassie anymore.

[@wito6998]

@@michaelbee2165 I think it’s a lot about that historic legacy🤔.

[@malisafosteroffical]

It's a shame that Jo Jo Billingsley and Leslie Hawkins weren't included in the reunion tour back then. RIP Jo Jo Billingsley and Cassie Gaines.

[@Nunzi3]

They even sounded GREAT in 1987! Not the same without RVZ, but his bro filled in admirably!

[@monmixer]

I'm so glad they came to wheeling WV on the tribute tour. I was there and worked the show as an IATSE stagehand. got to check out the guitars and all the gear. It was an honor. I also have some great pictures of the performance.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Born & raised Washington PA married Jacksonville born-raised man who went to high school with them & partied at swamp with them

[@davidleek157]

@@nellymoriarty_5783 l

[@jerseysucks6158]

R.I.P. Leon!!

[@kentbeery8653]

God Bless Lynyrd Skynyrd !

[@winslowredcross2835]

I can't believe 1987 was so long ago. This reunion seems like it was yesterday to me. Time has gone by way too fast. I was so excited when they got back together.

[@ronnie5129]

This was a Happy Time Here to Get back together.. I saw the Reunion Tour in 3 different States, It was Great, it brought back so many memories of the Band , I saw the Original Band Starting out on a Friday Night at Funochio's Bar in Atlanta, and many times after that when i lived in Jonesboro Georgia, where they took the Picture for the First album, in Downtown Jonesboro, I used to eat lunch next door at the Diner, it was next to the furniture Store that you see on the album. I had to go down there and take a pic of me Standing in the same place that they did on the Album.. R.I.P. to all that have passed on, Lynyrd Skynyrd Forever, Cousin Figel

[@maggidon90]

Lucky you!!!

[@michaelbee2165]

Oh my gosh! I never knew that! Worked in Jonesboro for 15 years and lived in Stockbridge. Ate in that diner too. That's the old Train Depot across the street. Thank you very much for sharing this! 😀

[@ronnie5129]

@@michaelbee2165 WoW, Thanks for this info, How Cool is that, I Loved Jonesboro in 1972 , It was small and Nice, I saw on you tube that know it is real Big and full of Crime, What a Shame, Cuz

[@stevebowlby849]

Awesome 😁 Man, they were so young. Proud to have seen this line-up.

[@joshuaengel5972]

The only recording in history of 80s peavey amps actually sounding good.

[@k.g.alatore355]

Peavey amps sound great, if you spend time with them enough to dial em in right. They're clear and dry, which doesn't work for most rock bands, but was required for Skynyrd, partly because there were Three guitarists and there was no room for excessive gain or sloppiness in the mix.

[@GBeret83]

And then there was one..........................Ed King sadly passed away on August 22, 2018, leaving guitarist Gary Rossington as now being the last, and only member of the original Lynyrd Skynyrd Band still above ground. Drummer Artimus Pyle is also still alive, but wasn't the band's original drummer, Bob Burns was. Artimus came on board during the band's third album Nuthin' Fancy after Burns had a nervous breakdown and had to leave the band.

[@rmark]

RIP Ed King 💔🙏😢

[@jackalsthelast3941]

Don't forget Larry Junstrom just died this October. He was the original bass guitarist of the band from 1964 to 1970. Then Greg T. Walker joined in 1971 and finally Leon Wilkeson did that job for him in 1972.

[@Chaomhainn]

Rickey Medlocke was one of the original drummers in the early years of the band when Bob Burns was not available . Medlocke was on the Pronounced album in various tracks later re-tracked by Bob Burns . Jeff Carlisi and Larry Jungstrom of .38 Special both where on various basement tapes with Ronnie Van Zant back in the very early 70's . featured on the Lynyrd Skynyrd Box set 1997 . The LS band had many personnel from other major bands( CDB , MTB ,ABB ) in and out of the studio over the course of their career

[@emmabauer1906]

@@jackalsthelast3941 I swear they all died relatively young.

