Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant Was Not Who You Think He Was

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[@fredrickm4436]

As a black man from Mississippi, I love Ronnie's lyrics, his music, and his great voice. Walking around in a Skynard t-shirt lets me represent Ronnie and Southern culture as best I can.

[@angeldesigns1385]

As a man of color from Tennessee I’ve always admired this band and fell with their sound every since I heard “give me back my Bullets” when I was about 6 years old. I know Ronnie was a great guy, and he will always be a true representation of what real southern culture is! ✌🏽🙏🏽

[@fattymatty5380]

Hail State

[@derhandtrommler]

you wear the shirt and love the band and can't spell their name right ?

[@allenslaughter7957]

You are THE man !

[@DonKnight-qi4tu]

@@Joe-qv6jh Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@SPIDERMURPHY-np8bj]

I have read and listened to interviews with band members and those who knew Ronnie. He did push the Band Members hard and sometimes it got physical mostly due to Alcohol consumption from all involved. But Ronnie knew and use to preach to the band the importance of practicing and then practicing some more. He'd say, " We have to sound like the record when we are up on that stage ". This helped tremendously in their Live Performances and it showed. Ronnie also use to push about the Fans : " We owe the Fans to do our best. Those Fans work hard. They come to listen to some music and maybe relax for awhile and we owe them. They are the ones who allow us to do what we do. Never forget we owe them everything ".

[@robertschultz9264]

I saw one of the documentaries that went into detail of how Ronnie would bully his point across with other members. It didn't go over so well with Artimus Pyle (a former US Marine), who Gary said could "throw Ronnie around a little".

[@zigman8550]

As far as Ronnie pushing the band to pratice and then practice some more to sound like the record during live performances. The Carpenters were the same way and it showed. They sounded the same live or listening to the record. Whether it's Ronnie Van Zant or Karen Carpenter, their pure talent shines through.

[@pauls5096]

Indeed. From a documentary I saw on the band, Ronnie wanted each song played exactly the same way every time. No improvising. I would think as a musician that would be stifling to play it the same all the time but their live performances were amazing.

[@user-co9zs9gt2y]

I'm a old Skynyrd listener and I've heard other bands one thing about Skynyrd the did sound the same live or recorded other bands live sounded differ than recorded

[@jeffkokosinski1784]

Idont care what anybody says about Ronnie Van Zant he was one of the best writers of lyrics along with Gary Allen and Ed and before the crash to me personally there was never a poorly written song unlike what alot of todays music is. For a short dude he wasnt afraid to rule the stage in bare feet. He had an enormous stage presence.

[@eddiebranden1]

Gary Allen was in Skynyrd?

[@mikee2923]

@@eddiebranden1 Gary Rossington Allen Collins.

[@PatriotforAmerica]

I was expecting negative commentary from this headline, thank you for keeping It honest.

[@gregorylensegrav208]

And he wouldn't think twice about decking you if you pissed him off he was truly a badass for sure

[@gregorylensegrav208]

Ronnie was a bonafide star great lyricist with great stage presence

[@markbirchette8740]

Ronnie certainly got Lynyrd Skynyrd on a pedestal. Mission more than accomplished. Rock in Peace all original members.

[@jimmeymcgee2840]

I never knew Ronnie but as a black man i loved the band an i knew after hearing the ballad of Curtis Lowe an other famous songs he sung Ronnie was speaking from the heart an i wish racism wash something this country i live in could get over but it is what it is i on my part will never succumb to racism . I love the guitar an how so many artist have made there mark on the music industry an we all know there all from all walks of life. An Ronnie knew it well in advance an was not into Racism. They are Americas best Southern Rock Band! What a singer!

[@kentbeery4941]

Ronnie was a one of a kind a force to be reckoned with he had a dream and gave everything to accomplish that dream...... Much Respect

[@user-xc7li2zr1v]

Ronnie is an absolute legend

[@Batman-gn9yh]

1000% AGREE

[@chriskrausesmovie]

your a legend

[@angeltait4682]

NOTHING BUT A LEGEND 100%. Really that’s all there is to say

[@The5Leeses]

My husband was a stagehand in Chicago and he took some great pics or Ronnie and the band. I sent them to Johnny and he loved them!

[@gunzrloaded]

Did U have copies made of those pictures?

[@michaelrollins3765]

Ronnie van Zant was ahead of his time and is an absolute icon.

