The Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash movie - thoughts of the real survivor / Hanging Out With Gene Odom

[@hangingoutwithgeneodom3699]

Time Codes: 0:00 - Start 1:05 - Evening before the plane crash 3:12 - Was it manager’s fault? 4:11 - Piles of cash in suitcase. 5:18 - Lots of cash, but no fuel 6:17 - Cash and drugs on the plane crash zone. Fact or fiction? 7:10 - Ronnie Van Zant was stuck by the unsecured TV. Fact or fiction? 13:55 - The last “hippie” handshake with Ronnie Van Zant. Fact or fiction? 16:08 - Pilots were incompetent? 17:27 - Gene’s character in the movie. 18:17 - Topless girls in the LS parties. Fact or fiction? 19:03 - Dealing with crazy fan girls. How did Gene handle them? 20:03 - How did Ronnie deal with crazy fans? 21:31 - October 20th, 1977 22:52 - The legacy of Lynyrd Skynyrd 25:23 - In the movie, Artimus went into flight attendant mode. Fact or fiction? 26:05 - Were people drunk on the plane? 27:45 - Special flight attendant for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Who? 28:08 - Expect the unexpected

[@roadierules]

Great. The interviewer is a beautiful girl.

[@garyginther6742]

Ronnie is responsible. He said to the others "get on the plane or you're fired". That's unconscionable.

[@marcusclements3370]

@@garyginther6742 You need to watch the interview again. Gene Odom qualifies that issue quiet clearly.

[@garyginther6742]

@@marcusclements3370 I wasn't only going by what Gene Odom said. I was ALSO going by what others said who were there, like Jo Billingsley. And in essence, Gene did confirm what I'm asserting, albeit I'm paraphrasing. Ronnie DID put pressure to get on that obviously sick airplane on the others who didn't want to get on it. He might not have put a boot in their butt, but he did pressure them. It would've been EXTREMELY difficult for anybody to go against Ronny and not get on board. It's common knowledge you did NOT go against Ronny!

[@garytrew2766]

Okay, it seems everyone has watched the Street Survivors movie. I remember the night of October 20,1977 very well of course I wasn't a passenger in it. I just remember the guys who gave interviews after getting out of the hospital. They all seem to have different memories , I would listen to Gary Rossingtons account of it, Gene Odoms ,Artimus version hasn't changed since 1978, I think some of his is believable. Gary said in a 1978 interview that one of the engine's was leaking fuel , bc the pilot didn't realize it until the halfway point. They were trying to share fuel between the two engine's, at on point getting near to Baton Rouge when shifting fuel to the other engine a mistake was made which jettisoned the remainder of fuel out of the plane. This was what caused the crash , a mistake which could have happy to anyone. I know I have had car wrecks that were from me making mistakes. I don't think the pilots were incompetent at all , they were trying to get the fuel they had shared between the two engines, it was very difficult to do, after I've talked to a couple of experienced pilots about the manuever they were using. Artimus went for help with Billy Powell and I think on of the engineers, Arty and Billy were both injured, but we're trying to get help for their friends. Gene Odoms has I think the best memory of the crash. It's ashame all are dead now except for Gary, give him the respect he deserves as the true Street Survivor. I was going to go to buy tickets to the show the next day in Chattanooga TN. October 21,1977. When I got off from 2nd shift that night when I got into my car Free Bird was playing on the radio. After it ended the DJ gave the terrible news, Lynyrd Skynyrd's airplane had crashed. Our lives were changed forever. God Bless the men and women of Lynyrd Skynyrd , especially Mr Gary Rossingtons who is still playing the concerts. God Bless all of the fans who are still trying to find out how it happened. Good night all, Brother Gary.

