Lynyrd Skynyrd - The Legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd Documentary - By Tom Wills - 2019

Lynyrd Skynyrd: Remembering a tragedy; honoring a legacy
It was a reunion like no other in the history of rock and roll.
Loved ones of Ronnie Van Zant and Steve and Cassie Gaines were there. So were survivors of the Mississippi plane crash 42 years ago that killed Ronnie, Steve and Cassie, and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick of Jacksonville, the pilot and co-pilot.
The hosts of the gathering were rescuers and first responders who rushed into the swampy, wooded area after the Convair 240 went down near the town of Gillslburg.
Everybody there -- from Ronnie Van Zant’s widow to Steve Gaines’ daughter to sound-men and lighting riggers who worked for the touring band to the volunteer firemen and “Mississippi farm boys” who saved 20 lives that autumn night -- had powerful stories to tell. Many of their stories had never been told before.
As the only Jacksonville television reporter who went to the scene of the crash in October 1977 to report on the tragedy and who returned there more than four decades later, they shared those stories with Tom Wills.
If you enjoy the content that I post on this channel, please feel free to buy me a beer by sending a couple quarters or a dollar via PayPal at [e-mail]

[@RagdollOC]

Sorry Steve Gaines was just getting started. Incredible guitar player.

[@chrishitchner6826]

One in the sun

[@Slinger43]

That young'n could sing his butt off as well. Damn shame we never got to see what SG & Ronnie + all the rest of these Southern Baddass Muthers would have gone on to achieve. WE ALL LOST that October day in 77 🙏😞

[@MrDannyboyhall]

Steve would have been one of the all time greats had he lived longer he was sublimely talented but for me skynyrd was Gary, Allen and Ed on guitars

[@delanoarts3703]

Agreed but every guitar player that played in the band was great amazing putting together 3 peace guitars tales a whole lot of practice fitting the stuff together all playing different riffs that alone makes them genius

[@darinsavoury4444]

Steve Gaines daughter I feel so sad for Heart breaks for her . It was a beautiful monument.

[@darellgullion4888]

Now here it is 2023 the last remaining member has passed away Gary Rossington. Gone but not forgotten your music will live on forever. Thank you for all of the great memories you left us with. Long Live The Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. Gary was the last one of the true Southern Rock Gentleman may he be with the rest of his Lynyrd Skynyrd family.

[@judithcohn7878]

I was almost 2 when the plane landed went down. I grew up listening to Skynard. Southern rock is awesome. Lynard Skynards legendary music will never die

[@michaelrochester48]

Artimus Pyle the drummer is still alive

[@bobbiepeak8859]

Artimus was part of the band and so he is the last remaining member of the band . He and Leslie Hawkins, unless you want to include Ricky Medlock.

[@nickphaux]

​@@michaelrochester48not an original member

[@kathyboxx3678]

Artimus is still alive!

[@marisawoods]

Steve Gaines' daughter broke my heart. You can tell just being there is very painful for her. Bless her heart. I can't imagine what she went through. Seeing her moma's pain, and grief...I just can't imagine. Her beautiful and talented aunt Cassie, too...then Steve and Cassie's moma was killed close by the cemetery they're buried at. That's horribly overwhelming for a family. Bless them.

[@bananka4905]

Yes this broke my heart seeing the sadness in her

[@keithsexton1263]

A man is not dead until he's forgotten Ronnie is not dead

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

His music will live on forever til the end of time

[@chrisbauman2562]

Karina Gaines has no idea how legendary her father was in that short career. Absolutely amazing guitarist. In the whole realm of things I would definitely definitely put him up there with evh,slash,Clapton or any of the greats. He definitely makes the cut

[@redbird444]

Agreed. She spells it Corrina.

[@randywalker8960]

March of 2023 Gary Rossington is with our Lord and Savior; with His-childhood bandmate brothers in Heaven. Prayers and Respect to all Family members.🙏🏻🌹

[@gregtennessee8249]

Trump Lost hahahahaha

[@DeeSee77]

@@gregtennessee8249 what’s this you keep posting?