[@craigdankers8509]

I saw Skynyrd on October 14 1977 at the Holly Wood Sporatarium in Hollywood Florida Ronnie briefly left the stage to let Steve Gaines sing Aint no good life it showed how much Ronnie respected Steve. The show broke Florida's indoor attendance record the best concert I have ever seen. Thanks John for the Henry Paul interview i saw him open up for the Rolling Stones at the tangerine bowl in 1981 also Vanhalen was the second band great show.

[@guymerritt4860]

You were lucky, man. Me and my wife saw 'em a few years ago down near Detroit. Yeah, they're really just a tribute band but it was still great. You saw saw the real thing - I'm envious, buddy.

[@craigdankers8509]

@@guymerritt4860 Thank you i was lucky.

[@diegogardner6218]

@@craigdankers8509 damn, you lucky man, I was born in 99 so I didn't get to see the original band even close to it but I did get to see Gary Rossingtons last California performance 10/19/2019

[@jmcrae825]

I was there at the stones bro!😊

[@jdawes4403]

I was at that show, it was my first concert and i was blown away! I also saw 2 people die that day. One was the guy who fell out of the rafters right near where we were standing and the other was on Pines Blvd leaving the show. I was 16 and Skynyrd were and still are my heroes !

[@texasflood3165]

So glad to have grown up in the 60’s..70’s…best music ever..Elvis..Beatles..Motown..Southern rock..my favorite..I’ll be 70 soon God willing..this music will live on.. take a listen you Youngsters..

[@jayollis3105]

I visited the property with my son and walked the railroad tracks and sat above the original dock on Peter creek in Jacksonville were Ronnie and his band restlessly spent hours sweating cutting some of the greatest if not the greatest southern rock ever on the property of the hell house. The feeling I had was like no other with the tiny little bumps coming up on my entire body. I was 16 years old when Lynyrd Skynyrd stuck with me until this day which I’m now 63 and will until I die. Ronnie Van Zant is the greatest of all time to me because his lyrics and the band members that choose to be with him kept me so In touch with everyday challenges throughout my life. I will always miss Ronnie because he is the greatest southern rock n roll legend of all Thanks Lynyrd Skynyrd I miss you all!!!!!!!

[@kimtipton8225]

That sacred ground really gets down into your soul, doesn’t it? I feel so fortunate that I got to visit before it becomes completely inaccessible.

[@SniperLogic]

I saw them in Statesboro 1 week before the crash. I was 17 & it was a great show. LeBlanc and Carr opened for them. A week later I heard on my little transistor radio, in the evening, that the plane had gone down. It was rough news to hear. I didn’t sleep well that night even though I didn’t know any of them personally. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since that night.

[@gingerblair2932]

@@jayollis3105 They'll always be missed&loved!

[@anndaniels3545]

When we watch the videos from their concerts we are taken back every time, Ronnie remains alive in these rare clips we watch. He is legendary; great poet and heart of pure gold that resignates in all of his ballads/ poems. Thats what his music is/ was. Poetry in motion. Words to Live By❤✨️🌹one of my fantasies would have been to see him in concert, people that have are truly blessed

[@karinadler2308]

The entire band tried to play their absolute best with every note in every song. They truly gave their best and were very competitive with other bands wanting to out play them all.

[@Zoro007]

I think Ronnie drove all those around him hard in search of perfection and he certainly achieved that goal along with the extremely talented musicians he surrounded himself with. His and their writing created some of the greatest rock songs ever recorded and will never be matched. Seems to me he was a hard taskmaster and maybe at times a bully,after a few drinks, but would stand by you and support you 100%, he was a mans man and he and the other guys are truly missed..RIP boy's and keep that flag in the air and never let it touch the ground !!!!#

[@chrisclermont456]

Our monitor engineer on my first tour was the FOH engineer for Lynyrd Skynyrd and survived the plane crash!! He told me so many Skynyrd stories I will never forget, but one thing he said was Ronnie Van Zant sensed he would die young. Certainly, RVZ was the prototype for southern rock vocalists.

[@DonKnight-qi4tu]

All I can do is write about it from Gimme back my bullets, RVZ sang about it. Next album was their last.

[@beestoe993]

What this guy is trying not to say is that Ronnie was a badass. And he transformed that inner strength into being a great musician and band leader. So he was also very intelligent, as well as a gifted vocalist and songwriter.

[@Chuck44442]

God, I love how you give guest ' space ' to paint- a - picture.

