Ronnie Van Zant & The Impending Doom of Lynyrd Skynyrd

In this video, we are going to (lightheartedly) discuss why you should get punched in the face should you yell out "Freebird" at a concert, blunt force trauma, and the impending doom of the self-proclaimed Mississippi Kid, Ronnie Van Zant. This is a unique story because it's an example of a plane crash where there are a lot of survivors and wrangling the story into a truthful timeline posed as a difficult task. We also discuss the importance of this music due to its reach and use as funeral music.
This is a long one so grab a beverage and get comfy. I'm probably better enjoyed as a podcast, haha.
CHECK OUT THE SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:
open.spotify.com/playlist/1Ak...
The most special thanks to all of the survivors who have gone on to keep this legend alive.
Cover Image of Ronnie Van Zant is by Michael Zagaris:
zagaris.photoshelter.com/
Gene Odom KZbin Channel:
• Lawsuit, the blood oat...
Works Cited:
Batalis, Nicholas. 02 March 2016. Forensic Autopsy of Blunt Force Trauma. Medscape. Retrieved from emedicine.medscape.com/articl...
Buffalo. 19 October 2017. It was 30 Years Ago Today: Last Flight of the Free Bird. Swampland. Retrieved from swampland.com/posts/view/title...
GHARTLEY. 18 October 2021. It’s been 44 years since Lynyrd Skynyrd was in a plane crash leaving Greenville. GVL Today. Retrieved from gvltoday.6amcity.com/lynyrd-s...
History 101. 8 December 2021. The Strange Tale of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash. Retrieved from www.history101.com/lynyrdskyn...
Runtagh, Jordan. 27 October 2017. Remembering Lynyrd Skynyrd's Deadly 1977 Plane Crash. Rolling Stone. Retrieved from www.rollingstone.com/feature/...
...and countless interviews with Gene Odom, Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle, Ron Eckerman, JoJo Billingsly, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson, Mark Frank, and Paul Welch, all of which were on the plane.
Music By: Hell Hound Creative
Disclaimer:
All content used for this video falls under fair use and is meant to be for entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement was intended, but if any content owners would like to dispute this I will not hesitate to immediately amend the video to credit you. Business email: [e-mail]
Copyright © 2022 The Appalachian Son. All rights reserved.

[@TheAppalachianSon]

Leslie Hawkins is still alive. I didn’t mean to insinuate that she wasn’t in this video there is just very little public information on her ❤️‍🩹

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

She was on one of the documentaries about Skynyrd. She was badly injured and talked about how she was screwed out of her insurance benefits and even some of her earnings after the crash. She said Ronnie never would have stood for how she and the injured roadies on that plane were dismissed by the Skynyrd management. Apparently Judy didn't fight for any of them, she was only concerned about her own pocketbook.

[@allencollins6031]

@@CarolStJohn-ev9ry like what u said about ronnie. I think you're absolutely right.

[@AllThingsWithKelsey]

One of the best videos I’ve ever seen. Thank you. ❤❤❤

[@TheAppalachianSon]

@@AllThingsWithKelsey I really appreciate that - thank you! It could be so much better. This is one of my very first videos so I had no idea what I was doing, but I had to tell the story.

[@eddiejohnson5907]

Weve heard also that this plane was Jerry Lee's touring DC-3 in the 50's-60's ,and ironically a DC -3 was also Ricky Nelson's and many others choice of touring plane in wich him and his entire band also died in.

[@jrandallmoore]

I grew up 3 houses down from Alan Collins. I remember sitting out on my front porch listening to them practice. Growing up on the West Side, we all knew who they were. I am glad I had the opportunity to know Allan and Billy!

[@djbuzz9998]

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[@djbuzz9998]

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[@jenniferlenz578]

That's so awesome I'm so glad you had that opportunity!

[@badmankc713]

It’s a shame there’s not a lot of comments to you, this is cool as shit dude, that’s bad ass!

[@rhettdrake5725]

Randy Moore I would really like to talk with you a little bit about Allan, and Billy. I can give you my email if you would want to talk to me about it.

[@marisawoods]

Steve Gaines brought a creative spark to the band. When he performed, you could see on Ronnie's face how proud he was of him. Every single member was incredible. They each brought their own talent to Lynyrd Skynyrd, and it was amazing. Once in a lifetime greatness.

[@jackpeters9349]

Wiped out the world's greatest bands to play a show that could of been canceled So Rvz could connect his mythos

[@mr.breeze8796]

At least you didn't say Steve Gaines "Made Skynyrd" like a lot ignorant ppl like to say

[@partain2000]

WELL SAID!

[@mr.breeze8796]

@@jackpeters9349 What does that even mean?

[@donjohn2695]

I actually think skynyrd was better with ed king in the band

[@toddeveretts2839]

Buried my 29 year old son in 2013 as a result of a motorcycle crash. We played Simple Man.

[@TheToddFather1969]

What rips me apart the most is watching them play Free Bird in England at that music festival. Watching Allen Collins play out there all by himself, lost in this powerful anthem, knowing what was to come, haunts me. I was 8 years old when this happened. I didn’t feel the pain of this group until I grew up. I have an obsession with this group that I can’t explain. Same with Collins. I have an emotional connection to him that I’ve never been able to understand. God bless. Thanks for your content.

[@jameslomenzo1139]

I found that whole Knebworth show on Blu-ray, its an amazing dvd to have, also the cd of the show comes with it and it has the 2017 documentary of how the band was created' If I leave here tomorrow.

[@figgy7099]

I was 14 when I bought my first record album, from money I got from babysitting, I bought LS Second Helping (my friend already had the first one) and we played it on an old console record player over and over and over. I graduated in May, 1977, and still love LS. It's just been in the past few years that I am really learning about them and appreciating them so much more. Unexplainable obsession here, too.

[@terrylunsford8742]

Loved your show! Thanks so very much. Let me share with you a cool truth about my story of Ronnie. In 1975, I was 15. My older brother loved Skynyrd so that's how I become a fan. So, in January of '75, I had just turned 15. My best frynd and I were going to see them that night. We both went up to the Municipal Auditorium early that day to see if we could get in to see their setup. We couldn't. So we knew that all artists entered the back side of the auditorium and we headed on back. We both had half pints of Jack Daniels in our tube socks and a fat doobie for the show that night. About a hour went by and we were watching their road crew go in and out. My frynd had brought along his Pronounced album hoping that night maybe we could get a band member to sign it. Show starts at 7pm and it's like 1pm. All of the sudden, a unmarked bus rolls up. A couple of people comes out first from the bus. It's not band members but someone. Then, out comes band members. No police or security and out comes our heros Gary, Allen, Leon, and then Ronnie. We were both right by the big Garage door where they all walked and into. They smiled at us knowing we were fans holding the Pronounced album and we both said hey man Ronnie. He's got that southern grin and it's like he knows we are cool. My friend asks him to sign the album. Still smiling he says which song is your favorite. I say Poison Whiskey and my friend says of course Free Bird. He says oh yeah as he is signing. He looks at me and says "Whatta you know about whiskey?" Some guy walks up beside him and the 4 of us go into the Door. I reach down and pull out the still unopened bottle of Jack Daniels and he really started grinning. He asks me how old I am and I lie and said 18. The guy beside Ronnie is like laughin' a little and Ronnie says to me " boy you ain't no 18, you're still shittin' green and we all laugh. Ronnie opens it up, nods at me and kills the whole half pint!! Laughs and says good stuff there. My friend shows him his half pint (green label JD) and Ronnie tells him to put it back in his sock. So we are about to get to the dressing room and Ronnie's still grinning. He tells the guy with him something and then he shakes both of hands and says "see you at the show" and he goes on in. The guy asks us our names and tells us to back outside the garage door and wait. There's a few shrub trees by the door. We both kill the other half pint and fire up the doobie as we hide behind the shrubs. We are tripping and checking out the signature on the album. So we see the guy come out and butt the doobie and leave the empty bottle in the shrubs. He looks at us and says "Congratulations, you guys be careful and we'll see you later tonite at the show" as he's handing us two back stage passes!!! That night was when I became a diehard Skynyrd fan for life. My brother died in 2012 and had "Simple Man" played at his funeral. My brother in law had Tuesdays Gone played at his. My best frynd died in 1991 and had Free Bird played and the album Ronnie signed that night in his casket along with my 'ol Zebco rod and reel fishing pole and wearing a Skynyrd t-shirt. Like Ronnie and Gene, we both loved to fish when we were kids and were fishin' partners up until he died in a car wreck (trying to miss hitting a deer). Your show touched me alot brother. Thank you so very much. I seen the original band 6 times one was the second show in July at The Fox in 1976. I had 4 tickets, two were mine, two were my frynd's, for the October "Tour of The Survivors" in 1977 at the APSU in Clarksville,TN. but the damn plane crashed. SO, say it loud and let it ring that, we all are a part of everything, the present, future, and the past.. Fly high proud bird(s) you're free at last. C Daniels 1977 God bless the families, friends, and fans of the Legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. Many tomorrow's have came and gone and still your music lives on. And yes, we will always remember you.. RebTL and Rebel Skynyrd 2022

