Ronnie VanZant Interview-Part #3

[@frfytfutv]

Thank you all to everyone who makes these films. I am housebound and these pieces of musical history mean so much to me. Thank you and God bless you.

[@dylanwatson1287]

Ronnie sounds like a very well-spoken, intelligent, down to earth, lovable and often funny gentleman and spokesman in this interview. So sad fate had to take him away so young and early.

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

One of his biggest regrets was that he never finished high school.

[@5boysmomma]

We are very fortunate to have had Ronnje Van Zandt to write these lyrics that gives you life lessons. How often does anyone get to have their words written anywhere for generations to come ? Once in a lifetime......

[@moemulkey2264]

👍

[@jrthorpe5830]

I have been doing research for years and as far as I'm concerned Ronnie Van Zant and Lynyrd Skynyrd are The most talked about band in the world. And I am a true Fan of Them!

[@alasdaircampbell1779]

Best band EVER 🤘

[@historysmysteriesunveiled8043]

Pretty sure Freebird is the most requested song of all time especially when people are at cover band concerts etcetera

[@rebeccamiltuck4338]

Amen Lord

[@jamesburton1812]

Sadly there not a very underated band thir America's rolling stone

[@leonardduke6791]

I have visited the Graves,been down to McComb Mississippi,and seen them many times...I wasn't alive during Ronnie's time,born in 81 but as a musician I feel very connected...Love skynyrd

[@LDousay]

Thank you for sharing this interview. It has been 45 years since I heard Ronnie's voice...oh, not his music....I've heard his singing...but, talking and laughing...I was 15 the last night we talked...he was 18...funny...45 years later, his voice has the same effect. Thank you again.

[@UncommonSensed]

We're you a childhood friend of Ronnie's?!

[@Mr.Breeze-1959]

Ronnie wrote music that has touched so very,very many people. He just had no idea how big the music would become. Yes we lost Ronnie,but his music will live on forever! He just didn't live long enough to see how big the music would become! I saw Johnny and the boys in Aug 2015 at a fairgrounds in Harrisonburg Va. People of all ages,little kids as young as 7,8 years old putting their hands together and knowing the words too. Ronnie would just loved that! That's powerful music!

[@hevnbound73]

RVZ was indeed ONE of the all time greatest in the business. R.I.P. Ronnie Van Zant. You might be gone physically, but Spiritually you are still amongst us.

[@timbain6791]

Ronnie and all the originals that are Free Birds now we will always think of you ..... Miss you and your music ....

[@maskedmayhemgaming2668]

True dat

[@chadhendrixson9840]

Amen!

[@scottharrison2839]

a country singer in front of a rock band.... he was a genius and his band was one of the best ever.

[@maskedmayhemgaming2668]

+Scott Harrison amen brother

[@bamadeadhead]

Matt Beeman lol you mean this song? 5:43 where did you come up with that? 😂🤩sounds like Rock N Roll to me. Never heard a country song that fast, ever.

[@gewdferyew4844]

Ronnie said that they didn’t do that song ”country”

[@TheBoomersdad]

That's the best definition of RVZ I've heard in the past 40+ years.

[@mikebo1959]

This guy was a lot older than his age.These aren't songs but lessons in life.

[@joeyzelinske9433]

mike boyd I'm thinkin the same think

[@PatriciaLen66]

Amen. 😍

[@darrollhoover2148]

Sept 5 1974 was 1st time I saw LYNYRD SKYNYRD and I was instantly hooked on the music. Many thanks to the band for the music. R.I.P. ALL

[@ericchristian6710]

I literally learned to walk with this music in my head. My parents loved Skynyrd and we're from small town georgia so it was the music everybody liked to party to. Once I hit my late teen years I got away from it now 20 years later I have a new appreciation for it. I loved it then but I love it more now and I hear more in it now that I'm a more developed person. I love the Allman brothers and I love some other bands but I don't really think any of them measure up to Skynyrd. Especially when you look at how mentioned great songs they made in their short time. Dozens of awesome original songs that sound like Skynyrd and nobody else. I wish I was around in time to see them live but luckily we have you tube now

[@charleshall9755]

I was fortunate enough to have seen them 4 times before the crash....