[@ferryheijkoop7062]

🤣🤣🤣 my god!

[@raymonddehn1602]

Ronnie was a leader of a hard rockin,hard road livin band. He led the charge in his roll of a lead man. God bless all who were involved within and around Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@terrylunsford8742]

Ronnie loved Country Music plain and simple. The reason Ronnie had just re- signed with MCA was because Merle Haggard had decided to come over to MCA and he already had a duo album of old school country western swing songs by people like Jimmie Rodgers, and others with that type of Outlaw country. His favorite Haggard song was "Ramblin' Fever" but had every Merle Haggard Album that Merle had put out when the planecrashed. It was why he chose Honky Night Time Man for Street Survivors and Jacksonville Kid later released on Skynyrd Collectybles. He even had a title for the Duo Album "Biskits And Gravy"! Ronnie was a country singer fronting a rocking roll band. Loved Waylon, Willie and wrote I'm A Country Boy about a hobo who rode the freight trains with a hundred railway songs. Ed King was asked by Ronnie to come up with a guitar riff that sounded like a train and Ed did it on Nuthin Fancy. Ronnie Van Zant was a genius singer/songwriter who left this world way to soon along with Steve Gaines. Very talented and prolific. The Mississippi Kid, RIP🕊🙏💯🎸💕 Another Pretty Country Song by David Alan Cole, I Take Alot Of Pride Of Who I Am by Merle Haggard, and Charlie Daniels sang Amazing Grace live at Ronnie's Funeral and gave Judy the poem he had written on the bench on his way to the funeral. Charlie was asked about that October 20 in 1977 by the guy who runs the Musicians Hall Of Fame at the Municipal Auditorium before we lost Charlie and he cried when talking about Ronnie. RIP Free Birds 🕊🎸💕💯🙏❤️

[@elizabethfyffe5377]

Ronnie made Lynyrd Skynyrd ! He wanted perfection and he got it.Great song writer and singer.

[@derhandtrommler]

And they Are frauds without him. Ronnie wasn't just the singer, he was their leader, coach, boss and champion. Ronnie was the spark that drove them and the glue that held them together. Without Ronnie that band is a pale imitation. Without Gary, Allen, Ronnie and Artemis they are just knuckleheads with guitars and drums.

[@andynaz5631]

I never thought southern rock, or even country & western music types were racists, bigots, or yahoos. I think pseudo-intellectuals love to make these stereotypes of others.

[@joetanaka6446]

Good interview. Thanks for not interrupting him. Many can learn from you!

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Agree 💯

[@davidrice3337]

Thank Y'all for this - I've always felt Ronnie was a country singer in a rock band - When I was a kid I went and bought Merle's first records cause I wanted to hear what inspired Ronnie when he was my age - I grew up in a family heavily involved in Quarter Horses so the cowboy thing was always a part of my being - I never even thought about it being "cool" cause it was work to me - but I remember cleaning stalls when I was 13 , 14 yrs old and relating to Ronnie's words - and singing at the top of my lungs - Anyhow , I now work with horses for a living , I embrace who and what I am - I'm a guitar fanatic and I can sing alright so I've been told - I love writing new songs about old times - and the people I have yet to meet - Henry Paul has also been an influence - especially after seeing them in concert in the 80s - hell I met the dudes from Blackhawk when they played the KY St Fair in Louisville - I was too uninformed I was talking to one of the Outlaws or I probably would have embarrassed myself - Anyhow Thanks - I've always felt Ronnie was a Kindred Spirit - in more ways than a few 8:42

[@kathyyoung9539]

I was devastated. The my Brother died in 1990. Stevie Ray Vaughan. I'll never get over that. Damn i miss my brother and Ronnie and Stevie Gaines and Leslie Gaines. And of course My Brother Stevie Ray Vaughan.

[@christopherwood2290]

Southern rock died 10/20/77.

[@MosesHeaps]

Allmans created it. Van Zandt always wanted to be like them

[@larryschmid3834]

They said Ronnie was a mean drunk but a genius at composing "their sound".

[@josephdonnelly2663]

My first concert at 15 was Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977 just before the plane crash. The Outlaws opened and were awesome. Couldn't believe how Lynyrd Skynyrd could top them but they did!

[@mikemm03]

Hughie Thomasson was the leader of the Outlaws.....

[@davidteller7681]

...but they fell off the world when Henry left. "Playin to Win" sucked big

[@papadavewatson]

Hands down!!!!