[@haskell71]

This man seems to be very sincere. He lost his best friend and still can see his pain. God bless you Gene

[@joshsmith4512]

Lol don't have clue do you 🤣

[@afaceinthecrowd1983]

@@joshsmith4512 says the one four years late and just fell off the turnip truck. 😂

[@joshsmith4512]

@@afaceinthecrowd1983 what the f*** are you talking about you obsessed with Donald Trump this isn't a political channel the f*** are you talking about man

[@mazrio128]

@@afaceinthecrowd1983 bro what a fing BURN !! 🔥 😂 Haha 😆😂

[@turdferguson1603]

Ronnie is one of the most misunderstood frontmen in Rock history. He was truly a simple man. World ain't making men like him these days.

[@turdferguson1603]

@Anna admirer Forever you were in good company

[@davidrice3337]

Why is he misunderstood - He was a singer - a great songwriter He was the boss - He pressured everyone to get on the plane Period , end of story - The record company should have looked after their assets closer Hundreds of millions of dollars was lost -:Those people were fucking kids - I also don't believe there wasn't any drugs with them - Gene may not have had any but everyone else did -

[@commonname9205]

@@davidrice3337 aren't you just a ray of sunshine

[@maxsmith695]

@@davidrice3337 - Yep.

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@davidrice3337 May have been drugs, when I met Ed he was clear drugs and Ronnie's bullying everyone is why he left. Ya there was drugs and Cassie didn't want to get on the plane, RVS was a big deal lol

[@dianabaldwin8562]

You are the truthful man Gene, and you are most definitely the best friend anyone in this world could ever have. You're a legend my buddy

[@marisawoods]

I love hearing Gene talk about growing up with Ronnie. He was a true, loyal friend to Ronnie Van Zant, and you can tell he loved him like a brother. Gene seems like a truly kindhearted person, and I believe his story is true.

[@mississippimud7046]

To bad they could not find a interviewer who actually lived during these times.

[@Gunsandfun1961]

Or one who knows who LS is 🤔 She is horrible Shut up and let the man finish.....

[@johnm2480]

@@Gunsandfun1961 but "in the movie... also, in the movie..." 🥱

[@headshotsongs9465]

She's just doing a job. Lay off.

[@chucky2569]

The interviewer was surprised when he said it was smoking on the plane, she's too young to know this but they always smoke cigarettes on the plane all the time in the 1970s

[@perbes100]

@@chucky2569 Another thing that amuses me is the fact that she seems surprised that there were nude women around rock musicians back then.

[@jaywyche416]

Get on the plan or your fired?? I guess id been fired. Love to set and spend some time with gene..

[@lolitagrant6751]

Poor Cassie Gains. She had bought a commercial ticket, but got in that plane anyway; but, when you think the pilots are risking their lives, too while saying, "Get on. It's fine." You get on.

[@ruthdanielson919]

A shame such incompetence tolerated. Instruments not working, pretrip, ignored. Terrible.

[@MarkSmith-zt9jc]

this woman interviewing him seems a little clueless.

[@RYANDEOROCK]

She asked if they had parties with naked girls there. What an idiot. Also Gene explains if Ronnie's belt was buckled he quite possibly could be alive, she then says "maybe its for the best".

[@lsunationalchamps08]

@@RYANDEOROCK she said that after gene said “Ronnie died not knowing that the plane was crashing” she said maybe that’s for the best, meaning he didn’t have to panic like everyone else

[@Houndini]

Poor girl trying her best but very hard understand her by a Appalachian Mountain guy. Hope she got GPS in our area. She get lost we never could understand her hardly no matter how hard we try.

[@Twotontessie]

She did a great job I thought.

[@docholiday1806]

@@RYANDEOROCK well in her defense, the questions seem to be based on the falsities if the movie. It’s not her fault that Hollywood sucks

[@swampmusic9222]

A few years ago I was dumb enough to venture back into the crash site and the thing that i will always remember (other than losing a pint of blood to mosquitos) was the trees that are all still lying around on the ground that had actually made contact with the plane. The only way anyone survived is that there wasn't any fuel to burn them up.

[@anthonyweghorst150]

How far is the crash from the memorial? I’ve been to the memorial.