[@pristineclear8604]

I saw him one time, Ronnie sang four songs. The concert was cut short because he wasn't feeling well. I still remember it but I don't remember the songs he sang that night although Charlie Daniels came out and played one with him too. It was in his hometown.

[@welldonebrainn]

Ronnie is the most down to earth to ever exist, possibly.

[@gertrudehumpmire7683]

No one will ever touch Skynyrd with Ronnie Van Zant. Johnny is good and Skynyrd lives on, but Ronnie was the $#!t

[@iemandanders2577]

i see the lynyrd skynyrd up until 77 as a different lynyrd skynyrd as the lynyrd skynyrd that is alive today.... it's just not the same.

[@bamadeadhead]

iemand anders no it’s not when you lose your “core leader” it’s definitely not the same and never will be.

[@loveybells77]

A true simple man R. I.P. Ronnie you will always be the best

[@waltermarshall3575]

I'm sure I'm not the only one but dog gone when I listen to Skynyrd, study their pictures, read about them, etc. it just moves me and makes me emotional sometimes.

[@brandoncraig8928]

There will never be another Ronnie

[@joeredmond7227]

legends never die

[@1962jbk]

So down to earth. Never, ever forgot his roots. Not a big Billy Joel fan, but, in this case, Only the Good Die Young....indeed.

[@mrsgstd]

Read Gene Odum's book "Remembering the Freebirds of Rock and Roll" and see how he describes Ronnie as the nicest person you'd ever want to meet until he got booze in him, then he was "The Beast." Gene was Ronnie's friend since boyhood and pretty much told it as he saw it. Ed King backs this up in interviews he's done. That's why he left the band in 1975 - Ronnie's drunkedness. Too bad - in this, and most interviews, he does sound like the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

Ronnie could handle alcohol about as good as Johnny Carson.

[@mrsgstd]

Agree. I saw them in Dec 1976 and they were awesome. They played a "new song for you called That Smell" which was released almost a year later on "Street Survivors." Great band. I have no interest in the new version. When Ronnie died, that was the end as far as I am concerned.

[@albertpitre1584]

Ronnie was the beginning and the end of the band!

[@keviningles5580]

Ronnie was fantastic he was the best song writer front man of all time But Johnny is absolutely no slouch

[@chucky2569]

Ronnie was the leader, Gary and Allen were also with Ronnie who founded Lynyrd Skynyrd..I like Johnny too..Ronnie's plan was to have Johnny take over on vocals in the future and he would be the manager and cowriter

[@brandoncraig8928]

You said that ....... right

[@mb8661]

Simply one of the best...ever

[@jscoolcrw]

Pretty informative there when Ronnie said he came up with Simple Man in the shower! Skynrd had the knack of taking a song, adding their touch to it and wham, it turned to gold. T for Texas as an example, I beleive that song would have done real well had he hadn't had the Terrible Crash in '77 Thanks for the interview.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

T for texas was written in like 1926 and it was a good one once they touched it.

[@perijetton9275]

I was at the fabulous Fox theatre all 3 nights when the live album was recorded. I had tickets to see them in Atlanta and then the plane crash happened. It was so shocking and heartbreaking when they died.

[@hazor777]

He was a one of a kind , don't make em like that anymore

[@DarellGullion]

Ronnie was one of a kind. There was never anyone else like him. When God made him he broke the mold and there will never be another one that's like him. He had what it took be a damn good song writer and a damn good singer for sure. Johnny can sing Ronnie's songs but he'll never be him for sure. But I'm okay with that. All Lynyrd Skynyrd is now is a tribute band that's all they are. Gary Rossington said it himself that all he wants to do is carry on the music that him and his brothers and sisters in Lynyrd Skynyrd created. Their all gone but never forgotten. Long Live Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@furkinhellman]

Thanks for posting this interview - amazing insight into what Ronnie was about.

[@patdwyer5204]

Saw Skynyrd June 1977 at JFK Stadium.Peter Frampton had to follow a blistering set by Skynyrd. Still the best concert I ever heard.