[@TheAppalachianSon]

I deeply appreciate you sharing this with me. Thank you!

[@dougphins]

Wow!! That’s one hell of a story!! I saw them 5 days before the crash at the Hollywood Sportatorium in Hollywood Fl. What a show! They were at the top of there game! RIP all the Boys!

[@aschule5684]

That's such a cool story, what an experience 👍

[@moemulkey2264]

One lucky S.O.B....i saw ronnie twice....ther still my faves...

[@moemulkey2264]

Verry cool story...& i do belive you....those guys were on top...still R...!

[@christopherheintzman9268]

Hey Son ! Good video brother . To me free bird is ridin in a 1978 Ford E 150 van on a bench seat behind my dad and sayin “Dad ! Play some Skynrd !” I was 7 years old. It used to make me cry. Now I’m cryin thinkin back about bein a little kid with my young dad😓

[@roxannemoser]

Just a few months earlier, the US lost Elvis. I remember the Elvis died and where I was and the when Ronnie, Cassie, Steve, and Dean died, my heart sank even more. 1980 rolled around and we lost more great musicians. The recent death of Gary has just ripped my heart out.

[@hollymartens8059]

Steve and Cassie's mother was killed by a drunk driver within a year or so after her children's deaths. Her name was also Cassie.She and her husband were returning from seeing their remaining son's band play in the Jacksonville area. It's something out of a Greek tragedy.

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

Wow I didn't know that. So tragic.

[@marisawoods]

Heartbreaking. The pain their father must've suffered from is unimaginable. Bless their loved ones.

[@terrylunsford8742]

There's another sad incident to Steve's story before the planecrash. Teresa and Corrina had a cat that was pregnant. The van that Gene said they were using to move into their new apartment, the cat had crawled behind the housing cowel (the motor) and had its babies. When they went to leave for the airport, the cat and babies were killed. Steve was really upset and even left the paperwork making him a band member at home but, that was taken care of later. There's a video of Gene (on KZbin) explaining that. 😪🕊✌🕊

[@bananka4905]

oh my goodness!

[@outlawguitar2092]

Greek tragedy wow! You must be educated

[@matildaharden1064]

As for the blame game, they can all blame each other but the ultimate blame and responsibility falls on the pilot and copilot. The pilot could have said we aren’t flying and that plane would be on the ground.

[@mr.breeze8796]

Yep

[@davidr8750]

I wholeheartedly agree. Irresponsible morons those pilots.

[@terrylunsford8742]

Here's the real deal and Ronnie said it.. "When its your time to go, it's your time." RVZ 10/20/1977

[@mr.breeze8796]

@@51502 True

[@klmullins65]

@@terrylunsford8742 Ironically, Patsy Cline told Dottie West the same thing when West tried to talk her out of flying in bad weather!

[@DrRockter5150]

I used to be in a Skynyrd tribute band (Skynyrd's Innyrds) in CA, and every Oct 20 we would do a special memorial show for Ronnie, Cassie, Steve and Dean. The highlight of my time in that band was the chance to perform our show with Artimus sitting in on drums for the entire show! It was definitely one for the books, and a memory that will stay with me forever.

[@TheAppalachianSon]

Wow! That’s amazing. Thank you for sharing. I’ve heard he is a really nice guy.

[@patrickfoster4586]

@@TheAppalachianSon It seems Artimus did this on several occasions -jumping in on drums if he heard someone playing Skynyrd! Very cool!

[@KCBeck]

My birthday and my names Ronnie!

[@user-tj8hf8cp1f]

Bravo ! My brother, rock on .

[@beerye9331]

I really like the memorial placed near the crash sight. It is beautiful.

[@frankhatton2089]

Skynyrd was my first concert in April of 1977 at Dayton UD arena. Nazareth opened the show I had just turned 17. The memory will live with me as long as I can draw a breath.

[@CajunCandy]

I live very close to the crash site. The new memorial stones are beautiful!

[@bobblankenship3649]

I've seen a lot of people give interviews and docs on this subject but I've never in my 64 years seen a person have as much emotions that you have talking about them. Your just a down right good soul and I hope you have many many more years to do what you do. Thank you my friend ❤️.

[@janicecoffman6616]

This video of yours has me subscribing to your channel. I became a Skynyrd fan in August of 1977, 2 months later i saw the headlines in the paper. I was devastated. In 1999, some friends and I went down to Jacksonville for the annual Skynyrd-Fest. We couldn’t get a hotel room anywhere, so we hung out at the Freebird cafe, trying to figure out what to do. The house band there, called Kymystry.. had a lead singer named Nadine (Wailer). She introduced us to Ronnie’s Dad, Lacy…who then invited us to stay at his house for the weekend. We attended a ceremony on the beach, ending with Freebird being played while doves were released. I bought a bottle of Ole Grandad so i could toast Ronnie at the old gravesite. I was once asked if I could sit down to dinner with anyone, who would it be. My answer was Ronnie Van Zant 🙏

[@evanshedd8052]

That is beautiful! I agree that’s who I would want to have dinner with as well

[@melissachilders8703]

I lost one of my best friends in a car wreck and at his funeral they played “Simple Man” and when I hear it I remember him and it makes me feel like he is still with me watching over me we we’re friends from the time we were 3 till he died at 17. “Simple Man” and “Free bird” are comforting for me.

[@terrylunsford8742]

I have a daughter named Mellissa after my brother who died in 2012. Sweet Melissa was his favorite Allman Brothers song! I of course, love it too. I also lost my best frynd in a car wreck tryin' to avoid hittin' a deer.We were childhood frynds and loved Skynyrd and were fishin' buddies as well. His wife and two daughters had him buried with a signed and autographed copy of Pronounced, my 'ol fishin' pole that he loved to use, and wearing a Skynyrd t-shirt. I still miss him and for a long time, I didn't fish anymore. A couple years ago on his birthday, I went and took an 'ol boom box with Pronounced on it and cried mostly thru the whole CD but, when Poison Whiskey came on followed by Free Bird, I felt he was with me.. I caught about 8 or 10 large mouth Bass that day and it was very serene and cool. I've been back several times a year since and to be honest, I don't care if I catch nothing at all. It's for him and I think Gene Odum feels the same way. "Keep Turning It Up" 💯 Rebel Skynyrd 2022

[@TexasNationalist1836]

I lost a friend of mine he was 18 when we lost him to suicide and Tuesdays gone whiskey and simple man is what got me through his death and they are very comforting to me now

[@user-tj8hf8cp1f]

I'm sorry for you having gone through that GOD bless your heart.