[@robertpersall98]

Thank you, Gene, for setting the record straight!

[@justinamenta7241]

What record straight? Artimus Pyle wrote the movie and was obviously also there. Different perspectives but how can you discredit one over another? You can't.

[@jimtaylor4488]

I’ve had always questioned Gene’s recollection of the events as the occurred as the plane went down and crashed. After years of watching various band members and crew interviews of what happened, one thing is very clear - Gene’s story is ALWAYS the same. It never varies in detail of what he experienced. We all know that if 10 of us see a car wreck, we’ll all see something a little different. But after years of watching interviews, I believe Gene’s story as to what went on with Ronnie is true and the most reliable.

[@onazram1]

Yes I agree, and Artimus Pyle's story changed often...

[@trissloan2340]

This is painful to watch. The man is telling you, "the 2020 movie is bullshit." The host keeps prodding, ". . . .yeah, but in the movie it showed. . . ." Are you listening to the man? Artimus being shot and his movie are bullshit.

[@johnnycombs2679]

I've heard conflicting stories about the crash, & seen several documentaries about the band. I once sat down & wrote the names of every single person that was ever in Lynyrd Skynyrd. At that time, 32 people had been in & out of this band, and 17 of them were dead. That was several years ago, so that number is higher now.... But while tragedy & sorrow surrounds them, there is also so much love, happiness, joy, & friendship that you can hear in just about every L.S. song. They always have been, and always will be, my favorite band. .....fly on, Freebirds.

[@mrsgstd]

There's only one original member who is not dead and that's Gary. Rickey Medlocke was in the band before they made their first album but he was the drummer. The new Skynyrd that Gary tours with is a joke! Reminds me of a story an old historian told me - "I have an axe that belonged to Abraham Lincoln. It's had the handle replaced 3 times and the head replaced four times but it's Lincoln's original axe!" That's what the current version of "Lynyrd Skynyd" is. Pathetic.

[@ThomasSchoellerFineArtPhotos]

@@mrsgstd :) well said

[@ThomasSchoellerFineArtPhotos]

9 Skynyrd members have passed since Oct 20, 1977. (2) of them were not RVZ era members, although Ronnie loved Hughie as a friend and leader of the Outlaws.. Honkette's, band managers, pilots not members of LS.

[@lolitagrant6751]

❤💯

[@lolitagrant6751]

@@mrsgstd Very true; but, it is nice, that LS's music, lives on thru them, and has spanned, how many generations? Therefore, without the tribute band, others may not have ever cared to stop to learn about the original band, and all the great songs RVZ, and the boys wrote.

[@tuesdaysgone6736]

43 Years ago today 10/20/1977 R.I.P. my friends

[@tinaholman956]

It's hard to think it has been 43 year's since this, Ronnie and the boys gave everyone such great music, that's dating everybody!!!

[@larasikora5534]

Wow I remembered that I was so young I really thought I was older because of how I felt...Damn

[@johnhudak3829]

If you want the truth, listen to this man. He was there and he is honest. No axe to grind.

[@mrsgstd]

And he was sober through all of it. He has no agenda - very credible person.

[@christywhitehead3171]

What you said is the truth and nothing but the truth love this man

[@brucegwynn8509]

I'm not sure about that just yet

[@bigscottsouthernboyz9002]

If you're not sure then you should be. Gene was the right hand to Ronnie. Best friends that were more like brothers. Genes version has always been consistent. And the rest of the band and family of the band took artimus to court and we're gonna sue him over the movie. Gene has no agenda other than true love and comradery and never once have you heard anyone of the members or wives say Gene is wrong or speak a negative word about him.

[@christywhitehead3171]

Like I said before on here I love Gene Odom and he does speak the truth this story never changes he's a real honest man and I totally agree with you God bless mr. Odom you can tell he struggles with his physical problems

[@jerryhofstra6894]

I am a huge fan of this band. And I think that movie was absolute crap!!!