[@lilflower25]

I was too Pat! Blistering indeed. I had tickets to the November show at the Spectrum. I was devastated when I heard the news.

[@patdwyer5204]

@@lilflower25 I couldn't believe Frampton actually pulled it off after Skynyrd but turns out they had played together and swapped top slot in different Concerts. I remember the crash news: At my locker Junior year in HS. Had to be the next day(21st). Felt so bad that they had "Made it" only to go down traveling in a plane crash. here is another interview from 1977. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inuqemytrt-jhLs

[@lilflower25]

@@patdwyer5204 I couldn't either Pat. I also liked J. Geils. But I really only cared about Skynyrd. I too was a Junior! I was devastated when I heard the news. I just couldn't believe it. Thanks for the interview. I've been listening to them all since the lock down. I can't believe I've never heard them until now. They are awesomeness but sad at the same time. I love the way Gary tells the stories. And Ronnie is so soft spoken. It was nice talking with you:) Peace, Love, Light.

[@WhiteOak09]

These interviews are awesome and sad at the,same time because all these good ol boys dream came true but some died on the road and the others carried on the dream but all have died fairly young one by one along the way and the last being Gary in March of 23. By far the greatest band ever.

[@ronaldsimon1781]

I'm a trucker and I'd sing Free Bird to my baby daughter when I knew I was going out on the road the next day.

[@ladylily2350]

Saw them in Louisville Kentucky in spring 1976, they stole the whole show!

[@richardgattis7212]

am 28,never seen the original,but mannn,.......could they play.the energy they had is rivaled by no other

[@chance501]

And think about it, he done it all before the age of thirty, it is just unbelievable and yes his songs definitely had a message to em. RVZ just the best

[@shevette2000]

gimme a t for texas t for Tennessee and RVZ FOR R0NNIE VAN ZANT THE GREATEST

[@at89able]

Sherry Firestone pretty sure that was a song that came in with Steve Gaines .

[@josephliptak]

I saw them in either 73 or 74 in Warren, Ohio with my uncle. I was around 14 years old at the time and had no idea how big this band was about to get during this year. There couldn't have been more than 2000 people in this place.

[@briandietz5231]

Lynyrd Skynyrd will never be gone

[@GBeret83]

Saw them in Nashville, Tn. in April, 1977, shortly before the crash. I still have pictures my older brother took of the show. I wouldn't take a "Kings Ransom" for them!!!

[@brandonm9579]

That's ABSOLUTELY AMAZING GBERET83, oh how I would of loved to been there !!! I too am from the greater Nashville area, but I want even thought of in '77.lol I would love to see those pictures, and do you remember the place you saw them at name?

[@GBeret83]

@@brandonm9579 , Nashville Municipal Auditorium. They closed the show as part of a 3-band act that evening that had The Atlanta Rhythm Section on first, followed by The Outlaws, and then Skynyrd.

[@bonitawilcox2909]

Tennessee girl here, and I don't blame you....I would do the same🇺🇸

[@94donnacone]

southern rock just is not the same without ronnie.i wonder if he knew just how good he was are how much he was loved?

[@lorenrobertson8039]

I doubt it. I don't think he was the least bit narcissistic. He was just himself, the good and the not so good parts. Human like we all are. He's up in Heaven teaching the angels how to sing for sure. I will get to meet him one fine day.

[@04softail70]

Man of few words... I think alot of entertainers (these days) could take a few lessons from RVZ. Always stayed true to himself. Common, like the dude you grew up with down the street...

[@cliffordskeen3237]

The best band ever .

[@PatriciaLen66]

Great interview! Thanks for sharing it! Skynyrd is my FAV band. ❤

[@MeatGawds]

I’m building a guitar from wood from the Hell House original Dock, and foundation from Hell House, and incorporating metal from the plane. Once it’s complete we will loan it out to touring musicians so those timber’s will continue to sing and vibrate. LLLS. Long Live Lynyrd Skynyrd.. if anybody knows Gary Rossington I’d love for him to sign it when complete, or donate a pick, or something I can incorporate into it. Tell him to hit me up. .