[@prestonwilliams2332]

Hughie was the outlaws leader! Without Hughie there is no outlaws!

[@die2no]

​@prestonwilliams2332 Sounds like you think your the leader of The Outlaws

[@user-zs2km9uy9c]

I am in a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band "Almost Skynard" the formation of our band came from the love of their music and as a result we perform every song with heart-felt feeling. People tell us, we remind them of the old Lynyrd Skynyrd. I guess that's because we are close to the age of the original members. This is a fantastic video and thanks for publishing it.

[@suzmik]

I would love to hear “Almost Skynard”! Where all do you perform?

[@gregorylensegrav208]

Ronnie is one of the best lyricists ever

[@muffs55mercury61]

Ronnie didn't take crap from anyone. That doesn't make him a bad person. I read in 1976 that he quit drinking and wanted to concentrate more on family. His concert footage from then-on shows him quite relaxed and he loved his fans. They had a concert scheduled in Tucson, AZ in Feb, 1978 that we had planned to go which sadly did not happen.

[@SniperLogic]

Saw them in Statesboro, Ga 10/13/77. A week later they were gone. 😢

[@unclejon7554]

My biggest takeaway from this interview is that Henry Paul thought he was the "leader" of the Outlaws...lol. 😂

[@jeffcramer2463]

Hughie Thomasson. Leader of the Outlaws.

[@cheezhead6007]

I thought Hughie Thomasson played lead guitar in Lynyrd Skynyrd at a higher level than he did in the Outlaws. I saw him performing in band three times with Ricky and Gary and they blew me away

[@deadsimpleband6922]

There were some youtubes of early Outlaws concerts live I listened to 5 or 6 years ago and the only one speaking to the audience as well as introducing the band is Henry, things changed as time went on obviously but in the beginning it was Henry who was at the very least the front man live.

[@papadavewatson]

I don't even think of HP when I think of the Outlaws.

[@barnacles62]

To me Ronnie would have been considered at that time as a liberal hippy with a Stetson hat. Today, I'm almost sure he would have turned republican, and it shows you just how much the left has changed. He was indeed a talented person but went out of his way to keep lyrics touching reality and touching people that listened to them. I wish we could see what he had of become today.....

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

Ronnie Van Zant will forever go down in history as a man that stood up. He stood up to the stereotypical hatred of Southern US culture by people who never even lived there - and yes Neil Young, we still don't need you around anyhow. The use of the Confederate flag by the band was not a gesture of racial bias or racial supremacy, it was a symbol of defiance of that hatred for Southern US culture. People that worked hard, hunted, fished, believed in God, family, and in self reliance. It had nothing to do with racism.

[@DJTruth_1970]

Long Live Lynyrd Skynyrd…52 years of jammin to them with many more years to come.

[@mr.breeze8796]

Ronnie is and always be my Rock n Roll hero. No better songwriter or band leader ever existed. He wrote songs for the common man because he was a common man but with an uncommon amount of talent. I think I speak for many when I say no other singer-songwriter ever came close to tapping in to my outlook on life and my way of thinking than RVZ. Though all the other guys in the band had talent out the ass, would we have ever heard their names without Ronnie pushing them to best they could be? His hard driving work ethic and his and the other guys out of this world talent and swagger brought us the unique, kickass, unforgettable Lynyrd Skynyrd sound that I will cherish til my last day

[@robert.m4676]

I grew up in Florida during the 70’s and 80’s. Every friend of mine loved Lynyrd Skynyrd band. The whole racial hatred crap was not allowed in our area. Sure we were all technically red necks to a certain extent. But we had descendant’s of slaves living right in the middle of our surrounding neighborhoods. We were all raised to not just be respectful but decent and neighborly. We all attended church together and would help each other every chance we could. Unfortunately mort of those families are long gone. But the preacher and two families still reside there. But today a bunch of Yankees have taken over and with them and because of bush, Clinton, Obama and the dud in charge now have brought a ton of racist hate with them that is unnecessary. Ronnie was wise beyond his years. I’ve known plenty of rednecks that have a very similar attitude and demeanor. I believe it’s going away with each passing year. So so many I grew up with are dead and gone. But I truly loved growing up where and when I did. I miss those days but my memory takes me b as close every now and then! God bless Ronnie and the Lynyrd Skynyrd band for being the soundtrack of my lifetime.