[@mrsgstd]

It was. Just awful.

[@1959blantz]

Even though Gene Odom wasn't employed by the band in the beginning, nobody knew Ronnie Van Zant more than Gene did. They grew up together since childhood and Gene has complete respect for Ronnie. I was looking forward to the movie "Street Survivors" and bought a copy the day it was released. I was only able to watch about 25 minutes before shutting it off. The movie was nothing but lies and tried to make Artimus Pyle as a superhero. Since the movie I have lost all respect for Artimus Pyle.

[@vickyinman6539]

Same

[@jeffmarchant4312]

Ronnie wasn't all that fond of Artemus and Gene knew that and Lacy didn't care for him either.

[@justnana13-klj40]

Same. Are the really bad stories about him true?

[@Houndini]

Pyle played himself up in movie as a bigger hero in South than Stonewall Jackson in 1862. Lol still laughing at Pyle after watching movie for free. B.S. PYLE should be on his us mail box at his home.

[@Houndini]

@@justnana13-klj40 Yes research him yourself. There shocking legal documents he try keep hidden but they public record to this day lifetime must be reg anywhere he go. Pleaded no contest in court.

[@FTulumello]

The street survivors movie is 90% bs. It should have been called the "i love Artimus Pyle movie".

[@dougphins]

I was blessed to see them on Oct 15th 1977 at the Hollywood Sportatorium in Hollywood Florida. That band was smokin that night!!! They were at the top of their game!! What a show!! 5 days later, Lynyrd Skynyrd would never be the same!! !☮️

[@greggwallacefi9422]

I also saw them in ‘77 I think it was April of ‘77 at the Oklahoma fairgrounds. A few months later we lost a part of us.

[@redwhiteblue9866]

I was at that show in Hollywood at the sport hole 10-15-77. I was upfront standing in front of Steve Gaines. I agree they were at the top of their game it was a phenomenal show

[@briandonahue3663]

Man you guys are lucky! I was 12 when the plane crashed! But was s Big Fan! I just got my street survivers album! And the ghe bad news.

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

I saw them 15 to 20 times once in a bar before they were famous.Saw them 6 times in one year. I went to lots of shows back then and everywhere I went they seem to be on the bill.

[@kenj8]

@@anthonyfoutch3152 That's great!

[@mariaday712]

I hope those we lost that day are resting at peace. We miss them and their wonderful talents. Thank you to Gene for telling your stories. I know it's hard reliving the crash and all. I'm grateful your stories are being recorded so we all know what really happened.

[@kevingee4294]

45 years ago today...

[@g6rcteam81]

Horrible interviewer . Does not listen . Keeps asking about the movie over and over it was painful to watch This .

[@g6rcteam81]

After giving it a few to think about i may have jumped the gun on the interviewer she did good in the end.

[@christywhitehead3171]

I totally agree you could see the hurt and mr. Odin's eyes this movie is not even worth talking about I love mr. Odom very much

[@jojowhite9296]

The one man that the band couldn't afford to lose was Ronnie.

[@johng5511]

Tried watching Street Survivors..terrible. Turned it off after 10 minutes.

[@raybassman7536]

Tell everyone you see that the movie is wrong in every scene, why do hollywood or movie makers even make the damn movie if everything is wrong ,,,,,,Tell people not to buy the movie, it's a fraud!!!!!!!!!

[@TheMercury-13]

Drat; I wanted to see that film but I HATE when they mess with history & facts, I want truth not fiction, need to know what's real!

[@raybassman7536]

@Anna Parada You should fact check the movie with Gene Odom.

[@hollysonnenberg5918]

Gene’s credibility wins here. I don’t believe Artimus and even Billy Powell was lying about how it went down, although he recanted later but still.....