[@SO-vv9dn]

@@terrylunsford8742Ah, hang in there fella. Life is joy and unfortunately heartbreak too. You are a survivor for you and your friend.

[@myronthorne6958]

My name is Myron Thorne from MPLS minn. Back in 77 I was a huge fan and hearing of the crash left me empty .I was 17 at the time and I felt as my mother felt when hank Williams passed. .very heart broken . I decided then and there that no body would ever fill my heart with that kind of music and if I wanted that music to fill my need for Skynyrd music I would have to do it myself. Now it's been 50 years.since that tragic day and I have become one of those artists that needs to be hurd.one of the top 25 guitar players in the twin cities I've been told. To this day there ain't no better band than Lynyrd Skynyrd. .I'm doing my part to keep the music alive that Ronnie spoke.thanks for listening.

[@TheAppalachianSon]

Thank you for sharing! I agree. That heart break we feel over losing an artist is very real because they wrote the soundtrack to meaningful times in our lives 🙌

[@myronthorne6958]

Again I play there music and blend My own twist intro some very heart felt. And kick ass tunes..I can't thank them enough . Major influence in my style and delivery great songs over the years.hope , pray.,and believe. Anything can happen .at any moment.god

[@myronthorne6958]

Bless

[@Lisa-hn3hz]

Myron I was raised in Minnesota myself,,I was 20 years old when this plane crashed

[@amandaadkins1215]

Allen Collins is one of the most underrated guitarists of all time! He was a beast!

[@Av8or7]

I am a pilot, and I find your comments very interesting. One of the biggest killers of celebrities on private planes is get there itis. The pilots put making the star happy a priority over safety, because they are afraid of getting fired. This was true of Buddy Holly, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Patsy Cline, Keith Green, and so many others. The pilot end up taking risks to satisfy the client, that they would not take otherwise. I learned to say NO, I’m sorry we aren’t flying today because of these accidents. It’s hard to say No to someone like Garth Brooks or Ronnie Van Zant when you know that saying NO, will make them miss a sold out concert.

[@bmcbg]

I guess some pilots don't value their life and their passengers to take risks on a pzzpoor maintained airplane..money is not worth lives..RIP to Ronnie and those lost in the crash..sometimes a professional pilot has to just say no

[@dr.krinkleweldon5934]

Keith Green wasn't going anywhere the day his overloaded, unbalanced passenger weight load, unqualified pilot, royal misadventure took place.

[@peterrichard3706]

Just say, REMEMBER WHEN !!

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

I don’t agree with the pilot hate. Did he not mention one of the band members knowing there were fireballs coming from an engine? Personally if I found out later this was hidden from me by not only the pilots but a friend, I’d be more inclined to kick the friends’s ass. We’re talking about a 70’s rock band that’s always loud and on something and one of my favorite bands but I don’t think it was any one person’s fault. I don’t see the reasoning of pointing fingers either. Anyways, the families of the pilots must’ve been destroyed. Even more so considering the hate coming from fans or folks in your town talking every which way. Apparently we can all make mistakes but if it ends up killing Ronnie Van Zant/Cassidys I suppose don’t pick up the newspaper or walk towards the vigils.

[@Av8or7]

@@louieo.blevinsmusic4197 I have several hours flying radial engine aircraft at night. Radial engine can produce fire out of the exhaust stack when they run rich fuel mixture. The pressure carburetor had a problem and that engine ran very rich. It’s quite a show at night.

[@TheRealAlanJonesy]

Wow man. You really did this story justice. I get choked up when I talk about the crash… hearing the emotion in your voice….. thank you brother…. Just thank you.

[@EPstroker]

Been to the memory gardens Graves. Spent a few minutes at rvz old grave site with Steve and Cassie. There is for sure an aura I felt at that site with those 3. And believe I or not a bird (freebird) near by was chirping/singing it's beautiful song. With all other noises going on during the day, it got silent except for that little freebird singing me his song that moment.

[@qrebel6006]

I'm from Kempsey, Australia and I have been hooked On Skynyrd since I was 10 , im now 5o , God bless the good old boys !

[@bobbymckinlay2386]

Hello from Jacksonville, Florida! 🇺🇲 😘👍

[@rockyjez6357]

Tuesdays gone, need all my friends and if I'm wrong! My 3 favorite skynyrd songs 🤘 great video!

[@mikefoley9397]

imhad gone to sleep with the radio on, about 3;39 that morning i heard about the crash, one of the most shocking things i had ever heard, i,ll never forget those guys and gals

[@r.d.sandman6474]

I was 22 when it happened. I’d like to thank our host, Appalachian Son for such a great & respectful job in relating this story of woe. Thank you so much.

[@rustyshackleford3514]

You talked about the one thing I feel was was super depressing that doesn’t get thought about enough. Poor Mrs. Gaines lost two children that day. Parents should never have to bury their children. She buried two. Bless her heart. Then she perishes in a car accident while visiting her children’s graves. If I understand it correctly. Tragic.

[@Sobolady89]

I met Billy Powell a few times. He was very humble and told me how he started as a roadie in the band. He had terrible scars on his face from the crash. He also told me Ronnie had no injuries from his neck down.

[@dr.krinkleweldon5934]

His face was already scarred with many huge acne scars.

[@ladybuggs11]

He had a broken leg as well. Judy posted his autopsy report online some years ago due to all the speculation.

[@HandleThisSelection2]

Billy's account of the aftermath of the crash has been subject to a shit ton of speculation, which is understandable given the seriousness of his own wounds.

[@ladybuggs11]

@@HandleThisSelection2 That is why Judy posted the information she did. Teresa Gaines was very upset after what Billy said. Billy did apologize, and said he was under the influence of alcohol when he made the comment about Cassie. Cassie didn’t die the way Billy claimed she did. It would be hard to be holding Cassie while holding your nose on to your face. What an awful experience.

[@HandleThisSelection2]

@@ladybuggs11 So, we agree. Cool.

[@ilanamillion8942]

Great video. We all miss this band and "Free Bird" is one of the most beautiful songs ever.

[@stevekosak8624]

Agreed !! Never get tired of that one!! Especially the live version!!!

[@edwardhenry3158]

My man just came across your video Vlog on Lynyrd Skynyrd you hit it out of the park I could see where emotionally touched you as it has to all of the fans for the original band I am from Katy Texas I know Mark Howard who still lives here in Texas he has a podcast and just stumbled across Craig Reed do a blog about Skynyrd and his days with them these two guys are truly amazing Craig has been with those guys a long time including Rossington Collins band and Alan Collins band Mr. Mark Howard that guy is a legend also thank you for posting this I will keep watching

[@terrylunsford8742]

Please don't forget Dean Kilpatrick people, all of the guys loved Dean who by the way, was the one who found the cabin better known as "Hell House" for the band. When he's mentioned as a assistant, it's sorta sad because he was so much more to all of the band members. He was also the one that Billy Powell got hired for as he told Ronnie to listen to him play Free Bird and they fired Billy as a roadie and hired as to play piano. Gary said he remembers thinking that Dean pulled a door off of him and swore he did until the doctor told him that there was no way he could have done that in the shape he was in from the injuries he sustained in the crash. 😪🕊 RIP Dean

[@janicelangley4325]

I was at there last concert.😥💔

[@terrylunsford8742]