[@rexvisitor44]

I grew up same era in Massachusetts and everyone I knew felt the same way about Skynyrd. For what it’s worth.

[@davidrice3337]

Mr Robert I am with you 1000% - I'm from deep in the country KY - Ohio Co where Bill Monroe was born and raised - my parents moved closer to Louisville cause of $$ and my Mom's parents operated a horse boarding / Quarter Horse farm - I was exposed to every demographic imaginable - on top of that , Mamaw and Papaw took in 2 black boys who had lived in a shanty house next farm over - this was the 60s - Of course with a Cherokee Indian Heritage on my Dad's side I had a unique perspective - I was also born with a facial birth defect and before the surgeries I dealt with my own feelings of being castigated - but I knew I was a born Cowboy and that was something none of them would ever be - anyhow I'm fortunate my parents had the resources to get me medical attention - I feel bad for those who have disabilities and or been marginalized - I always have stood up when needed - when people try to play the race card with me they have no idea who they are talking to - I shut em down very quickly -

[@slchambers1]

Ran into Allen Collins at consumer warehouse where he was buying infinity speakers to listen to music while he was on his tractor. Gave me a cassette with three songs from their upcoming album. Street Survivors. Still have it. Met them numerous times growing up during their early years. Still live here and miss them. Lost memories of a time long gone.

[@michaelbarnett2527]

I grew up in Jacksonville in the 60s and 70s. There was a lot of racial tension but I wasn’t exposed to it at first because of segregation. They had forced bussing and I went to school with blacks for the first time in 8th grade. It was forcing 2 different cultures together, which was basically chaos . I went in neutral to blacks but grew to dislike them because they would gang up and beat up the wimpiest white kids they could find. Only the redneck kids didn’t put up with it. I became very prejudiced against blacks as were a lot of my friends because of what we saw them do and how they acted . I wouldn’t say I ever got to the point I hated them though. When I was 22 I met Jesus and He took the old animosity away. I’m 62 now, and some of my best friends are black. I don’t know anyone any more that is racist toward them around here. The south has changed a lot more than the news would have you to believe…

[@johncarlo2630]

I’m originally from NYC and liberals are the most racist people I’ve ever known.

[@brendadavis5634]

Here in the south we loved Ronnie and the band he said what he meant and meant what he said he will always be loved

[@theslowride66]

SKYNYRD NATION!!!!! Love the Outlaws too. most all Southern ROCK!

[@charles1964]

Henry Paul's "Grey Ghost" Lp still finds it way to the top of my turntable. A Southern Rock classic, with it's driving guitar licks, and thoughtful lyrics....

[@douglas2902]

Ronnie van Zandt was one of my favorite singers and songwriter and I don't think he ever got the recognition he deserved while he was alive

[@denisecantrell3198]

I would have loved to hear Ronnie and the boys doing some good old down-home back porch country. Ronnie was proud of his Southern Roots and I'm proud of mine.. you got to say some of the best music ever came out of the South. I remember well when they were killed I was young but my cousin's took it hard.

[@slchambers1]

Met him when they played at friendship park in Jacksonville before they made it big. Down to earth west side guys.

[@Mike-gn4mh]

Lynyrd Skynyrd from the start until the plane crash were the greatest band in rock history in my opinion. If I had to choose only 1 band I could listen to , this Lynyrd Skynyrd would be my choice

[@KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

Great interview. You let Mr. Paul talk and asked great questions! I like your style!

[@latexsolarbeef4990]

..you could tell RVZ was a rooted no nonsense person just by the way he brought you into their music..it was his natural down to earth character that made Skynyrd a different and very powerful band..no trite b.s. with them..all idealism..the proper kind..he would be pissing all over todays country music folk and their laughable garbage to be sure..a massive loss that's still hard to grasp..and then there's Steve Gaines..one of the greatest groups of the 20th century..all of them the best..

[@davidrice3337]

oh he had a bullshit side - make no mistake - but in a good way

[@davidrice3337]

let me ask you this ? who does these "new " country people always cite as their influences ? Skynyrd , Hank Jr ..... that's who - what the hell do you people think the old guard thought about Hank Williams ? they got him fired from the Opry - you think he was the only one who drank a lot of liquor ?!? They all did !! Roy Acuff boycotted the Opry for yrs - why ? Drums ! he didn't like Waylon or Willies act in the 70s - thought it was disrespectful - what do you think they thought about Elvis ? You should get off your high horse , educate yourself and understand country music always has and always will follow pop trends - Hell even Bob Wills was copying Guy Lombardo - it has always been this way

[@hansfunkengruven9737]

Ronnie was a man wise beyond his years, for sure. Cut down way too early. As incredible as the music he gave us is, I believe he still hadn't reached his prime. There were many more incredible things on the horizon that fateful day, if only things had been different.