[@christywhitehead3171]

Artemis just wanted to make money

[@hollyharvey1986]

This guy has a KZbin channel! Fellow Southerner right here and die hard Lynryd Skynyrd fan..my parents were both huge fans💚

[@shellyweiers121]

Me and my husband are die hard fans to Holly from Minnesota where lynryd skynyrd was and still is very popular

[@shellyweiers121]

I am sorry to say 😔 you are right we the people

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@shellyweiers121 Yankees are silly, bunch of Joe Biden loving gun banning clowns up in sota.....

[@hotwheel6663]

Why would they leave the plane running so long while waiting for them? Why not start the plane when they all arrived?

[@j.t.cooper2963]

They were running the APU (Airplane Power Unit) thats a small engine in the back of the plane. They weren't running the main engines.

[@phnxbyrdphnxbyrd6403]

Funny if you actually listen he contradicts himself more than once. He stated that Artimus's movie was just one big lie and nothing was true. Then he said Ronnie basically forced people onto the plane. That's in the movie. He also stated that women would come and party with the band and walk around topless... Again in the movie. So I guess it's a matter of who tells the actual truth and who doesn't. I'm sticking with Artimus. Artimus has told the same story for decades. The rest of them keep changing it up to fit their narrative. Either way Lynyrd Skynyrd as a band died that day in October 77. What's out there now is nothing more than a cash cow fleecing fans. Hell, they've even played without Gary. What a joke.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

He also said there wasn't any drugs on the plane except for the prescription drugs and pot on the plane. That my friends is one MAJOR contradiction.

[@johnschnell9889]

Personally I am tired of the whole us versus them story lines regarding the plane crash. Fact the plane crashed and people died. Fact the NT SB put out a report as to how it happened. Fact All the survivors suffered a significant trauma which can alter their perceptions of the event. In short name calling and pitting one survivor's recollection against another is just plain sick. Finally the only fact that saddens all Lynyrd Skynyrd fans is that the beloved band we all enjoyed was permanently changed that Day and not in a good way.

[@chrisweimer937]

I was so excited to see the movie, and made my way to the end. But never watched it again was so much bullshit from that Gomer Pyle guy who is made to look like Clark Kent in the movie. It was Not How Skynyrd should be remembered.

[@LynSkyn1981]

It would be nice if the interviewer wasn't always on her phone ,the gentleman is trying to speak and tell a story and she's sitting there looking at her phone.

[@jeffreymilosevich1957]

Artimus got help he won the rights its not about Artimus seems its about gene if wasnt for Artimus getting help while he was injured getting shot. There would not been ANY survivers. No tribute tour in 87. His USMC training kicked in. Help his brothers

[@jcg2922]

In the movie the DEA mistake Artimus' ginseng for narcotics, that was the only reference to drugs being found. And I'd love to see Gene and Artimus rehash the events of the plane crash in front of each other. Invite him on, Gene......

[@amccar27]

Genes is the only person whose story has never changed since it happened. Artimus story has evolved over time usually making himself look like a hero. When in reality he was hiding for 2 hours in the swamp.

[@theoneandonlybubblebass817]

God gave many signs to not board that plane. Who convinced everyone to get on. Ronnie forgot, " there's a Man Up Above " telling him to get off the plane.

[@msr1116]

We were given the gift of instinct for very good reason. Too bad too many ignore it bec our first instincts are quite often right on the mark.

[@stevegungel4533]

This interviewer has more in common with Justin Bieber than Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[@robj8862]

Not really that bad but she is sorta hot !

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@robj8862 it would have been more effective to have had someone old enough to have been there.

[@christywhitehead3171]

This lady is crazy I don't like her

[@christywhitehead3171]

This lady needs to treat mr. Odom with more respect

[@johnsmathers190]

Sounds like Gene was blaming Artemis cuz they had to wait on him at the airport and if they didn't have to wait they may not have ran out of fuel. The plane was running the whole time that they were waiting, & the engine was running rich causing it to use more fuel. A.pyle gets emotional when he talks about it, so he might blame himself also. If I thought it was his fault the plane ran out of fuel, I would be unhappy with him too.