[@jackalsthelast3941]

@@emmabauer1906 Cursed. I know. The drummers and the bass guitarists.

[@chocodiledundee1]

Love Artimus Pyle , he’s got a huge heart , I love y’all from Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@chocodiledundee1]

William Ruddock absolutely, also ahead of his time on eating health ... Artimus is pretty switched on for sure !

[@frozendivots1564]

Gary looked uncomfortable when asked why they are doing this. Because he knew the truth about the hostile takeover of the RVZ share of the band/company.

[@selenaspiers4150]

I was wondering about that. He backed out several times while playing then he looked really uncomfortable after he was questioned. I thought maybe it was because he was having a hard time because of old memories. Because it just wasn't Ronnie.

[@davidcoleman4291]

Don't believe the so called hostile takeover had started just yet

[@frozendivots1564]

@@davidcoleman4291 happened decades ago

[@davidcoleman4291]

@@frozendivots1564 right believe this interview was 87 correct think it all went down shortly there aftwe

[@deryatanbasi3046]

Ed king is a real class act.... what a great man and amazing player RIP...

[@Pauls-World]

Freaking awesome. I just bought a guitar with all the original members autographs on it. I can’t believe I own a guitar with Ronnie Van Zant’s very clear signature with all the other guys.

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

You bought a guitar with RVZ signature on it? Really? WOW

[@Pauls-World]

@@DavidLee-rx6uo yup, rock and roll history for sure.

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

@@Pauls-World Amazing. Congratulations. I have several autographs ,I have yet to get a RVZ. The people I know here in Jacksonville that knew him never got one. I hope you have it in a safe place. Take care brother

[@p.g.8138]

Ronnie, Steve and Cassie died in the plane crash. It feels like to me the plane crash started claiming lives after the crash one by one. Allen, Billy, Leon, Ed and now Gary with his heart condition.

[@kunkushun1]

Gary + Ed guitars together sounds beautiful. Leon's bass sound + Billy's insane piano playing. Artimus is there best drummer. Ronnie's brother doing a good job too. Good line up!

[@BST-lm4po]

You know those guys got busted up pretty bad in that plane crash! Leon Wilkeson may have suffered the worst damage of the survivors. He was extremely busted up physically. He's said that he never recovered the dexterity in his hand that he once had. (Personally I think he still sounds pretty good...but if you listen to his pre-crash recordings, that dude was a monster on the Bass!)

[@oranstelly5393]

Uh huh.

[@oranstelly5393]

Didn't see Billy 's Bud can..........

[@RockFan98]

If Allen was there it would have been Perfect! Altough Randall Hall was no slouch. The Collins parts he played he did with absolute passion!

[@AllSpace]

EDs the man on the Alabama its his song

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

See him smiling

[@gregmunz4779]

I got tickets to this very tour when they came to the Universal Amphetheatre in Universal City Ca. and The Rossington Collins Band opened the show !!! The band NEVER REALLY LEFT THE STAGE!!! Is that not the coolest thing EVER ! I love these guys and gals and have seen them a half a dozen times since but at this show Freebird was only an instrumental version at the time. I'm gonna miss them so much after this year and the last tour is over. They brought Allen out in a wheelchair after the show. Wish I could have met them someday but I ain't nobody but a diehard fan. Good luck to my favorite band for my entire life.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

They brought Collins out Also Daytona show surprised husband who went to school with them & partied with them in swamp

[@Jman811281]

Sucks Allen Collins wasn't there. this was about a year after his accident:-/

[@gewdferyew4844]

Allen was trying to put together a new band called Lynyrd Skynyrd II before his car crash

[@tapay220]

thought he was still playing?? his wreck was in 1990??

[@shannonsmith1522]

@@tapay220 he died in 1990.

[@Leatherface123.]

He is the most underrated guitarist He my one wish is to have Allen Collins back on this earth

[@jackalsthelast3941]

Allen Collins got paralyzed from a car accident that killed also his girlfriend in 1986. He would be like that on a wheelchair till his ultimate death in 1990 of pneumonia

[@franr9294]

Ed king

[@incidentalist]

All seem yakked up :D Cool vid though, RIP to the ones who are gone!! And ty for the interview!