[@beachbumsailordude]

Hughie must be doing summersaults in his grave.

[@richardthomas9198]

I love Skynyrd, not one bad song. I lived in Jax for many years, by the middle school they played at. In neighborhoods they lived in. Camping on the river in green cove near hell house. I got to meet artimus, billy Powell briefly. Never got to see them live but feel close thru the songs and walking where they walked. Getting pizza right where they are on the album cover Edgewood and 17. I hope they are all together now and have peace. They were truly extraordinary, thanks LS band you guys rocked!

[@SniperLogic]

Artimus is still alive and drumming…..I think.

[@Jamestele1]

For a Country-Rock, Southern Rock, Cosmic American Music fan, this is invaluable information about the genre that really spoke to me. I grew up near the Bluegrass Capital, in the suburbs of Washington, DC. There were big Bluegrass festivals here in Warrenton in the 60s-70s. One of the Only places you might see a big old country boy, with a flat top, overalls and huge arms, hanging out and tokin' with the longhaired folk. Jerry Garcia played banjo (Old & in the Way), as well as other crossover artists. The era was so fertile with America's culral history all coming together: Delta Blues, Celtic and French Fiddle music that became bluegrass, Folk Music and Country, Scandinavian folk with yodelling, etc. It all merged and became Rock n Roll, Soul, Hard Rock, Country, etc.

[@patriot1384]

It may not be respectful but it's the truth! Henry Paul was not the leader of the Outlaws and that's fact! I also don't support his Outlaws for his actions the day following Hughie's funeral!

[@Junebug60]

Yall dont forget Billy Jones of the Outlaws, he was my old girl friends uncle and a Hellacious picker.

[@nickypoundtown9568]

Me being in my mid 30s i missed that time, always knew about Lynyrd from sweet home Alabama but only recently gone through their songs, what a great sound!! Gimme back my bullets and simple man are my favorites

[@cmgweb6951]

Gimme Back My Bullets is a great song. T For Texas, I Ain't the One, Things Going On, Cry for the Bad Man, and so many others, it's hard to pick a favorite.

[@DonKnight-qi4tu]

My favorite is the one I'm listening to

[@Lengsel7]

....So, HOW was he not who I thought he was? Anyone who knows anything about Ronnie knows all this. Good interview, anyways.

[@wallhome464]

Agree with this statement. Comments were positioned in a way that because he was from the South that he HAD to be racist. Most people in the South are not racists, and most were not, even back in his day. I never thought he was, or assumed that he was racist because he was from the South. Anyway, great job interviewing, taking your time, not afraid of dead air while the guests gathers their thoughts.

[@davidrice3337]

you must have been listening to a different interview or missed something - he was saying the dude was much more complex than anyone realized at the time - of course we all know what we think we know - This guy knew him personally - these stars are never the people we think they are - I work in the horse industry and I've been around these people when the camera is off - for example - everyone thinks Bobby Brown is a piece of shit because of Whitney - That's not true - He's a nice dude and treats everyone from people like me - some white dude who cleans horse stalls for a living to president of a record company - I've seen it - first hand - Everyone thinks Reba is this " down to earth" country girl - shit - not hardly - I'll leave it to that - just sayin

[@pristineclear8604]

Rivas probably a b**** in real life

[@michealgraham1272]

I saw skynyrd at Macon coliseum in 74 or 75, I left the floor to get drink and Ronnie was at bottom of stairs. I said how bout it man he reached out and shook my hand. .38 special was on stage, I've not heard of them before.

[@jpmnky]

The fact that you were 17 before you had to deal with the passing of anyone in your life, even as a fan, is a miracle. Doesn’t take away from it, just saying you were blessed with extra time to not have to deal with that.

[@user-xf8gg7nb8m]

I definitely respect a black man wearing a Skynyrd shirt…it’s just music!!!!….thanks bro for moving forward in life!!!!!

[@roseblake5803]

Ronnie was a nasty character there’s no denying that but LS was blessed with some of the greatest musicians ever assembled.

