Story Time

Gene's Patreon: / hangingoutwithgeneodom
Questions? Email us: [e-mail]
Question also in description below. Gene answers a fan question about a concert in '77 and recounts another tale of a crazed fan's attempt to get on stage.
Question:
Hello Gene,
In April 1977, at age 19, I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd with Marshall Tucker Band at the Charlotte (NC) Coliseum. The Lynyrd Skynyrd portion of the show was cut short when Ronnie Van Zant fell off stage and was (evidently) injured. The show ended abruptly, for the moment, and the lights came on with an announcement to exit. The crowd got a bit rowdy about this turn of events. Due to the uproar, Marshall Tucker joined Lynyrd Skynyrd to play Free Bird - quelling the riot. ha ha
I have followed all the Internet has to offer on the original Lynyrd Skynyrd band. In 50 years (fan since 1973), I have never seen this Charlotte incident discussed. As a matter of fact, on many concert date schedules, this Charlotte 1977 concert date isn't even listed.
I am curious if you might remember this event and can expand upon it in one of your KZbin or Patreon videos?

[@vanessaryan3400]

I just love to hear Gene tell his stories!❤ The man has lived 10 lifetimes with all his adventures in music!😆 It is easy to see why he was one of Ronnie's best friends! Everyone needs a friend like Gene Odem!👊😎🤘❤

[@LynyrdSkynyrdFan]

I could listen to Gene for a whole day or ten.

[@kimabney945]

Gotta love Gene Odom…he’s the Best🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ronnie5129]

Gene, You are the Mean Machine Man, I met you in 1998 I think it was that year, I walked into the Entrance to the Arena and saw you, I saw some books , so i came over to your Table, You told me who you are and told me Stories for 30 Minutes, Plane Crash Survivor, Well not knowing who you were, I had No idea that Ronnie and You grew up together, and hired you as A Bodyguard, I had to buy your Book then, and you signed it, thank you Sir , it was A Honor, A Privilege And A Pleasure For the I spent with you, Then, I had to think about what you just told me, and go out and Hear the Tribute Tour Band, I still think about that Day My Friend, Cousin Figel

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Gene, PLEASE read my other comment below as well. I just have to say: "Gene Odom tossing Carlos Santana down the stairs" is golden, LOL !!! I never knew that !!! ..........which is why these stories are so priceless for ANY Gene Odom/Skynyrd fans!!!

[@Biscuitdough]

Imagine marshall tucker band singing free bird thatd be insane if u could find it on film

[@samsacre]

Hey Gene, bigbig thanks! Big thumbs up I support you and what you’re doing! Craig Reed said on his wake n bake morning show he said you “had a lot of common sense’’

[@jamestreible4545]

He seems like an all around cool guy, the kind of guy I would love to have as a next door neighbor. I could listen to his stories for hours on end.

[@philipjoseph6432]

Gene you are awesome

[@DannyPodesta]

That’s a cool story Gene. You took care of Carlos 😂. Would have loved to seen that 😂

[@tinacox4999akadirtysouth]

I LOVE GENE !!!!!❤

[@aksanamarshall9449]

I was saddened and shocked that Gene was not even mentioned in documentary "If I Leave Here Tomorrow" A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd. You see him in a few still shots and maybe one video and that's it, best I can recall. To be sure it is a fine documentary and a must watch. I have no idea how the show was set up, like who's in and who's not in, but I think I know why Gene was not in it or even mentioned. Me thinks it has to do with Gene and court case in NYC years ago when Gene put the stomp on things in the court room. And maybe a few more things that went down over the years. Watch Hangin' With Gene Odom "Blood Oath Agreement" and you be the judge. Gene you are tuff straight up guy thanks for all your stories.

[@htperry]

Thank you for addressing my question about Charlotte.

[@shawnst22]

It's great to hear this 'behind the scenes' stuff. Thanks, Gene!

[@gregjaidee1491]

I love listening to Gene tell his stories. He seems like a down to earth guy.

[@derry3344ii]

For me Free bird is brilliant. I am in my 60s and used to love hearing the local rock bands perform Free bird. Thank you Gene from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@brendacarter6436]

I could listen to Gene's stories all day!!! Priceless!!!

[@BarryMcCombs]

What a genuine..cool and honest person

[@vicvaccani7015]

Good to hear these stories from a credible man

[@angelaleonard2226]

Thanks Gene you make me so happy every time I see and hear your stories. I have your book Remembering the Freebirds. Got to finish Ron's book then I will start with you. Love ya brother ❤

[@howabouthetruth2157]

WOW!!! EXCELLENT STORIES!!! Thank you Gene! You really should try to remember as many of these stories as possible. Write them down or record them as you remember them, so ya don't forget them, and then share them with all of your fans & viewers!!! Not saying "I thought of you doing this" at all.........but telling as many of these true stories as possible ( whether they are good or bad stories ), is a fantastic idea, and would go a long way in preserving the memory of everyone involved with Lynyrd Skynyrd as the real people that they were!!! Especially since all of the original members have passed on. I truly believe you would generate a ton of renewed interest Gene, and I wish you all the best !!!