Dude, you're doing a hell of a job and genuine service to all that were taken on that day in October 1977. I love the fact that you've dove right in to the truth. Ronnie himself had not just told Artimus but many others that he wouldn't make it to see his 30th Birthday. I want to add a few things to the truth of what had actually happened before that last flight. First off, the band had to take taxi's to the airport except for Artimus. He was the last member to get there to the plane. He was 45-50 minutes late! After fueling the plane, it was running to keep those that were on the plane cool with the air conditioning on. Which ate up alot of fuel. Ronnie was laying down trying to get some sleep because he had been kept up all nite arguing with Allen and Jojo as she was desperately tryin' to get her job back. Ronnie had told Allen to fire her and at that point, wasn't considering to hire her back. Some of the band wanted her back but there were threats of exposing her and Allen's affair. Ronnie saw it probably like blackmail. So he refused to rehire her. Because of all this BS, he didn't get much sleep or rest. So, he got a couple of sleeping pills from one of the girls so he could get some rest. The Baton Rouge show would happen on the 22nd and they would have one day off. Gene Odum and Ronnie had discussed that Bill Farris and Gene would let Eckerman go because the band's merch sales at the concerts were being basically robbed by the people who the band had trusted to be honest. They weren't. 90 percent of sales from t-shirts and ect., were going in someone else's pockets, not the band members! This infuriated Ronnie! Back to the plane running out out of fuel, had Artimus atleast been on time, instead of almost an hour late, made a difference? Hell yeah it would! They might have had enough to go back to McComb, miss the trees or landed in the freshly plowed field the pilot and co-pilot was shooting for. And one more thing, THERE WAS NEVER NO HIPPIE HAND SHAKE! Instead, Artimus ran back to the rear of the plane knowing that it was the safest place to be. He was never shot, never had his ribs sticking out of his chest either! These are facts and NOT made up BS.! I have never seen Artimus's account of what happened and never will.. I tend to believe and completely trust Ronnie's childhood friend, Gene Odum and the good people who actually pulled all of them out of the plane. I wish that all of the band's millions of fans could've seen the original band perform. They were almost note for note the same when they performed here in Nashville,TN. They always had power-chord finishes to almost every song. You got your $ worth when you seen them back then and you sho' got that right! 💯

[@TheAppalachianSon]

I really appreciate you taking the time to share that with me. Someone said Artimus was late because he was getting recreational substances for the band. Have you heard that one?

[@terrylunsford8742]

I wasn't there brother, all I know is the fact that regardless why, he was almost an hour late and the last to board the plane. An hour's worth of fuel man, that's enough to clear the trees or make it to McComb and damn sure the field. 🤔 🕊✌

[@terrylunsford8742]

@@TheAppalachianSon You have an awesome job helping loved ones planning their services with details. I find that to be very admirable and respectful. Take care brother 🎶🎸✌

[@kimabney945]

Hey Terry, first of all Ronnie was up all night the night before the crash for other reasons. I absolutely adore Gene Odom and will be seeing him at the Memorial site in a few days. Secondly, JoJo was calling Allen to warn him about the plane. She had a dream about it crashing the night before. Cassie and Leslie went to Ronnie to try to get him to get a bus instead because of the flames that shot out of the engine on their way to Greenville. It wasn’t Artimus’ fault the plane ran out of gas. A series of events by the funeral home limos, pilots, air traffic control and Ron Eckerman were to blame for the crash. The plane was already having problems, Ron Eckerman was too cheap to get a mechanic out to Greenville to fix it so it was going to be worked on in Baton Rouge. Actually, they were going to purchase a Lear jet after the Baton Rouge concert. Ultimately, it was the pilots responsibility to check the gas prior to takeoff with a stick since the gauge was not working properly. Air traffic control told the pilots to turn around and go to McComb airport. They were 10 minutes outside of Baton Rouge. Lighten up on Artimus he survived a plane crash for Gods sake. He went to get help for his friends with two other survivors from the crash. It is true he didn’t get shot but Johnny Moat did fire his gun in the air and Artimus being in pain/shock from the crash may have thought he was shot. Every survivor has their own story. Leon had even said he saw Ronnie and Duane Allman sitting on a cloud together, one of the 3 times he died and was resuscitated that night and following day. Also, JoJo was coming back after the Baton Rouge show. That’s her words from an interview she did. The official FFA report stated the cause of the crash was pilot error.

[@williammurrow58]

@Terry..Just last night I watched a fairly recent interview with Artimus who told his side of the story about Ronnie. When he said he gave Ronnie the hippie handshake just like the one he had just given the interviewer, I called bs immediately. Interlocking the thumbs only to shake hands was definitely not a thing in the 70s. I was in my teens and early 20s in the 70s and nobody shook hands like that. No disrespect to Artimus but no doubt the handshake part of the story the way he described it ever happened. It just was not a part of the culture then.

[@larrywilliams7969]

I had just seen them on Oct. 13 at Georgia Southern College. It was the first show of the Street Survivors Tour. I recorded that night with a cassette recorder. You can hear Ronnie say, "This is the first night of a 6 week tour and we couldn't think of a better place to start it.". ( WBBQ radio in Augusta, GA, played my tape on air one night back around 1978. ) I was a freshman at Mercer University in Macon, GA, in 1977. I remember leaving my dorm to head to class and hearing LS music coming from everywhere. I did not know why until I got to class and a girlfriend told me. There was genuine sadness all around for days. It is a great testament to the legacy of RVZ that his music is so highly revered 45 years later. I believe that people will still sing LS songs 45 years from now.

[@helloweenfanmark7811]

Do you still have that tape?

[@Raughwe]

Awesome! I teach right here;) God bless!

[@aridian7787]

Appalachian Son: First of all: EXCELLENT presentation! Big applause!👏👏👏👏🇺🇸. I was 15 when the crash happened. The original STAR WARS movie was still in theaters and “GO YOUR OWN WAY” by Fleetwood Mac was, I think, at the number one spot on American top 40. All of us who had patriotic feelings felt like “FREEBIRD” was a second national anthem. There was nothing like it back in the day. I was in the Wichita, Ks region back then, and culturally, this region resembles the south more than anywhere else. What’s hard to put in words for the millennials and the Zoomers is, that band used the “Rebel X” flag to say “No hate, but this is our heritage and we refuse to be ashamed or apologize for it!” All of America admired that! Anyway, thanks for a fresh and interesting take on this historical event. I was born in ‘62’ and this was my generation’s “THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED” moment. 😥👍🙌🙏🇺🇸

[@TheAppalachianSon]

Thank you for your time and sharing this with me. It is greatly appreciated. I was born years after all this happened so these stories are as close as I can get.

[@aridian7787]

@@TheAppalachianSon : you’re very welcome! Thank you for being one of the few, in your generation, to really appreciate the legacy of this band.👍🙏🙌🇺🇸

[@ashleighsalinas8526]

You were born the same year as my mom. I grew up with skynyrd and being from the south I feel its a rite of passage to learn the lyrics to at least 5 of their songs lol plus Blackfoots highway song. Although I know more than half their catalog including demos of unreleased stuff. I adore Lynyrd skynyrd and have for pretty much my entire life. Thanks for sharing

[@Jackie-el5zh]

Hi. I was born in 62 also.Grew up in Florida.We saw them a few days before the crash. Bayfront Civic Center in St.Pete. My heart still hurts when I think of them. They were the best. Every song was great. We were on the school bus heading home from school and the bus driver told us. Tears were rolling.. Love them forever.

[@aridian7787]

@@Jackie-el5zh : I think I heard about it on the radio. I didn’t believe it right away, I thought it was a mistake. Just didn’t seem real. Elvis had just died unexpectedly in August, then this? ‘77’ felt surreal after that. Still does, in a way. Thanks for sharing.🙌🙏🇺🇸

[@dougphins]

I was blessed to see them 5 days before there plane went down at the Hollywood Sportatorium in Hollywood Florida Oct 15, 1977. The show was insane great!!!!! I was devastated when I heard the news just like millions of there fans. They were at the very top of there game. I’m sure they’re jamming in heaven still. Nice job on the story!!☮️

[@jackpeters9349]

I saw them 7 times.