[@julsarmijo7836]

Ronnie, Johnny and Donnie....a gift to music.

[@bubbahazelitt1612]

r.i.p Ronnie van zant

[@14Cinnamongirl]

He sounds like 👍 a southern boy ❤️

[@DavidSmith-sm9er]

If someone can tell me how to stop the tears when I hear them please let me know

[@albertpitre1584]

You can't stop, when the hair on your neck stands and that tingle goes down your spine let the tears go, that's the love for the man and his brothers and sister that went to heaven in that plane. LATER BRA see you soon!

[@timbain6791]

Love Lynyrrd Skynynd ........ If you don't like them your just not Southern.

[@TomRock81]

+Tim Bain Don't have to be Southern my friend, anyone with taste and a soul can feel their music, and I'm not just talking about the stuff they play over and over on the radio. I'm talking about all their shit that even some Skynyrd "fans" haven't heard. North, East, South, or West, they were/are the best rock band period.

[@tammysigmon853]

+TomRock81 I will ALWAYS love the band before that bad October day in 1977. After that, nope. Johnny should've had his OWN career. He didn't need to ride his brother's coattail. He had a solo career started. It wasn't great, but it was honest and he would've gotten better. How can he lay down at night and wonder what might have been. Could he have been as good? Now, he will never know. I've never seen the TRIBUTE band and I refuse to. That band is nothing but greed. Judy and Gary wanted to make the easy money off Ronnie's hard work. It's too hard to do something themselves. And Johnny fell right into it too. Those 3 don't deserve to EVER have known Ronnie.

[@iemandanders2577]

i'm not southern..... hell i'm not even American.... i'm Dutch

[@katydorrance2042]

Man...I miss him

[@Stormcloud32]

My uncle modeled his singing and guitar playing to the skynyrd sound. Early to late 70ies country rock. Lynyrd Skynyrd was the absolute best of their generation by far.

[@SJKLR99]

the band now has been together 5 yr. can tell you they are clicking on all cylinders and playing note for note songs w Gary making sure the music is top priority. Bethelwoods show was a top 3 of 29 I've seen. huge crowd 17 song rip through time...go see em if they're near by!!!

[@tammysigmon853]

I refuse to see a TRIBUTE band. It would've been great to keep it as Rossington Collins Band. I loved them after Skynyrd ended. Skynyrd should've ended with Ronnie, Cassie, and Steve.

[@JMXification]

Hes been in more fights than Ali. lol He wasnt scared to brawl, thats for damn sure.

[@TheBoomersdad]

Yep, the king of the sucker punch from what those involved and witnessing say.

[@petereuning8596]

My first real rock concert was Lynyrd Skynyrd at the UGA Coliseum in May 1977. Ronnie had his flaws, but his lyrics, melodies and leadership are amazing. RIP to all the "classic" members.

[@sub3by08]

What album is that version of Tuesdays Gone from? Vocals sound so good.

[@bocobob]

one more from road

[@mishaklenncabo]

RIP RONNIE

[@daviemcf]

Still Magic!!

[@sn00pgreen]

i don't have heroes..well maybe just one

[@esytle1]

thanks for the post

[@chrisfoster1857]

Ronnie An all the Dam icons they will always be the...... 1st ...an last True southern Story Teller's can never be replaced.Thank The Lord for Johnny an Gary Rossington to continue there legacy.An u Fuck sure can say Ricky Metlock you R a awesome MF An praise your playing .seen you in September of 2023

[@davidvanzant2019]

Legend I wish there was more tv interviews cameras u no

[@joycecolemanallsep3732]

Love Lynard Skynyrd!

[@michaelviens2894]

If you guys got to see the coolest cats ever, consider yourself baptized by the best BAND EVER FLORIDA MADE FLORIDA BORN!!! enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@beerhead1351]

One intelligent cat

[@stagehand9002]

Thats weird about the shower comment and songs . ive experienced it myself. the tones of the pipes and the water idk man but its true. Thanks for the confirmation RVZ

[@bonitawilcox2909]

Yes....it happens....so true🇺🇸

[@christophermarr6345]

extremely special human being

[@BoyNamedSue4]

there aren't a lot of videos out there without any dislikes

[@susanwilliams2116]

No one can be ronnie or lynyrd Skynyrd

[@kodiakbearson8815]

Ronnie Van Zant,...... What more can you say?