[@pedenmk]

I remember going to see the tribute tour in Indianapolis indiana back in 87. What a great band. Ed KING was a phenomenal guitarist. Thanks great VID

[@seanlavelle103]

Damn Artimus with short hair and no beard. Total different guy lol

[@brianglade848]

Artimus is a pathetic freak

[@rollinstoned6311]

@@brianglade848 Why Exactly....? He got help there where the plain crashed. While he was injured...

[@michaelbee2165]

@@brianglade848 Wow, completely unnecessary.

[@michaelbee2165]

Yeah, I had no idea that was Artimus until they said his name. Lol I even looked at the drummer and asked myself, "Where's Artimus?" ☺

[@brianglade848]

@@michaelbee2165 you apparently haven't seen his sex offender charges

[@defiantone8556]

Carol Bristow was & is a Godess!!! She's absolutely GORGEOUS!!! And she's with my favorite band. Who could ask for more? Bummer she's not with em now, but there for a while, it was great!!!

[@michaelbee2165]

You got that right! You know, Leslie Hawkins was a cute thing with LS. And still gorgeous all these years later. Perhaps her life had changed, maybe had a family and chose not to do the tribute tour. I've wondered about that. May be an interesting back story. Wish her all the best.

[@kentbeery8653]

God bless Lynyrd skynyrd

[@jaxflfreebird]

You can tell how badly they all needed to play together and how nervous they all were. I'm sure they all were second guessing whether or not this tour would be accepted by the fans. Poor Billy looks like he had had a hard time. He'd gotten more religious. He'd played with the band Vision, a Christian band. They all needed the money really badly. And it had been very long since some of these guys had played together.

[@roadglidin62]

jaxflfreebird Very true. All of it. Johnny had his reservations, he's insecure to begin with especially dating back to '87. This reunion they did for all of us. It was sooo special, at the time.

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Nicely informative Thanks

[@billybees3796]

Ed King was smokin

[@terryhogan4778]

Down to earth people why can't be like this now sound good in the stadium loved it

[@lynyrdskynyrd7779]

Lynyrd Skynyrd died the same day Ronnie Van Zant died !!!

[@mws755]

true

[@davinatheriaque9742]

Ronnie kept them all together he was the leader. I was so disappointed in his decision to get on that plane. Aerosmith turned it down and the woman singer didn't get on the plane she had a dream tje plane crashed.

[@charleshall9755]

@@davinatheriaque9742 might have been a warning from God that was ignored...

[@davidcoleman4291]

No ronnie. Van zant died skynyrd lives on no matter how many of y'all want to bury you cant

[@murrayturtle0372]

The band was great period but the thing that made them greater was that they were just good Southern Men period, God bless them💜and Gary was always my favorite hate that he is gone too RIP❤

[@donaldbishop7550]

Saw the second show in La back in 1987, me & Ginger were on our Honeymoon, our good friends Dennis Farris got us tickets, what a great show, saw the original lineup Every time they play in Arizona, both Phoenix &Tucson, once at the Osaka music festival, & the Rossinnton/ Collins ,back in the day!!!

[@mrsgstd4637]

Ed King!

[@rockinredneck57]

+mrsgstd I knew Ed was good but this video elevates him even higher for me. Before the crash Allen was the featured guitarist but Ed really and truly shines here.

[@mrsgstd4637]

+Winston Tucker My opinion, and I've been playing guitar for 40+ years, Ed King and Steve Gaines were the two best guitarist that were ever in this band. Rossington and Collins were certainly great but King and Gaines were virtuosos. The current line-up of Rossington and his paid sidemen may be fine players but they're not Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@smedleybutler8787]

mrsgstd Steve Gaines was a great musician,and a great guitar player. i do love ed king,but steve Gaines was unbelievable.