[@baneverything5580]

@@DeeSee77 Report these evil people.

[@FRAME5RS]

​@@gregtennessee8249Would you do us all the honor and pi$$ off?

[@joleneloveland2942]

A part of me died that night. Ronnie waa my friend. I had alao met Dean Kilpatrick, who was a great guy. What a tragedy! A huge thank you to the brave men and people of the McComb, Gillsberg area for their help in caring for and rescuing those in the plane who meant so much to so many. You are heroes and will be remembered forever. I could never thank you enough! And thank you Tom Wills for respectfully covering this heartbreaking story and bringing us more information that was just too difficult to deal with at the time. You have a beautiful heart and are alao brave in this endeavour. I'm sure this was difficult for you also. Great reporting and thank you again! This is very touching for me.

[@daviddeaton1575]

One thing is for sure they got a monument like no other southern rock band in history Truly legends

[@joelhoward8211]

I'm from Chattanooga TN. Skynyrd was scheduled to play there only 2 or 3 days after the crash. I'm a lifetime Skynyrd fan R.I.P. to Gary Rossington and all the great Skynyrd members.

[@princegroove]

R.I.P. to all the Skynrd boys and gals that have left us. 😢

[@peterrichard3706]

We need a band like this today.

[@patrickolivier1]

Check out Blackberry Smoke. It has some elements of Skynyrd 🙂☮️

[@andrewbrandmusic1971]

Check out Bishop Gunn (split up) Georgia Thunderbolts and Marcus King

[@kevincharles1983]

There will NEVER be another band like skynyrd today. Never

[@MongoLloyd-px7jt]

no we don't

[@airgunfun4248]

@@patrickolivier1 Best band goin

[@Billy-cc5rj]

I was at a charlie Daniels concert at the keil auditorium when Skynyrd plane crashed I Will never forget charlie telling the crowd what happened asked everyone to bow their heads in silence and then played freebird

[@plasteredbastard]

Tom Wills really needs to be given credit on his determination to give this band a voice beyond its incarnation. He has always championed the band and represented them well.

[@kerridrury4240]

YES!!! ♥️

[@markrosenquist8259]

One of the greatest bands of all time. So many great songs! And now only Gary Rossington and Artimus Pyle are the only ones still alive. Great documentary.

[@cathywhite9415]

Gary Rossington passed awhile ago 😥 the last of the "original" founding members. Now, the ones left are Artimus Pyle & Honkettes Leslie Hawkins.

[@markrosenquist8259]

@@cathywhite9415 Yeah Gary passed away in March 🙏

[@carldavis1407]

Deepest condolences to the families, frynds and fans. Never forgotten...never forgotten :-(

[@jamiegroves5155]

Ronnie and the boys i never ever forget you guys especially you Ronnie you made me not just a good guitar player but a great one I'm a successful studio musician who never ever forget the debt i owe to you guys and I am clean now 3 years after nearly 40 years of methadone and heroin thanks boys

[@Tonetwisters]

Outstanding! Player of 62+ years, here. Now. Find Jesus and make your life and your "forever" complete.

[@tonton1945.]

Praise God

[@robertortega8093]

It is so sad and heartbreaking to see the devastated life of four Lynyrd Skynyrd band members die along with the pilot and the co-pilot. It is difficult that those who survived to have been in this carnage of devasting scenario. It is great that those who passed and survived are still remembered. Of course hats off and a graceful bow to those who came to rescue and helped those in dyer need.

[@barrywainwright3391]

I was 18 and graduated high-school in 1977. On the night of the crash I was home in my room listening to music when the newsflash came on saying the bands plane crashed. For days I kept up with the updated reports of the tragedy. One of the biggest fallacies with this documentary is it fails to mention that band member Artists Pyle survived and he went to go get help and also Billy Powell ended up being the spokesman informing everyone with updated reports. Both of these 2 original band members is an important part of this story.