[@BeeKay5150]

The original Lynyrd Skynyrd band had a run that's damn near unmatched in rock. The debut album is absolutely killer, and every album after was just as good. Street Survivors was top notch. Five great studio albums...and then the worst happened. The original Skynyrd legacy will always be top shelf.

[@DonKnight-qi4tu]

Agree. Some of my favorite songs are the filler that received no air play. The man could paint a picture with words.

[@dinomader2211]

Henry Paul was 'NOT' a close friend of Ronnie VanZant! Henry Paul is still pissed because the Outlaws were "Never" able to attain The fans and limelight that Ronnie Vanzant was with Lynyrd Skynyrd! I know the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd personally and Henry Paul is full of it!!

[@jameslanclos568]

I was 22 when it happened. I'm just a fan from day 1 and I'm still watching videos of the crash site, the memorial, the stories from the survivors, but I can't imagine the horror that they have endured on that day and everyday after. I've seen them perform several times and had every album up to the plane crash.

[@dankmazzi2376]

Young people should not have to think about death...fearless me in my Young days...I was 18 1977...great music and fun times ✌

[@missytucker5202]

I was only 6 years old when that plane crash happened . Its so terrible ,and i cant imagine the horror the band felt on 0ctober 20 ,1977 .Now that im 52 years old I realize they had some really good songs . RIP to all the original Rock Band members 🎬

[@Batman-gn9yh]

Seen his little brother at NY State Fair Tribute Tour Honestly That Show ROCKED🤘Very Clean Sounding it was Very Well Done. Gary Rossington Band Opened 🤘

[@JesseJames-vc2bm]

Man, spit it out,,, The longest interview ever.

[@philbrown1474]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@sherrelwilson7354]

My thoughts exactly! He actually got on my nerves a little. Hard to listen to him🙄

[@user-pq7ej9dw3l]

Aaaannnddd

[@Eric-ts3mq]

I See It Already But Thank You!

[@f.d.7190]

I sped it up to 2X!

[@andifisaytoyoutomorrow0]

Would like to hear Mr. Paul's thoughts on Hughie Thomasson and Billy Jones.

[@duaneevans3795]

Henry Paul is an absolute R&R treasure. He's intelligent, sentient, aware and just a sweet, sweet man who cares about others and knows why he should. He's absolutely one of the good ones in our biz. He will tell you what he thinks, when he thinks it. Sometimes it gets you in trouble and sometimes it means you have to apologize. Henry knows how to apologize and that sets him apart.

[@scottmayes8940]

Awesome Video! Ronnie Is My Hero! Lynyrd Skynyrd Is An Influence On Me And My Music As Well!

[@clydekylejr]

Nothing wrong with striving for perfection...he turned them in to top notch band through his relentless drive to be great....practice,practice,practice...honed their chops and were note perfect every night...wish he had allowed them a little more freedom to jam out

[@becky-hx1ge]

IMO and others more qualified, Ronnie Van Zant was a GENIUS SONGWRITER. I watched a LONG documentary, about the band last week. From what I gathered, when they were in Hell House writing songs, Ronnie expected the guitarist to have some riffs for him to work with, and he wrote the melody and the lyrics. and that was the usual MO. So he and the guitarist got song writing credits.

[@The5Leeses]

You do the best interviews John. I LOVE the Hall Blaine #1’s. He was the best. Thank you for it!!!❤

[@stevewalden]

,RVZ was the best

[@jimmyruger7529]

Ronnie was my HERO, a great older brother to Donnie n Johnny. Great song writer, band leader. Ronnie was Southern but more American, and one solid man. . . . . Im even sure he knew his gender, if asked today, his reply . . yall dont own a mirror ?

[@thinblueline6321]

So glad I found this interview, it is good to hear someone telling good things about Ronnie and not the other band members bashing him

[@christopherwood2290]

People always comment on how Lynyrd Skynrd made the Stones look bad at Knebworth in 1976. Why would people be surprised by that? Of course some young rebels from the south were going to have an energy that some English guys could never even hope to match.

[@unkledoobz9662]

Great band! Great music! I would have loved to go fishing with Ronnie.

[@StarlandSeayChewy]

Not speaking evil of the dead but I heard he could be abusive towards other band members and got angry at the drop of a hat. He was a classic rock icon but he was definitely no Angel.

[@jpmnky]

Man, there’s just some people out in the world that will always be cool. And Ronnie was/is one of those people.

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Amen!!!