[@diegogardner6218]

Any audio

[@ritacapeletti1377]

I also saw Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Hollywood Sportatorium in October 1977 a few days before the plane crash. I was 17 years old and with my boyfriend who became my husband when I was 19. He also died in a plane crash 4 years after the concert. It was a great concert in an unusual venue to say the least. Such a tragic loss of so much southern soulfulness and loss of a great band as we knew them then.

[@dougphins]

@@ritacapeletti1377 very sorry to hear about your husband. Yeah, that band was at the very top of there game when that tragedy struck. Still to this day, one of the most memorable shows I’ve ever seen. Take care of yourself and stay safe!☮️

[@sweetiehogg7249]

I was at that concert in hollywood...my older brother JR took me..couldnt get over hearin about that crash

[@12345zyn]

You do a great job making these videos and telling their stories.

[@richardstover6907]

Bro.... I thought nobody could love this band as much as me.... But you obviously do seriously know and love this band. When I was 5 years old I got toy record player for Christmas. My uncle gave me a Skynyrd 45 with Gimmee Three Steps on it. I fell in love with that song. Played a thousand times at least. Went around singing it all the time So Skynyrd came to Jacksonville on May 1st 1976 on my 7th birthday. My older sister and my Uncle's pitched in and brought me a ticket as a birthday present. I honestly don't remember much, but I have a vivid memory of them singing my favorite song .... Allen Gary and Leon coming together front and center (the mules) and rocking the place. And..... I fell asleep during Free Bird.... Lol contact high I'm sure.... Also back in 2002 I got to meet Lacy and he gave me a tour of the house.... All the gold records, private photos and memorabilia, including the t shirt Ronnie was wearing when he died. I was born and raised in the same area that these guys were from so I'm sure I'm biased, but I think they were the Greatest band to ever exist, in America or otherwise... Really hate those fucking pilots.

[@clarkstone-bear7742]

Yes sir!!!! I completely agree!! Greatest band ever, there was so much talent on stage. I was born in 89 so I didn't have the honor of seeing them. But I have seen seen plenty of recordings. I have ticket stub my dad gave me and a bandana he got from a show. He was wearing his old bdu top. I now own it. And I know it sounds stupid but that thing has been to two shows and when I wear it it feels Nostalgic. Sounds like you had a reel awesome birthday present!!

[@christopherheintzman9268]

NO BIAS. Lynrd skynrd is the greatest rock band to ever take the stage

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

@@christopherheintzman9268 You got that right!!!

[@midnitelitecompany]

Per Craig Reed, Per Marc B Frank, Artimus was aware before most of the passengers, half of which were drunk/stoned… that they were going down. He did tell everyone to buckle up and brace for impact. And there was no handshake between Artimus and RVZ. I sincerely appreciate your work on this video. I share your emotions on Steve and Cassie. I’m utterly devastated as well.

[@davidrice3337]

Let's get something straight here midnight - I don't give a shit if you're drunk or stoned - unless you're completely wiped out because you were up all night or taking pills - a person will sober up pretty quick when you're fixin to crash in a plane - Artimus wasnt a saint by no means - he kept the plane waiting scoring shit I'd say with Ronnie's blessing - I get a little tired of the universal assumption that if you smoked weed and had a few beers or shots - whatever - a person is incapacitated - and that's just a crock of shit - as far as the handshake goes , I wasn't there - Who gives a shit anyway ? So what - those dudes went thru a tramatic experience - your mind plays tricks - myself, there was one situation in particular I hadn't fully remembered and or understood for 20yrs + if there is anyone who should be questioned is the record company - These people were kids basically - not even 30 yrs old - the nature of their way of life was high risk - should have been aware and they should've been proactive - how much $$ you think was lost ? Hundreds of millions - for this reason alone the record company who had plenty of resources - should've made sure these people were in a safe plane - As far as the philosophical theory " if it's your time to go...."- that's a crock of shit

[@midnitelitecompany]

@@davidrice3337 I appreciate your comment and agree. Looking at how I worded it it may have came off differently than I intended. I was on the phone with a passenger on that plane for 33 minutes a week and a half ago. Yes Artimus was getting some smoke and they were waiting on him. That particular passenger didn’t understand that direness of the situation. Even when they were right above the trees. He also told me there was a 27th passenger. And that they were not who they said they were. And that there were “extra trips” taken in the plane before this fateful trip, for guess what? Drugs. Which is why they didn’t have the fuel needed to get to BR. Not my opinion. Just what I was told from a passenger on the plane.

[@randymoore32]

@@midnitelitecompany who was the 27th passenger?

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

Craig Reed the guitar tech verified that Ronnie DID walk to the back of the plane as it was gliding down. He said they locked eyes and then Ronnie walked back to the front of the plane... to his death.

[@midnitelitecompany]

@@CarolStJohn-ev9ry Craig cant remember where his fckng car keys are half the time. I’ve spoke with him on the phone about this stuff. You want to know what happened to RVZ, Gene Odom tells it like it is.

[@AngelaBecker1966]

All the Skynyrd songs make up the sound track of my childhood.

[@johnoconnor8618]

Bro, you did such a great job on this video. I've been a longtime Skynyrd fan since the seventies, and I even met all of the surviving members later on. You did such a good job of researching all the ins and outs of everything, and I also even learned some things I never knew. Fantastic job on this brother, you did a mighty fine job JohnnyO

[@glennkemp3680]

Hey Appalachian Son, your video was done with taste and reverence. I appreciate your approach. You are very genuine. I've never seen a situation where there has been more back biting than with the Lynyrd Skynyrd family. Judy Van Zant really did the crash survivors dirty.

[@cs-mh2dh]

I do agree with your comment on Judy doing the survivors dirty. We all wish everyone had survived the crash, but for those who did survive were still as much Lynyrd Synyrd as Ronnie was. Keep in mind, Allen and Gary were original members, plus anyone who was part of the band were still members. The best way Ronnie lives on is through the continuation of the band. Judy should only receive royalties, not have so much of the say so. Never will I understand that.

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

@@cs-mh2dh Ronnie and Gary were the founders of the band back in 1964. I think their first band name was My Backyard. When Ronnie was killed in the crash Gary was the only remaining Founder of the band. Just fyi.

[@ArcticCoonass]

I stumbled upon this video, and I had to chime in and say, "this is the absolute best memorandum I've personally ever encountered in reference to the tragic loss of one of my childhood hero bands", Kudos my friend, you have definitely hit this one over the proverbial fence! God Bless!

[@TheAppalachianSon]

I deeply appreciate your comment 🕊

[@terrylunsford8742]

Agreed!

[@larrywiesner893]

My brother and I saw them May 1,1976 in the Jacksonville Coliseum for their homecoming show. Sitting right next to the section for their family members and feeling like family members ourselves. Never got to see them with Steve which, I really looked forward to seeing. Saw the band several times after the crash ,as well as the Rossington Collins Band but, I sure missed Ronnie. I know he loved to fish. We grew up across from the hell house on the St.Johns river and probably crossed paths with band members fishing on the river many times. Later moving to Jacksonville during our teen years where I always felt close to the band. Lynyrd Skynyrd was and will always be my favorite band and as long as I live the Freebird will always fly with me. Love and forever miss my Skynyrd brothers.