[@phyllispatterson7352]

I can really feel for Ronnie's wife. My husband died 8 years ago and I am having a hard time remembering his voice and touch. I wish I had recorded him before he passed.

[@kerridrury4240]

I'm so sorry 😔

[@carolinawestern3875]

I remember the day after this happened back in the 70's. Lynyrd Skynyrd was big in SC and all my friends loved them. There wasn't anywhere you could go that people weren't crying. I remember meeting some of them years earlier, back when they played at a 4 story club called The Gin Mill. My uncle managed it and it had small apt. sized rooms upstairs for the bands. At the time I didn't even realize who they were. But they were wild! Play fighting and wrestling everywhere. Thick smoke in the air and passing around bottles of whiskey. But they were nice and welcomed me in like I was one of them. I was young and it kinda blew my mind but will never forget it.

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

There are no words to describe how jealous I am of you. ✌️♥️😥

[@christina.harrison1494]

Ronnie was the best. Period. Simply the best. ...

[@lorifrantz1127]

You ain't lying

[@tootsiebabe3555]

"You got that right".....as he said himself

[@edwinjewell5359]

Yep Great Southern Rock Voice cant replace him.

[@francesdellaquila8570]

Southern rock is the best and Ronnie Van Zant was one of the leaders.

[@billyrose1478]

Rest In Peace Freebirds.

[@leonardduke6791]

Steve Gaines daughter is still very effected...God bless her🙏🙏

[@dougharris8328]

Long Lives Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@TheKeetkeet66]

I got to speak to Gary for a moment in 1984. He walked in to my work looking for my boss who was his cousin. That was awesome.

[@grillgod2002]

Got to see Ronnie and Jhonny at thier parents house in early August '77, the second weekend i think, mabey 3rd. Don't remember Donnie being there, but he may have been. They had come home for a short break between the Asbury Park and Fresno shows. My cousin Dee Dee went to school with them, and even dated Ronnie briefly. We would visit dad in the summer from CO., and Dee Dee would take me and brother over to thier house sometimes on the weekends. I was 11 years old and really didn't know they were famous like that until years later when i started getting into more rock music. They were just some cool guys that played guitars and good music at the cookouts. We called thier mom,,Nana Zandt and thier dad was "pap". Good times those were.

[@kerridrury4240]

Wow! I can only imagine I'd love to hear more about your experiences with them

[@pedenmk]

I still remember the day I heard of the accident. I was in Japan in the Marine corps when my best friend at the time told me. What a terrible loss. Thanks for sharing.

[@edwinjewell5359]

Ronnie was the Heart of Lynard Skynard.

[@dnasty312]

A true frontman 🎤

[@larryn2682]

Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@dawnmorgan3483]

Do it Judy, write that book. We wanna hear the story!

[@williammarkyounger3189]

Fly Free Bird - 45 years .... the day the southern rock died

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

Nope, it lives on by us and the band today acknowledges it.

[@edalexander6155]

The drummer that taught me to played drums played for a group in Southern Ohio in the early 70s . Artemis Pyle played drums for that band before my teacher did.

[@mr.breeze8796]

"That Smell" is and always has been such a haunting song considering what happened

[@gregtennessee8249]

Trump Lost hahahahaha

[@kimberlyvinson8386]

This is the best doc I've seen on the crash. Bless the volunteers that gave of themselves that evening and became heroes...whether they feel like they are or not. They definitely are.

[@dabear2438]

Check out "Lynyrd Skynyrd: The Last Stop", a documentary by Emma Harrington. It's really good, too, with details of the crash and responders' efforts.

[@jameshughes4942]

I am very happy to have been part of this and able to share. I'm glad this got uploaded to you tube so I can share it will friends around the world can see . Please if you can and just knowing about the monument. Please donate for up keep and finishing payment .