[@altoidseatnow]

he really said if the audience likes it they put it on the album, how many songs we’re not put on albums that certain live audiences got to listen to that will never be able to hear?

[@luckyoldsunroll]

❤️

[@pristineclear8604]

Wow that was a good interview

[@thenightprowler1992]

Hey man if you know any good stories i would like to hear em,i'm from florida and have always been a big ronnie van zant and skynyrd fan.Email me if you want

[@alvingriggs6932]

of all the bands of the 70s SKYNYRD has more live videos and live recordings than any band on KZbin that tells you they were the best band at the time

[@JMXification]

I grew up about 3 miles from where Ronnie did (and I still live here), and Ive heard first-hand storys.. Trust me, you may wana be careful with that whole "I wish I could have met you" thing. lol

[@johncrowley6929]

JMXification expand a bit if you could?

[@christophersalerno5824]

Do you have any pics or anything that you could put up for the KZbin community? Or are you too young to remember them personally? It would be cool to see some other stuff from Jacksonville days. I had spring training in your area for several years of my life and I've seen a lot of places and heard a few stories but would love to hear more!!! Thanks man!

[@volleyball_videos_jdb9444]

Sad how the rift between Ed King and Ronnie is evident here. Ed was instrumental in writing and arranging many of their hits.

[@joemcbride5260]

I didn’t know Donnie Van Zant wrote Tuesday’s Gone That’s what it says in the description

[@kevenrowe2958]

Hell nah Ronnie and Allen wrote it

[@snapesnapeseverussnape2015]

What happened to part 4?? It used to be up

[@duanereising3026]

Part 3 sounds verbatim like part 1??...wtf?

[@millerzhouze304]

I love skynard and always will but in interview #2 he mentioned he was against guns. Thats the one and only thing I didn't like. He would sure have a stage for that topic these days and time

[@JMXification]

No Unfortunately the plane crashed when I was 10yrs old. I have lots of friends that do have old rare pics. Im at facebook /jimmy.withers1 Hope that helps. :)

[@Night_stalkxer]

Thanks so much i will definitely follow!!🤟

[@Maz-lac814]

Makes ya wonder did Ronnie make a deal with another force for Skynard to forever be known

[@albertpitre1584]

Ronnie was a man of God, no deal, that's why they will be forever known !

[@cynicalMusic21]

Well, it was written a really long time ago. People's memories get fuzzy.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

Ronnie's memory was like a steel-trap. Dude didn't write ANYTHING down. I suppose you know the story of his car parts job....he knew every part in the whole place, he was like an encyclopedia of car parts.

[@tball3071]

How many car crashes did Gary have? This was not the oak tree since this was 1976

[@harpoon_bakery162]

at least 3

[@wademasters8591]

The day Ronnie left us was the day the band was gone he will never be replaced...

[@hilldwler420]

It’s all about the money

[@pattya888]

ya know whats werid. If u listen to ricky medlocke talk about writing simple man. He says ronnie came up with it in the hell house not the shower?

[@lorenrobertson8039]

That's interesting.

[@sgolston11]

Part #4 of this interview is here for those that are having trouble finding it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5vcp6yrndx9Z9E

[@johncarous8503]

here is a true story masquitoe dam jam 1975 outside cleveland ohio a park ,skynyrd ,edgar winter ,rush ,zz top well a riot broke out a band wouldnt play some shit , so it was mostly long haired freaks from cleveland high and we stole the 5 foot high disco ball, no shit we got 250 bucks for it.

[@ZoSo1973]

Must have been wild times man, wish I could have been around back then

[@davidvanzant2019]

Professional’s

[@MrCapeman1]

I feel bad for kids today.. Their music is crap

[@gregorylensegrav208]

Ronnie was a bonafide star ⭐

[@gregorylensegrav208]

RVS best lyricists ever Lennon and McCarthy three best lyricists

[@davidvanzant2019]

Professional’s