[@greeneyedbandit1963]

I'm born and raised in the south Florida. I grew up listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Molly Hatchet. Just down south southern rock and roll. Smoking weed eating Quaaludes and drinking beer out of a keg near the river at a bonfire. I can't say that I have a favorite Skynyrd song cuz they're all my favorites. But each one has a special meaning to me. When I got the news in 1977 my heart was broken that I was never going to be able to buy tickets to go see them live in concert. Eventually I did in the early eighties when it was a remake band. I'm glad I ran across your channel tonight man.

[@richyrich4672]

Rossington Collins Band. Anytime Anywhere Anyplace. I bought the T-shirt at a concert.

[@raythackston1960]

Artimus was so mentally destroyed by the crash that he had a mental breakdown. And he did not talk about the crash for years until he made the movie. Seen him many years through the years...he was always awesome.

[@keithsexton1263]

He was doing interviews a week or so after the crash

[@raythackston1960]

@@keithsexton1263 He was. But he later had a comlete break down. He would even stop playing for a while.

[@midnitelitecompany]

They put stickers on a limo. Company said no thank you for their business. Artimus was scoring pot and that’s why he was late. That’s why nobody was mad at Artimus for being late… just FYI. I’ve got tons and tons of information on this subject and would love to chat. Currently making a documentary about Steve and Cassie Gaines.

[@TheAppalachianSon]

I would love to talk about this / get a memorial put downtown. Do you live in GVL? You can email me at [e-mail]

[@midnitelitecompany]

@@TheAppalachianSon will shoot you an email. I live in Houston Tx. But I stay in contact with friends and family of Steve and Cassie, and several of the last living folks who were on the plane. Will shoot you an email at the latest this weekend.

[@famous21me]

I love Steves music b4 Skynner. Pillbox Hat.lol.. Leon's first wife Tresea Wilkerson Porter Baxley just passed she was born and raised in Georgetown, South Carolina. She was funny, I tell ya..lol.. Btw diggin ur videos!! I am Jim Reaves 3rd cousin n still wonder what really happed in his plane wreck. 🤔 ✌

[@stratocaster1greg]

I wore out my 45 of Aint no good life. Im an Okie and took a few tokes in their honor when you toasted. God Bless Them All.

[@liability69]

What a fantastic closure you provided, thank you so much for sharing!

[@lisaaheanueanderson4591]

I Love What you do , keep on doing this. Much Love and respect to you. Many Hugs to you. Yes I have seen them and it's great for the music to continue on.

[@midnitelitecompany]

Yes… Gene Odom is the most genuine truthful person available to tell this story. He is a good man.

[@terrylunsford8742]

You Sho' Got That Right! 💯

[@HereWeGoSteelers]

Gene's book & video "I'll never forget you: the last 72 hours of Lynyrd Skynyrd" is a must see for any Skynyrd fan.

[@brianglade848]

Gene Odom hated farts

[@scottjohns5604]

Not really

[@kellyandersen3856]

I love your style. You seem so humble and entertaining. Keep it up!

[@teresajohnson5187]

Christmas 25 2022. My boyfriend and me sitting and chilling. Watching different stuff on KZbin, can across your site watched and it was your story on Lynard Skynyrd. Wow, very, very emotional and very sad You did this tragedy justice and with knowledge and emotion. Thank you. We live in Ohio. We both went to and outdoor concert, Legend Valley summer of 1987. The band was there and it a concert WE will always remember. I feel honored to have seen the band. May all the unfortunate who passed RIP .

[@keithellingsworth5587]

Dude--you are the best curator and 'explainer" of this story. As young as you are your understanding and appreciation for everything surrounding this story is inspired and beautifully presented. So cool. Enjoying it.

[@13612]

Great story. Today being veterans day, I think about some of the men that have died in wars where millions have never forgotten them thru the times. Sad stories and sad times we all share of the good times that once were. My brother passed at 42 unexpectedly. Its easy to get lost in those times for all those that mean something to us. My brother was a fan of this band...I remember the days he lived their lifestyle well...such a shame we seem to lose those around us sometimes without a chance to say farewell.

[@cherylmeme8673]

I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd in July 1977 in Oakland CA. It’s a concert I’ll never forget. Listening to Freebird shortly after the crash the lyrics seem prescient RIP Ronnie

[@MrTedsidea]

Watching this for the first time now ( Nov 20/22 ) Very well done.. you tell the story and easy to see this story means alot to you.. this shines the light on this group of people and the music they gave us. Thank you! Ps.. i was playin Sweet Home on guitar this morning

[@janicelangley4325]

I was at their last concert, Greenville,S.C. Next morning I heard what happened and cried all day long. I was so privileged to see them 3 time's.

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

Yes you surely were. I never got to see the band before the crash but I did get to see the RCB in 1980 and they were very good.

[@dbloughtbuckprep]

I saw them june 16th 1977 at nassau coliseum live but before we went in we all dropped a hit of orange sunshine(LSD)smoked several joints and passed around a bottle of jack....a little over 4 months later they were gone...a few survived the plane crash..ronnie came out with no shoes and planted his feet and didnt move..one of the best front men ive ever seen..im 64 years old and since then i have not even seen a tribute band not even his brother who looks just like him but in my eyes it would be a step backwards...once you reach the pinnacle you stay put and keep it in your heart...the ballad of curtis lowe simple man freebird etc theres no more to say but to pass them on to my grandchildren..

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

I think the song "I Need You" is a really beautiful song. One of my favorites. For some reason almost no one mentions it but it is a deeply touching song. A deeply beautiful song.

[@dbloughtbuckprep]

@@peterbilt-bo1vy thanks for your reply...they all seem to be my favorite songs..todays my daughters 39th bday...i yelled in to the kitchen....ALEXA PLAY LYNYRD SKYNYRD AND SIMPLEMAN PLAYED...there still here

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

@@dbloughtbuckprep I know what you mean. Skynyrd never made a bad song. It's really difficult to find the right words to describe them. I have always felt a soul deep connection with Lynyrd Skynyrd and that's never gonna go away. RIP LYNYRD SKYNYRD AND GOD BLESS AMERICA. ✝️🇺🇲

[@bobbymckinlay2386]

​@@peterbilt-bo1vyIn the early 90's, I sent a letter to our local radio station here in Jacksonville, WFYV- Rock 105, requesting they play Ronnie's song, "I Need You," during one of their "Lost Classics" segments. I can still remember hearing their well-known DJ, Rick Tracy, reading my letter on-air & commenting on how touching it was, then playing that song over the air-waves. They also sent me a copy of the "Second Helping" CD, which of course, is the album that song was on. I was so pleased when I received it, because at that time, I had the CD-version of every Lynyrd Skynyrd album ever released except for that one, which was particularly difficult to locate back then for some reason, even from Columbia House. Anyway, I just thought I'd share that with you since you mentioned that beautiful song... 😉👍

[@katiescarlett1253]

Here's one. I graduated from Lee High School 3 years after Ronnie. My husband was a good friend of all in the band. He was on summer league baseball with them. He was there the day coach Skinner said cut your hair or you can't play ball. The guys said No. We're going to keep playing music name our band after you and make a million bucks. Coach was like sure do that..and the band played on. I have a few more stories but that's it for now RIP.

[@dr.krinkleweldon5934]

You are high. Gary said how the band got named. They didn't think of it until long after they left school. At Hell House. Bob Burns used to answer the phone, "this is Leonard Skinner." Everybody would laugh and call him names. Then one day they saw a commercial on TV. Same name but different person. That's when they agreed to change the spelling. Straight from Gary himself. I believe him over you.