[@fluffyscooterpie6568]

Kind of surprised to read about donations..I would have thought Judy would be taking care of all of that. I am quite sure she can afford it!!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

i graduated High School in South Florida 1982 and to me and many others that grew up in Florida Lynrd Skynrd will never be gone ! I’m now 57 and their music still brings back some great memories of my life

[@robertcarsella1234]

I'm the guy at every music venue who still and will always yell out... FREE BIRD! lol

[@mr.breeze8796]

True that

[@johnbird8123]

They should have a tribute in Jacksonville Florida for Lynyrd Skynyrd

[@MakeItSo1111]

Excellent video! I miss these guys, I miss those days,… sweet, but sad memories. (I’m 65)

[@Henry.58]

Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think Steve's Daughter realizes what a legend her Dad is.and what a great guitarist he was. Or maybe she has never let her pain out of loosing her father at such a young age. God bless her.

[@chrisbauman2562]

Wait wait wait, so steve gaines did leave his legacy behind, i totally forgot he had a child and damn she looks exactly like cassie and him. Girl you better know how amazing your father was at guitar. He may be way over looked but he was one of the world greatest guitarist that ever lived

[@raymondkolbus3186]

I have loved Lynyrd Skynyrd since I was a freshman in high school, I just turned 60 I have everything they have ever written, including the Christmas special ha ha, Santa clause Hass to have some Lovin, I named my last pit, bull Breeze , after call me the breeze, Awesome band awesome people, since I have seen them shortly after the crash, they have been awesome performers. My head is off to all of you love and respect for all of you and your families and the music you have given us!

[@WILLIAMSMITH-jd2hb]

Maybe the saddest day in Rock n Roll History .

[@chucks_88]

Not hardly. Maybe that saddest day of Rock n Roll history of my generation. I still say the saddest day in Rock history was the day Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" died in a plan crash and it happened 5 years before I was born. And let's not forget about Jim Croce being killed in a plan crash in 1973

[@bak-mariterry5180]

@@chucks_88 Don't forget Otis Redding and members of the BAR - KAY'S.

[@georgeshaw8925]

Since we’ve lost Allen, Leon, Billy and Ed. Rest In Peace ✌️ thank you 🙏 for all the memories and melodies.

[@williamgrubbs2954]

I saw them at Anaheim Stadium about 6 weeks before the crash - they headlined with REO Speed Wagon, Foreigner, and Ted Nugent. Skynyrd just smoked and blew everyone away, especially with the new songs off Street Survivors like That Smell. The album hadn’t even been released yet. I was 16 years old and they were the second concert I attended. I feel so bad for people who never got to see them, and of course for their families who felt the ultimate loss.

[@ronbridges678]

This happened the day before my birthday. I was 15 years old when this happened. I cried and cried because of the great loss. I lived in Miami Oklahoma the hometown of Steve and Cassie Gaines. I knew both of them and I can tell you that they were very good people!!!

[@vchavez0103]

Steve seemed to be very humble. I think eventually he would have left Skynyrd to form his own band. I think he was that good.

[@vchavez0103]

Tell us more about Steve & Cassie

[@jackiegoodspeed1849]

They all were from others accounts who knew them.

[@kerridrury4240]

@@vchavez0103 yes please do

[@OneLastHitB4IGo]

They were due to play my town October 29, 1977. I still have the 2 tickets I bought for the concert that I had been waiting so long to see. Thank-you to the family members and the people of Gillsburg and McComb, Mississippi for everything you did for the band members on that tragic night and for all you have done since to keep the memory alive. Though so many of them have left us now, their music will live on forever.

[@kerridrury4240]

I love these first responders. You can tell they are so themselves and they are so humble just completely honest and sincere.♥️♥️

[@Hubcapdiamondstarhalo]

Absolutely.

[@annemostella4011]

None better than the original Lynard Skynyrd!!

[@barrywainwright3391]

I graduated Highschool in 1977 and as I was listening to the radio I heard the news about the plane going down and I followed the story as it progressed. Billy Powell ended up being the spokesperson and was giving all the details and info. I had all of their albums and will always be a fan. I want Freebird played at my funeral.