[@SonyaSwann-xm9xd]

Love hearing your memories, keep em' coming Gene your a treasure.✝️💜🧂🪖🇺🇸

[@Taypee15]

Enjoy the stories Gene thanks for sharing them all

[@southvaron757]

Gene, you and Craig are my two favorite "Survivors" from the original Skynyrd Crew. I feel I can trust you both for believable information & stories about my favorite band ever. I just wish I'd explored Social Media long ago, since I never thought at this point, I'd stumble upon such genuine content, and I really appreciate you both for sharing with those of us who weren't fortunate enough to be there. I always wonder, if Allen & Gary had decided to take a break from each other after the crash, and Allen had concentrated on the A.C.B., instead of doing the R.C.B. thing first, whether you think he might have been in better shape, when he was forced to deal with the loss of his wife? I was an R.C.B. fan, but Gary must have done something to piss him off, for that project to have ended so abruptly, and It looks like he had already gone downhill a bit, even before she passed. I just wonder if he might have worked harder to make the ACB successful, knowing more of his own reputation was riding on that project. It just breaks my heart every time I see the clip of him in that wheelchair, knowing everything he had been through,, in such a short time. Thanks again Gene.

[@monmixer]

In Wheeling WV in 1977 I was there working as an IATSE union stage hand union steward. The fans lifted a guys wheel chair up to on the edge of the stage so he could see better because he was up close and this was before handicap seating was available and this was not reserved seating and no chairs on the floor. I think it was Dean Kilpatrick who thru the wheel chair off the stage. The guy wasn't bothering them. He was just sitting in his chair watching. I know that should not have been done but it was. Nobody else was trying to do it and the crowd booed when he did that.

[@sweeetguitar4006]

Gene Odom for president 2024!

[@cadillacblue3412]

Head over heels for a J... R VZ ...Skynyrd... RnR

[@OMyStarz]

I have a newspaper clipping from that show

[@kittykaleidoscope434]

Gene That was Carlos Santana...😮🎸🎶😆

[@Ja_s-per]

Cool Story! It's awesome to hear about his past, We only have one... 🇺🇲🦅🇺🇲

[@softhotty]

Gene was a strong dude in his youth. Pics of him Ive seen, strong dude yes sir. Big arms, wide back, legs filled his jeans...oh yea.

[@larrytate5605]

so glad gene is doing these videos,.really well done.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

When Skynyrd played the 1977 Day On The Green in Oakland did they only play Sweet Home Alabama and Freebird or did they do an entire show but only recorded those two songs? There are setlists online but I've never seen anything except those two songs. I always try and get my hands on every Skynyrd bootleg I can because I love to hear Steve Gaines improvising on T For Texas and Call Me The Breeze particularly.

[@davidvanzant2019]

No wonder Ronnie said gene is the man

[@billyshane3804]

Gene Ohio is the MAN

[@claychandler3468]

This guy knew his job. No bullshit guy.

[@coursehome]

Ha I would like to come and take the tour with you.me and my wife. Mark Tennessee

[@ROCK.ON.]

GENE LOVE U AND RONNIE VANZANT ERA SKYNYRD TO ME THATS THA ONLY REAL LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND ERA PERIOD IF I CAN I WILL CONTACT YOU FOR YOUR LOCAL TOUR IN AN AROUND FLORIDA SKYNYRD PLACES ETC. HEY PEACE AN TURN IT UP WOOOOOO I AM A TRUE BLUE SOUTH CAROLINA REBEL NOT RACIST BUT REBEL WOOOOOOO.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Im raycist, unironically. This country has been heading straight downhill since our farming equipment were released

[@clintjohnson4947]

I heard you was a bad ass back in the day

[@SPR1965]

Hello

[@jaygreen1313]

Gene pushed Carlos Santana down some stairs?? Santana had a security team. They would have beat the shit out of him. Another tall tale from Gene Odom.

[@TeutonicTruth]

The fans in North Carolina would have sided with Gene and The Lynyrd Skynyrd Band.

[@americusdomesticus8176]

Awesome to hear first hand accounts from you Gene!!! i am not too far from Inverness, have been there many times on my way to take the kiddo's up to Rainbow River. The kids like to stop where the picture of Elvis Presley is in the window of the clocktower building and walk to that small icecream shop around the corner. I am interested in doing the tour once it warms up. I made this short instrumental in honor of Lynyrd Skynyrd ❤😇 God Bless kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4OokIaYl72SjMUfeature=shared

[@tinacox4999akadirtysouth]

I LOVE GENE !!!!!❤