[@katiescarlett1253]

@dr.krinkleweldon5934 whatever you say dr.🤣

[@katiescarlett1253]

What was their name before LS? Huh? You are tripping dr dr

[@dr.krinkleweldon5934]

@@katiescarlett1253 My Backyard, Conquer the Worm, The Noble Five, and One Percent. Afterwards, the final name, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@jefferycapps8479]

October 15,1977 my 17th birthday 3 good friends and I drove to Clarksville TN Austin Peay university purchased 4 tickets for the upcoming October 27 1977 Lynyrd Skynyrd show. I recall an overwhelming feeling of excitement and exuberance holding that $6 ticket ,followed 5 days later October 20,1977 with sadness shock and disbelief....my beloved father left this earth earlier that year after a brutal battle with cancer....1977 took all my heroes

[@bobbymckinlay2386]

I feel your pain, Jeffery... And carry the same burden with you... Very similar, at least... 😢... 🙏

[@charlessmoak]

Thanks. I was there .I saw them 3 times in 77 .And so many times before . Man , I saw so many great musicians doing great songs in the early 70s.

[@ZeroPointZap]

Wow. Thank you for this. I'm from Alabama near Muscle Shoals. I grew up with this but never knew all these details of the trajedy. Its in my soul. I cannot stop crying.... Why is this so emotional? Wasn't there something premonitious about the new album cover and they had to resign it because it was too eerie or something? Crazy story....

[@chrisnichols4228]

Yeah I’m thinking Street Survivors cover had Gaines right in the middle surrounded by fire with his eyes closed.

[@francesrose3649]

Just found your channel. God bless you for playing beautiful music for those leaving this life. I was riveted.

[@roncoleman9502]

Hey bro I just found your site and this was great. You done a wonderful job i really enjoyed this. I grew up with all this great music. Thank you my friend I have been down after Gary passing on and this lifted me up thank you

[@brendaparker3825]

Job well done. Awesome Band. And awesome story teller you are took me back in time. Bitter sweet. But I thank you for what you do. Couldn't be easy doing the research and the things you must discover. Love you for all you do!

[@TheAppalachianSon]

I deeply appreciate your comment. Thank you! It’s been a while since this story and I still think about it quite often.

[@cterabe]

I seen them in 1977 at solders field chicago and to this day its my best concert to see the backup singers hear them play free bird is a memory i will never forget

[@ImStabo]

Excellent, so glad I found you brother.

[@CaraHTheRealCie]

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm glad this music remains alive in the hearts of younger fans. I was 12 years old and in the 7th grade when the crash happened. When I heard about it, I walked around like a zombie, not wanting to believe it. I never got to see the band perform with Ronnie, but I have seen them with Johnny. I think his brother would be proud.

[@johnoxenreider9094]

I was just mesmerized by the way you told this story, sir.

[@Nurse66]

I cried but enjoyed this very much… I’m a nurse and I respect the passing and passed GREATLY!!!! I’ve held many withered hands and sang Amazing Grace as they mouthed the words with me as they left with Angels some said, some said family members…😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@OutbackHippies]

That was an awesome presentation mate! Up there with the best I’ve seen! Thank you!!!

[@TheAppalachianSon]

Thank you for your support 🕊

[@OutbackHippies]

@@TheAppalachianSon - I’m a new fan lol. I’ll go back and watch your other material now.

[@clo...]

My first concert 13 years old October 1976 Hampton VA my parents bought me a ticket i went with my older sister the day of the show it was on a school night my parents told me i could not go after they bought me the ticket i was so pissed off at them i went into a rage went and got the gas can out of the garage brought it in our living room were me and my dad were fighting i broke out my bick lighter and threatened to brun the house down if i cant go to this concert i won that battle. I was the only kid in my school that went to that show that night that day i was on cloud 9 so pump up going to see Skynyrd i was like the class hero and when my dad told me i cant go 3 hours before the concert felt like my whole world was falling apart. It was an amazing show One More For The Road Tour i will never forget. Ronnie was idle all i wanted was to look like him act like him and be him Skynyrd was and still my favorite band by far. Good thing i went i have memories and the following year i bought another ticket to see them in Hampton VA the Street Survivors Tour days before that concert there plain went down my world fell apart that day could not even go to school.Much Respect.

[@user-gz3ye2su3y]

From Greenville SC here! Thanks for the video man

[@krystalroxX7]

My bro passed away in 2018. He uses free bird as a sign. One of his last vids of him were when he was playing pool with a friend and he was singing along. Doing a damn good job too. He passed no more than a couple of months after that. A couple of days after my brother passed, I’d smell lilys (my fave flower) and the song would come on.

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

I'm sorry for your loss. However, it's awesome that you experience that sign.

[@krystalroxX7]

@@peterbilt-bo1vy thank you xx

[@bobbymckinlay2386]

@krystalroxX7 That's very touching. I'm sorry for your loss of your brother. Thank you for sharing that. 💕

[@krystalroxX7]

@bobbymckinlay2386 thank you 💜

[@andybeebe7649]

Greatest band,really touching video. Thank you so much. The morning I heard their plane crashed ,I was so upset my mom let me stay home from school. I will never forget that day.

[@Dianasme]

Thank you for doing this video. I loved the band since I was in high school in the seventies. Your video is so touching it bright tears to my eyes.

[@ColfaxJones]

Been on a Lynyrd Skynyrd deep dive this weekend and came across your video, very well done sir! liked and subscribed. Gonna check out some of your recent stuff now. cheers.

[@barryraven4745]

Alan Collins girlfriend was the inspiration for Free Bird. According to Collins she asked him "If I leave here tomorrow would you still remember me" when she was about to leave him. Collins gave that line to Van Zandt and he wrote the rest of the lyrics.

[@ami3627]

@Barry Raven. OMG...I was just wondering if that were the case after spending the last two days watching people react to the live performance in Oakland. The look on his face just made me think, I wonder if he's the one that had the break up that inspired the song. Thanks for answering that for me.

[@dr.krinkleweldon5934]

Ronnie said on many occasions the song was about Duane Allman. I think I'll take RVZ's word over yours.

[@bobbymckinlay2386]

​@@dr.krinkleweldon5934Ronnie often DEDICATED that song to Duane Allman. But, from what I've heard from MANY very reliable sources, is that those opening lyrics to "Freebird" were indeed inspired from Allen & Kathy's relationship. I was told that she left those written words for him on a piece of paper on the table where they lived & Allen sadly showed it to Ronnie. The rest is history.

[@5roundsrapid263]

I grew up next to where this plane crashed. I knew people who looted things from the crash. It’s even more legendary in South Mississippi, than anywhere but Greenville SC, where they took off. The state of MS recently built a monument next to the crash site.

[@fatbottombiker3038]

It is beautiful and it makes me so proud to live in South Mississippi is to see that memorial sign on our highway!

[@spiderlily4386]

The State of Mississippi neither built nor paid for the monuments in the woods. It was all donations from friends, family and fans. Mississippi did, however, put up signs on I-55 showing where to exit to see the monuments.

[@5roundsrapid263]

@@spiderlily4386 I had thought the state commissioned it. I guess not.

[@spiderlily4386]

@@5roundsrapid263 There's a video from the dedication ceremony where they talk about the fundraising. I believe a local lady organized it. It was all very touching. I'm proud of those road signs, too. The memorial location is so peaceful and beautiful! Especially this time of year - cool breeze, leaves falling. (No mosquitoes lol). It was very generous of the landowners to donate that piece of land.

[@CatherineLee-kt8ky]

Found your channel and had to subscribe. Great video and i look forward to seeing more!!!

[@waldek32]

This is needed to know. Thanks

[@danielfisch389]

Just finished Odom‘s book. Great read. The crash was one of the music world‘s biggest tragedies. What a loss.

[@mikecarpenter8022]

I lived in South Carolina myself remember old Greenville memorial auditorium going to NWA JCP Wrestling tv shows and Crockett cup 88 I worked WCW and remember doing our first Nitro at Bi-Lo Center sold out and return to wcw Ric Flair and bischoff war !! Thanks for sharing the memories brother

[@TheAppalachianSon]

I never had the chance to go to the old Greenville Auditorium. Now some developer owns that land...