[@donniedickerson8077]

I was On The Way Back From A Highschool Football Game OnThe Mississippi Coast When The Radio Broke With The News , The Names Didn't Come Until The Next Morning , It's Still A Heartbreaking Diaster,, RIP Free Birds Fly High Fly High

[@jeffersonalford2763]

No matter wtf happened we lost one of the greatest rock bands and not only the family but the fans and as timeless is there music is the couldn't have done it with out the fans and as a fan that lost apart of me that day I think God that will be able to here there timeless music till the end of time and WHEN I get to heaven I look ol Ronnie up and find out myself. God bless there rock n roll souls. From a old Florida dog

[@bobbygene4418]

Jacksonville Florida Family we Represent everywhere we go! Tom Wills still a News Anchor here in Jax Florida... Stay Blessed y'all!

[@kathyadkins6956]

What a huge loss. I miss them all forever.

[@goatrockhunters8000]

Greatest Rock Band ever!!!!

[@martinpiper-ku3vi]

its the music that lives on that will never die

[@villa7432]

Musical geniuses . They put out some serious Masterpieces "Free Bird" " Sweet Home Alabama " and "Simple Man" "That Smell"

[@alanamos4495]

I missed 1 of their concerts in Greensboro, N.C. Because my mom found 1 oz. of weed hidden in the closet and it was my birthday present for me and 3 others to go and see L.S. Soon after the plane crashed I was devastated about missing the 1 concert before they went to the better place, but my mom had the tickets still and my friends got to go to the concert. I tried to get out of the punishment buy lieing that I still owed the guy for the stuff and I was in big trouble bút that didn't work. They had a good time at concert on my birthday 4-20-? around 44 years ago. R.I.P. BEST BAND OF ALL. TIME! I THINK IT WAS THE LAST ONE AT GREENSBORO BEFORE THE CRASH. I STILL AM MAD AT MYSELF FOR MISSING THE ONLY LYNARD SKYNYRD CONCERT I COULD HAVE GONE TOO! I WILL BE AT THE CRASH SITE ONE DAY TO PRAY FOR THEM AS I DO SOMETIMES AT HOME

[@joonifer77]

Had the amazing pleasure of seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd after Steve joined, but before the crash. I've since seen 100s of concerts, but that LS concert in Spokane, WA, Oct 7, 1976 stood as the best show i ever saw until 2006? when I saw Prince. Seeing those 3 guys shred those guitars on the solo from Freebird is still one the most dazzling moments of my life. Allen Collins was always my favorite......RIP all y'all

[@Carpenterdane]

Absolutely perfect! They certainly need this. A place to say hello and goodbye for the passengers, family, friends, and fans. 🎸

[@chrissykailani8301]

anyone else find it really intriguing that the lyrics of that smell are "Oak tree your in my way" and the thing that made the crash fatal as per the rescuers was an Oak tree in the middle of a forest of pine trees?

[@goodolboy9312]

Yes it is intriguing but that lyric was wrote because Gary rossington hit an oak tree you can go to the video called Gary Odom lynyrd skynyrd plane crash survivor and he shows the oak tree that's scared up from when he hit it

[@juliemcdaniel4937]

Ronnie spoke his death over himself in a lot of his songs. He also told his dad he would never live to see 30. He was 29 when the plane crashed.

[@liasunshine7470]

Also Ronnie's nickname for himself was Mississippi Kid and he wasn't from MI but he died there. The song that smell is all about foretelling death too that's crazy.

[@goli1115gg]

Ronnie spoke it into existence...

[@edwardpapera8124]

Wow, you can still feel the hurt in Stevie's Daughter koreena. So awesome to see The Love in The Gain's family. I was 16 a huge fan, saw two concerts including June 1977. The Nassau Colesem in Long Island. RIP Guys and Gal. Your music and legacy will live on FOREVER♾️

[@rcatran1]

I remember where I was when the news came on the radio. Great band, still is. One of my favorites. Was fortunate to have had seen them in concert a few times. Love them R.I.P.