[@jamesshaw187]

Ed you rock i wont choose one musician over an other they are all great in my eyes, thank you for what you did yalls music has carried me thru days and years of enjoyment

[@billmonach6409]

Ed King was gritty as dirt and smooth as silk all at the same time--amazing player

[@oldmountainmarineandmetals9736]

I'm 57 and you all have been my number one band forever! You all inspired me to start a band in the late 70s through mid 80s called "South Bound "nothing but, Southern rock! and since then my goal in life was to be a roadie for Lynyrd Skynyrd! I'm starting to get old guys, it's time to hire me!I I had the opportunity to show Jonny my tat on my forearm at a outside show in Southern Md about 12 years ago when I slid up to the stage after a fight broke out, it's in memory Ronnie. RIP my brother!

[@MrUfojunkiedavid]

Lovin' seeing Ed tear it up

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

See him smiling

[@davidroberson8030]

Not only is it kicking major butt on that guitar, those two backup singers are looking hot.

[@glennh.2573]

Carol bistow was always hot

[@daviddecatt6381]

Gotta add ,sad that all the ppl in this very cool interview are not with us anymore. LS was the best band that came out of rock n roll. So tragic for them all, not being very old and from my home state only a few miles away. see you all in heaven 😎

[@waltersobchak7275]

Jax 2

[@anitajustus8133]

You must be confused. Gary Rossington and Johnny Van Zant and Artemis Pyle are very much alive. Don't know about the others since this isn't Lynrd Skynrd. Three members of Lynrd Skynrd were killed in 1977 and the band could not continue without them .

[@ColdSmokes]

+Anita Justus Only Billy and Leon out of this group have left us as of 11/16

[@groundhog713]

@@anitajustus8133 Now Ed King passed too...

[@Jeffrey-ef5vc]

Great find on this never seen it before! Reminds me of how great Ed king is

[@maggidon90]

"Only three months and that's it." Well...:)

[@allancove4483]

That's a long 3 months. lol

[@markmywords61]

I was lucky enough to see the show in California two weeks before the crash. And I have seen the new band love you guys music since I was 15

[@davidrice3337]

Saw them in Louisville KY in 89- they were so good- Ed King was amazing- Johnny didn't oversell the whole southern thing- he sang great - Lacy and Allen were there- Never Forget-

[@smilsmff]

31 yearrs later Ed king passed, while original Gary remains

[@maggidon90]

When did the other original members leave? After the tribute tour?

[@MattMohsOutdoors]

Ljepota they all died

[@mikehunt2190]

Allen got drunk and crashed his car in 1986. He was paralyzed from the waist down. He died in 1990 from complications from his accident 4 years earlier. Artemis left in 1992. He was charged with sexual assault of a child but i believe his ex- wife made it u during their divorce.. He did plead guilty, though. He also had a falling out with Gary and never returned to the band. Ed left in 1996 due heart problems. He was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy and told by his doctors he could not tour. He had a heart transplant in 2011 but he had a falling out with gary and never rejoined. He died in 2018 of Lung Cancer. Leon died in 2001 from liver failure and a drug overdose. Billy died in 2009 of a heart attack. He had woken up with chest pain and shortness of breath and called 911, but died before EMS could arrive. Bob Burns, the original drummer died in a car crash in 2015. The nature of the crash indicated he may have had a “medical episode” while driving. Gary is the only original one still alive. He did suffer a mild heart attack in 2015, but is currently still playing.

[@jackalsthelast3941]

@@mikehunt2190 Larry Junstrom died in October 2019. He retired previously from 38. Special since 2014

[@GOOSE-1334]

@@mikehunt2190 Bob died in 15 not 12

[@cornucopia8591]

Amazing atmosphere over here. Love these guys!)

[@melissalee2166]

Gary Rossington has the sexiest voice!!!

[@robert.m4676]

Melissa Lee I talk like him too with a Jim Morrison like Twist!