[@partain2000]

When you said you don't know why it is tearing you up so bad, I can understand that feeling. I was 18 in 1977 and remembered exactly what I was doing when I heard about the plane crash. Eventually, I heard why the plane crashed and the reason they went on that crappy plane! It shouldn't have NEVER happened because of a lot of stupid mistakes and that is what makes me angry. I love Ronnie Van Zant but damn he was cruel sometimes. Anyway, I just wanted to get that out. I still love Ronnie and all of Lynyrd Skynyrd. They gave us so much great music. MY FAVORITE BAND!

[@tomthomas9264]

I have no other words than "Outstanding". So well done, sir.

[@moneypuddlegum]

Tuesday Gone is a top 3 favorite from LS. My husband is a good acquaintance of Gene. One thing he said is when he was trying to buckle, Ronnie in and he was trying to fight him as you mentioned however, I think he went to get a pillow for him to lean over for crash position. Unfortunately, what was in front of him was a TV and a Betamax at the time and that is supposedly what killed him because they were not secured. You are right about Pyle saying a couple of variations and that supposedly he went towards the cockpit or the copilot came out about 40 seconds prior and said what was going on. They also had an option supposedly to land above a clearing where a pipe line was but chose the field instead and we know that they didn’t make it. While in college, I worked at a FBO, which is a fixed-based operation and I fueled and serviced corporate helicopters and aircraft and then I went on to work at DFW as a ramp supervisor. One of my jobs was to account for the fuel in our large reservoir at the FBO to calculate fuel used and match it up and to think that they are doing this in a plane is beyond comprehension because we lost so many great people. I think you mentioned that Cassie had a ticket to fly but also Collins had a ticket and you may have mentioned that and I forgot and it’s been said that he would not live past 29 not 30 but that’s neither here nor there. One thing about the pilots that Pyle or Gene mentioned is the pilots also drank, but I just find that really hard to believe because when Gene expressed concern because of the engine issue the day before the pilot said he had been in the army and he would throw Gene off the aircraft and that would be that. Another thing in my history of working in the airline industry is you don’t keep engines running for 45 minutes waiting on someone at the most. If you’re trying to do a quick turnaround, possibly 15 at the most because you have to think you’ve got to load all the equipment and you’re looking at people being around the propellers and I have seen what could’ve been some very serious accidents when people don’t know the power that the engines have while they’re just sitting on the tarmac. Those pilots should have just shut those engines off or never had them on and waited till he got there and then do the flight plan and the flight check and they would’ve made it unless that engine the right one I believe would have given them problems. Pyle also mentions that the one aircraft that they had used before was powered by Rolls-Royce engines, and this one was Pratt and Whitney. Based on my experience, both of them are excellent however, I think that he just expressed concern that he trusted the first one over the Pratt and Whitney. I was lucky to see them in the 80s before Allen’s accident and then again 15 years later and also I have seen their brother with 38 Special. Probably everybody that is posting has fond memories and I have pictures that I took when I went to the cemetery / and dock- it’s tragic but it happened. Thank you so much for your video, and I certainly appreciate it as well as all fans will and do. ☮️ sorry in advance for any typos!

[@soyburglar1878]

I live in Macon, GA and my apartment is literally about 100 yards from where Gregg, Duane, and Berry now lie. Otis Redding III is my next door neighbor. So I know precisely what music means to folks in the south.

[@larrytate5605]

i envy you,..also,... your username is brilliant....dave in NC

[@patricialen66]

Wow! What a great video. I also have watched many many KZbin videos of all things LS! They are my fav band. Ronnie told several folks he would not see 30. Perhaps he had peace with this. He surely worked his rear off to keep the band in line, even if his methods seemed a bit unorthodox! He loved the music and gave all for it. His lyrics are stories for us all. Rest in peace to each member. 🙏 I am happy I found this video. Very moving to watch. When you watch enough vids, you feel you really knew them and it makes it all the more tragic. The music will live on. 😍🎵

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

✌️❤️✝️🇺🇲

[@H4me7215]

Great site. Thanks!

[@King-James-Bible-Preacher]

Tuesday's Gone is my favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song

[@richardstover6907]

Mine too

[@user-pq7ej9dw3l]

I've heard a lot/most of the stories as well. Met Billy and Leon once in the mid 80s. Just as tore up as everyone when I first heard about the crash, driving to school that morning. Ronnie and the rest will always be missed. Thank you sir for sharing.

[@kandy120264]

I saw Gregg Allman play Tuesday's Gone Live at the Fox Atlanta. He was there with a lot of other bands paying tribute to them! The the remaining members there as well! Thank you for this awesome video! Going to get my car now and TURN IT UP!

[@kandy120264]

The show was 2014 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta it was called "One more for the Fans" Check it out! Lot of bands came to play Tribute. The remaining members were there and all them came out at at played their souls!!! Absolutely incredible to be there!!!

[@bobbymckinlay2386]

​@@kandy120264Very cool! I just wish I could've made the trip up there for that one! Hello from Jacksonville! 🦅😘👍

[@davidcook4457]

Absolute quality video thanks for posting very emotional from a lynyrd skynyrd fan from London England

[@bobbymckinlay2386]

Have ya' ever seen any photo's of Ronnie wearing that shirt that says, " WHO THE F**K ARE THE ROLLING STONES, ANYWAY?" Gotta' love it! 😅👍

[@WhiteOak09]

Another strange thing about this story is Steve Gaines replaced Ed King and they are the exact same age because they were born the exact same day and year , weird but this is the greatest band ever to this day.

[@TheAppalachianSon]

That is a strange detail. I appreciate you sharing. Gonna dig deeper into all these little weird things.

[@paulpaladino8324]

Yes, Ed felt grieved that Steve was killed after he replaced him in the band he may have had a case of "survivor guilt" or some related feeling so he went to visit Steve's grave and was astonished to see his birthdate on the Steve's gravestone.

[@WhiteOak09]

@@paulpaladino8324 oh wow , so that's when he learned that, crazy strange , goose bumps for sure.

[@mikekeeler6362]

Yes I can quit the band because he got tired of the fights with Ronnie Van Zant

[@janetkeith3095]

Thank you for sharing

[@danielfisch389]

Gene Odom also stated that he fastened Ronnie‘s seat belt and he thinks that Ronnie must have unfastened it moments later because the belt was discovered intact, whereas the seat belts of the other passengers had to be cut by the rescuers in order to get them out of the plane. Gene‘s point is that there is a chance that Ronnie might have survived (like Allen and Gary, who were sitting at his side) if the belt had stayed fastened.

[@judylee7477]

Was lucky enough to see the original band back in the 70s at,the old Nashville Speedway.

[@bobshaw8319]

Great job dude .. The tragic end of the greatest American band in history .. I will continue to listen to them every day until I too leave this Earth

[@TheAppalachianSon]

Thank you! I feel the same way 🕊

[@cherylb2008]

This was a great informative video, really enjoyed it. This band had such a great sound and the best musicians. Creative and completely energetic.

[@user-eg2fd3ky6u]

The first time I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd was in 1992 and the last song they played that night. It happened to be Free Bird and I danced with my cousin not knowing she would happen to pass away due to complications of pneumonia and a stroke. The concert was at the end of July and she happened to be buried on my girlfriend at the time. It was September 3, 1992 is the day we buried my cousin. I Love and miss you Sherry Lynn Bennett. Plus this is too my ex girlfriend her name is Marilyn Thompson I still think about you from time to time.

[@janecarroll485]

as a young girl, Ronnie Van Zant was my first love, to this day, he still is :) I will always be a Skynyrd fan