[@ronbridges678]

I remember where I was too. It happened the day before my 15th birthday. May they all rest in peace!!

[@juliemcdaniel4937]

I remember as well. Riding with my mom to take my brother to work in Athens, GA, and we heard it on the radio. My brother saw them when they played at the coliseum in Athens. So jealous, was a decade too young!

[@user-ty6do8yz4l]

God Bless the Patron Saints of The Southern States. Skynyrd Forever.

[@villa7432]

My thoughts go out to all involved on that horrific night October 20 1977. When I heard Steve Gaines was 28 when he died. My brother was killed in a car train accident 22 years ago. He was only 28 when he died so i know how tough it is to lose someone so close to .me and at such a young age. May they all be at Peace.

[@allencollins6031]

Sorry about your brother 😔

[@yfjfujcuufif9207]

There is so much more to this group then I realized ! Hopefully they will make a special cds collection for all their fans ! They were truly amazing group ! They will forever be in our hearts and theirs music will live forever !🎸

[@Mrbriancav19]

Very good documentary, but so sad and unfortunate! Bad year,we also lost Elvis Presley in August 77' !!

[@gregtennessee8249]

And we fired trump in 2020 haha

[@darkrider2369]

I was 12yrs old when the crash happened. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I have seen Skynyrd#2 several times, but they're not Ronnie. I'll still support them out of desperation because I care. ROCK ON RONNIE AND FRIENDS...

[@edwardpapera8124]

What a great Documentary of Lynyrd Skynyrd. This tragity was never forgotten. What a true testment The Bands Greatness. I saw them twice pre-Crash, twice Post-Crash. Endless hours of listening to Skynyrd. Thank you to all the first responders, the news crews and Doctors and Nurses and Staff @ SW Mississippi Medica Center. Everyone are true hero's. God Bless.

[@johnbird8123]

The greatest band ever bar none

[@LunchBXcrue]

Damn, its always so sad seeing such a huge band like this taken before their time. I would have loved to have gotten to see them but I suppose I'm lucky enough that my mother introduced them to me at a young age.

[@MP-ju4ol]

These rescuers were Angels, no other word could describe this horrific scene. I cry every time I hear an account. Bless you all who did the right thing. To those who robbed the crew and band members, SHAME!

[@MP-ju4ol]

To add: I get the honor of speaking, writing to Ronnie’s childhood friend Gene Odom. He gives the most accurate and honest accounts. He amazes me with his strength and courage to continue to answer questions about his mates. For those who agree, please take him up on his original T-Shirts. This gentleman continues the legacy and asks for nothing in return. Head of Security for the Greatest Original Southern Rock Band Ever! Sorry Allman Brothers, love you guys too.

[@mariaday712]

Thank you Gene for telling your stories of Ronnie. You are keeping his memory alive. Rest in peace to those we lost that terrible day.

[@stingylizard]

45 yrs ago,today....Fly on,Freebird

[@glenknowles2128]

Thank you Tom for your never ending dedication to preserving the memories of the band and tragedy. God Bless all involved! The music has been a source of strength and healing for me over my life... I was sitting at a red light on Prential Home Rd and Beach Blvd in a blue Dodge Dart when I heard the news over the radio (Rock 105) I believe it was Lex that broke the news us that night. The families remain in my prayers to this day 🙏

[@juliemcdaniel4937]

When most hear Skynyrd, all they know is Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama. My favorite Skynyrd songs are the ones that were never once played on the radio. Every now and then I'll run into one I've never heard, but it's not often. Their earlier songs were 🔥

[@keithsexton1263]

There's are alot of songs you won't hear on the radio so you have to get it at the record or in my case 8track so I could drive and jam you have to listen to all their albums then you hear the complete Skynyrd so many songs I love all of them

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Mine to like cry for the bad man neddle and spoon on the hunt are awesome tunes they never play

[@juliemcdaniel4937]

@@slabbusterrtr7690 I love Cry For the Bad Man, One More Time, Trust, Am I losing, No One Can Take Your Place, Was I Right or Wrong (awesome lick), Traveling Man, Searching and so many more!