[@WhiteOak09]

Lynyrd Skynyrd is by far the greatest band ever and one of only a few bands that probably 98% of the songs were great then and Awesome today and it's funny the guys in Skynyrd loved the band Free because to me the two greatest front men are Ronnie Vanzant and Paul Rogers .

[@jonathanfloming1045]

I loved those boys from the beginning..Bought the "Pronounced" album the year it came out..I was 16. I saw them the last time in Long Beach CA at the Arena in 1977..little did we know that a little later that year...it would be the end. There will never be another Ronnie VanZant.

[@garylamb7688]

I thought Huey was the leader of the outlaws ?

[@ParaRipperShaw]

Sheesh - what are people supposedly thinking about Ronnie? From the title, you make it sound like people had a bad opinion of him.

[@tam6402]

Ronnie was a Gifted singer.. No one better. Barefoot Brawler no doubt.. He was very young..Forever Missed 💘

[@eatcat2]

I never believed anything but that he was a great musician period

[@RonaldHughey-qp5sm]

Probably 6/7 yr old I would sit in my dad's truck and listen to 8trks of Lynyrd, 38, aumanbros, blkfoot, marshall tucker and the group members and those haunting songs are extremely vivid in my memory. Never listen to or even recall hearing about this guy. Originally from FL now in SC it was shared by most young white boys I grew up with Ronnie van zant is the first thing pops in my mind think about southern rock. Hundreds of thousands lifetimes are live without reaching the accomplishments Ronnie reached in only 29yrs. Put him anywhere in history any place any time past or future and I would bet he would become a part of it. Like his daddy said, when it comes to Ronnie, God is a jealous god. He let the world experience Ronnie as much as he could then placed him in a place where souls go that come as close to perfection as a earthly man can achieve.

[@edwinwise6751]

Where is this “ modern new south “ ? I was born and raised in the south and I completely missed this transformation you speak of . Skynard was way more country than rock with guitar solos

[@shannonbunch1003]

I have no doubt that if RVZ would have made a country album , it would have topped the charts.....

[@Johndoe345-k2d]

lol

[@jimmydavidsonsr.505]

Look the man has been gone for over 40 years. All that matters now is his music that's left and it's still great.let him R.I.P.

[@JohnVanRuiten]

Wow, I just realized that's Henry Paul huh. I caught a pick of his at the Roxy theater in Hollywood. Great show.

[@jerrywayne3467]

I don’t care what you say of Skynyrd or Ronnie VanZant he’s a great musician. I unfortunately never met him but have seen his band

[@elizabethfyffe5377]

Ronnie Van Zant was a musical genius!!

[@Johndoe345-k2d]

lol

[@ranchodeluxe1]

Ronnie is exactly what I think he is.

[@Fukna69]

Despite what he says In don’t me no questions, I don’t think Ronnie ever met a stranger, when not drunk one of the nicest guys you would ever meet

[@transmissionman8124]

People just can't handle he was a BMF! A legend who went away way to soon! I don't think Ronnie was into guidelines

[@itsjustme800]

"Chart positions, he was very acutely aware of those" aka Gimme Back My Bullets

[@gwhiz3708]

I always thought he was Ronnie Van Zant but in school when the teacher done roll call she would always say Van Zant, Ronald so that proves he was not who most of us thought he was 😂

[@tomlorenzen4062]

No band members wanted to get on that plane, but Ronnie threatened to fire them if they didn't. Soo...

[@reemitchell6528]

A beautiful Freebird take away too soon

[@Gspokane1]

I sure couldn't take an hour and a half of that. He's being too carful with his words. He sounds like he's afraid of saying what he is really thinking. We all know Ronnie wasn't perfect, just spit it out.

[@swiftusmaximus5651]

Im from Jacksonville , I knew alot of the guys from Molly Hatchett. Dave Lubeck dated the big chested girl across the street from my house.and yes Ronnie. I also knew Leon Wilkeson. Ronnie was an inbred redneck and proud to be one. Amen. RIP

[@natevm7888]

Ronnie was truely gifted song writer and deep thinker. And so driven I mean think of the countless hours they spent practicing in Hell House. And it's because of that they were able to blow the Stones out of the water in 1977 show.

[@jimmeymcgee2840]

As a black man I loved the music of this band I never met or knew any members of the band but I could tell Ronnie was a man not fooled by racism and it’s poison. He definitely died to early . 👍🏾