[@kevinshea2097]

You gotta give Johnnie a lot of credit stepping up and filling his brothers Ronnie's shoes he's done a fantastic job and Gary, billy, Ed king Leon Bob Ricky and all the other musicians who made the legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd for the fans to enjoy the music 🎵🎶

[@johnriggle8576]

But Ronnie didn't wear shoes 😂 ......on stage

[@sendmeyourlocation1145]

​@@johnriggle8576yeah he was wearing sandals with a small fat belly

[@sendmeyourlocation1145]

Dude he filled his shoes for 40 years now i guess that's too much for a remembrance tour

[@davidignatiusbalestreri1737]

Went to the Tribute show in Jacksonville. They sung the lyrics to Freebird for the first time in 11 years.

[@williamfabiano543]

All underrated but they are all unbelievably talented. Cannot find anything comparable today.

[@dannyd1572]

This 1987 tour was one of my first concerts.

[@mws755]

Artimus obviously loves his bandmates. It's a shame they cut him off

[@JCDwyer]

He did it to himself 100%. Quit the band in a violent rage, talked shit for years, then expect a warm welcome back?? Hilarious.

[@michaelbee2165]

@@JCDwyer Perhaps so. After so many years though all could have been forgiven. As the original members passed, someone could have recognized hostility wasn't the way to let that whole issue end. I wonder if that ever occurs to Gary today.

[@JCDwyer]

@@michaelbee2165 Artimus is not an original member. He spent time in the classic lineup, at the peak time, yes. And he sure talks like he was there at the beginning. But he wasn’t. He is NOT a founder or co-founder.

[@michaeld_68]

Lol !!! Those shorts Johnny !!!! 😀

[@johnschmidt6541]

I was at the opening night in Atlanta. The atmosphere was electric.

[@RetroFan]

I was 4 years old. Love Skynyrd.

[@terryhogan4778]

Wow Billy was in that plane crash too rip Billy to all athat got killed in that plane crash sad day that was rip

[@AfterTheGoldRush1990]

Great people greatband, breat musicrip to those gone now, but never forgottengod bless all 😊linda vrom phx az 😊

[@mws755]

This is how they sound after only 3 weeks ??? Pretty damn good lmao

[@nellymoriarty_5783]

Alot of originals there All but Ronnies brother years of practice these guys wrote the stuff🌠

[@michaelbee2165]

@@nellymoriarty_5783 Not quite all, but yeah, pretty much the whole band. Awesome.

[@boopah4365]

Man Artimus looks so different with short hair.

[@lydiapawlak8564]

I think Leslie Hawkins and JoJo Billingsley, Dale Krantz Rossington should have been the Honketts for this Tribute tour. Putting Dale in the Middle, where Cassie was. Jo Jo will sing with Johnny on the Skynryd song traveling man. Johnny sounds so much like Ronnie.

[@diogosabino2545]

He sounds so much like Ronnie here!!!!

[@beatleme2]

Wow, i never seen this..I was there in Atlanta "southern by the grace of god" my 1st Concert - I will never for get ya Ronnie and now the rest..Allan was in a wheel chair which was sad and johnny said he'd never sing "free bird" at the time...thanks for the post ;:*)

[@mrsgstd4637]

beatleme2 The '87 Tribute Tour would have been great to see. Unfortunately, they all saw dollar signs and began touring again as Lynyrd Skynyrd. I have no interest in seeing or hearing any of the later incarnations. Rossington is the only original member. They are not Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@wildcowboy9330]

+mrsgstd ..amen bud and the fact that gary rossington and johnny said ban the confederate flag pisses me off!!! rip Ronnie!!!!!

[@jonathanlee8930]

+wild cowboy Ronnie Van Zant wanted to do away with the Confederate flag long ago but met with resistance from MCA Records who insisted they continue to use it. Van Zant saw it as little more than a marketing ploy by the record company. This info comes from a book called Dixie Lullaby written by Mark Kemp.

[@mrsgstd4637]

Yes, and Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne claim the satanic imagery was forced on them by the record company. They played right to it though.

[@wito6998]

I think the audience was singing it for him! Later, I think the audiences wanted to hear JVZ sing it.