[@juliemcdaniel4937]

@@slabbusterrtr7690 Oh, and Four Walls of Raiford!

[@juliemcdaniel4937]

And I love the way Ronnie always spoke in his songs how you can trust NO ONE, not even your woman, especially friends.

[@cojim96]

Saw the Classic Skynyrd way back in 74. Was in Charleston, SC and was on the way back to Myrtle Beach when I heard the news. RIP Freebirds.

[@paultulowiecki9765]

Visiting this memorial is on by bucker list. From Syracuse New York but a great SKYNYRD fan, Update New York loves Lynyrd Skynyrd,

[@allencollins6031]

Yep a lot of Yanks love Skynyrd

[@georgeanthony9333]

Great video!!!!!I got to meet Mr Will's on the 21st... day after monument was dedicated...was a pleasure to meet him.....he has truly helped keep lynard skynard's legacy alive with his interview the day after their crash....was a beautiful monument

[@villa7432]

My heart goes out to Steve and Cassie Gaines parents who lost 2 kids in that crash. And to Ronnie's wife and family and all the people who died and survived that horrible October 20 1977 night we lost some of the best southern rock band members.

[@jpthereafter]

Sadly their mother passed away from a cad accident directly after visiting their grave site.

[@kerridrury4240]

@@jpthereafter wow I didn't know that. Maybe she just could not handle the loss who knows maybe it was God's way of helping her.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Dang, Steve's grandson looks just like him when he was young. Uncanny.

[@blondebae4884]

I was born in the wrong time ! What I wouldn’t give to be able to see them play in person at 29yrs old this is absolutely my favorite band. My dad and I danced to Tuesday gone at my wedding ♥️

[@in2livinit]

I remember that night when I heard the break in on the radio. I was 14 & a freshman and I remember it like yesterday. Stupid ass pilot. They were so young & have been through so much. Long Live LS & rest in peace to those who have left us but will live on through their music forever.🎸🎙🎹🎶

[@blainee.griffith5939]

This is therapeutic, but I had to stop right there Steve Gains was phenomenal, now I can go on an GOD bless every entire person affected by the horrible crash ever !

[@kellycranford3592]

Thank you, Tom Wills for this documentary! Thank you for being a fan enough to do it. Bravo!!

[@kurtgrossoehme2691]

Their legacy is the joy that their music brings. I mean, who can stay blue when you listen to Call Me the Breeze? And jamming to Sweet Home Alabama while riding my Harley down the road? And I pass that legacy on by playing their tunes for my grand daughters. Just wanted yall to know, and to say thanks!

[@enoughcorruption5975]

The plane should have never took off! It's the Pilots fault! It was clear that there was a problem with the engine! He would also know exactly how much fuel the plane had on board!!! Absolutely Tragic loss of life that never should have happened!!! Beautiful tribute and memorial to the band and so truly deserved ❤ Amazing that most people on board lived through it!!!

[@piperzirkle2530]

Ronny was a one of a kind not many bands can blow the stones of the stage dammit they did enjoy life while you can I hope there Lord and savior made a place for them

[@allencollins6031]

Nicely said

[@steventweed3599]

Thank You, Sir for your forty-six year dedication to this story. None of us look like we did in 1977. I was 12 years old. I didn't know who Lynyrd Skynyrd was but I remember that unusually warm fall day in the mountains of western North Carolina. The World News was on.I think it was either Harry Reasoner or Frank Reynolds who announced at the end of the broadcast the breaking news and that's how the broadcast ended. Now, Lynyrd Skynyrd is in my Top 3 all time rock bands. Ronnie Van Zant had his own sound but it isn't lost on me that he could puck talent based on sound. In addition, it isn't lost on me that this is Jerry Clower country.

[@bethglaser26]

I went to this memorial a few weeks ago, by the way was LONG overdue. It’s absolutely incredible, a beautiful memorial to the Greatest Southren Rock Band EVER! It’s easy to find, just a little over 7 miles off Interstate 55 it’s marked well. So if your ever in south Ms it’s worth the trip!!!!!

[@ericdehart4332]

Such a great video. I’m in it a few times, first clip at 1:51 and then later with my name tagged to me from Wisconsin. One of the best times of my life as a Skynyrd fan! Great people and good times. And to pay tribute to Ronnie, Steve, Cassie and Dean...🙏🏼✝️☮️🕊❤️

[@quantumpotential7639]

I'm sorry for your crash. You survived it and now are telling the story for other generations yet to come. God will bless you yes. And you're blessed for just being you, despite having brought the plane down before it had a smooth patch to land on this will be your memory and now you are in the final preparations of singing Free Bird for all eternity this bird will not die. Angels surround the passion as you quicken the spirit of LS. God Bless

[@cathywhite9415]

I was quickly shown in the video of their July 2, 1977 show in Oakland, California right in front of Ronnie Van Zant & Steve Gaines, right as Steve, Gary Rossington, Allen Collins & Leon Wilkeson broke out their awesomeness of Freebird.

[@chrisbauman2562]

This must have been the best band to be in, from the brutal hours of jamming to the having a huge band of friends to share the memories with

[@pedenmk]

What a terrible loss. I was overseas in the marine corps and had just gotten back to Japan from the Philippines when I got the news. Time passes quickly. Great Video THANK YOU.

[@philimac1278]

Tom Wills is a Great! Guy & LS fan...Loved he and DeborahG at 6. Tks for the nostalgia...Tic Toc...

[@erinmacarthur7336]

Rip Ronnie Billy Steve Cassie Leon Allen the 2 piolts and Gary rossington, your playing with each other once again, We'll carry on with the legacy of the band.

[@jryan6163]

Can't forget Dean the road manager

[@MP-ju4ol]

Tom, thank you for doing such a kind and respectful coverage.

[@kerridrury4240]

Agreed

[@lancehurley9743]

Steve Gaines was a excellent top notch guitarist and also singer..Ronnie knew it too when he heard steve...

[@Hubcapdiamondstarhalo]

No doubt. We all do. And his progression from his time in crawdad to LS was insane. He was so good already before LS. He was the missing link.

[@lancehurley9743]

@@Hubcapdiamondstarhalo when Ronnie heard steve play ,he probably thought, damn!!...that boy can play excellent AND sing too!! hell yes!

[@lancehurley9743]

@Chatsworth Osborne, Jr. ed has a whole different style than steve...i do like ed’s old skynyrd style better but,when ronnie heard steves voice along with his playing,he knew he had to hire this dude

[@dw8840]

Ronnie supposedly once said the band "was standing in Steve's shadow".

[@lancehurley9743]

@@dw8840 Ronnie knew he could play awesome and he knew he could sing too....he wanted steve in the band...

[@kellywilson8440]

Gene Odom was correct that pilot was a fool for taking that plane to get serviced thats insane thinking , I along with millions of others will forever be pissed about how this tragedy happened . Rest easy to all that died your legacy and music will carry you forever !

[@larryhuie3570]

Such a terrible tragedy never forgotten their great music lives on forever

[@delanoarts3703]

They were such a great band I think any generation of people who discover them will create more die hard fans some there songs are mesmerizing for years I loved songs like Tuesday gone and had no idea who played it I finally decided to find out and I was blown away by the whole skynard catalog just song after song of greatness emotional and meaningful to your average beer drinking working man poetry for the poor life experience that we all go through and man it hits the heart if it doesn't hit someone the same way they really haven't experienced the skinnard catalog

[@marknelson4976]

That's the day the music died along with so so many lives.

[@mattmo7marin]

Right on, Tom! Classy as always... well done follow on the people & historic event you were on top of from the day it happened. Great to see this from a well-respected friend. Best, MM