[@firestarter105G]

The main engines weren't running. It was the APU in the rear of the plane that ran out of fuel. It's been told that the planes fuel gauges were inoperative and the fuel levels were checked with a stick; no one recalled that having been done that day.

[@tomevans2733]

So why are you hating so much on Artemis is it because you think he's a child molester or is it just a private thing between you and him?

[@shanewilson2270]

Mr gene could you speak more about Steve. I've read he was a super relaxed guy and re-energized the band with his playing.

[@christopherkane2842]

Ya he seemed like the perfect catalyst needed to propel them to that next incredible level of pure beautiful rockn roll creativity, energy & wicked licks…

[@AlreadyFree612]

Bless you, Gene! I know Ronnie loves you like a brother still from heaven. You are a man of integrity and honor, thank you for sharing your memories with us!

[@vickieraichel6930]

Not taking anyone’s side but when people go through tragic events memories are individualized. For example I’ve seen an interview with Pyle where he actually says some of the movie was fictionalized for “Hollywood”. Pyle had the interaction with Ronnie where he got the “smile” discussed when Ronnie left the card table to lay down. The movie does it differently. Every person on board that plane had a different story. It’s really a shame that they’ve lost good friendships by not understanding how people in tragedies and shock can’t recall events correctly. So many of the band members have not spoken for years when each person’s story really may be true to them. It’s called “false memories”. It’s actually quite common for people involved in such things to experience false memories. Pyle may have needed that memory to deal with it. It doesn’t mean any of them are lying.

[@HashiAkitaPuppy]

He is wrong about Ronnie's cause of death, Gene says he was asphyxiated , but the official cause of death is Blunt force trauma, which is consistent with Artemus Pyle's version.

[@minigirl6379]

Wrong. Judy Van Zandt actually provided a copy of the coroner's report on her husband Ronnie which stated although Ronnie did have a contusion to his head, his actual cause of death was asphyxiation from being caught under the rubble of the crash too long before he was found. Artimus is a liar. They proved he lied about being shot that day too.

[@cherylsmith905]

@@minigirl6379 exactly

[@steveziegler7286]

I've heard several different stories from different members of the band, most of them have changed their story for some reason, the only ones that always remain the same are this guy n Artemis Pyle, even though they may differ they never change, from all that trauma they're bound to remember things differently, but in my opinion the 2 who never changed their stories are telling the truth to the best of their recollections

[@Sherry-oc9tb]

Love your videos Gene. I'm glad Ronnie reached out to you to help him change his life. Hence. Security. You were truly a trusted friend. R.i.p Ronnie!

[@garydeffenbaugh1096]

Typical Hollywood movie producers BS. Bought the movie and watched it. The movie sucked. Kinda of an insult to Ronnie, Steve , Cassie,Dean and the two pilots that lost their lives. Don't buy...

[@LINKINPARKSPAMPT5]

just watched movie yesterday, cast seemed a good one, but bad script and direction also too focused in pyle

[@jeffmarchant4312]

I liked Steve Gaines guitar playing style and also Ed Kings...Later Steve asked some questions about my style.then he was gone..He was having trouble with many things but kept to himself...Never watched the movie...Don't see the point...Gene says not even factual;...and I agree with Gene...

[@perbes100]

Not even watch it.

[@stephenhopkins9541]

I love the way the young lady allows him to answer her questions without interruption. These are great interviews.

[@DannyPodesta]

I love listening to Gene's stories. He has gone through so much. God Bless you Gene Odom!!!

[@taylorfulton5449]

How dumb not to check the fuel knowing you had it running while waiting on Artimus

[@JokersWild70]

From everything that I have read about the band, and it's been a lot, or watched there are a few undeniable facts: one is that RVZ and Gene were very close from boyhood up until Ronnie died. The other is that Gene was brought on that tour to try and keep the guys clean and sober, like he talked about taking all of the whiskey bottles from the band during their last performance. Ronnie wanted him to do that stuff. Keep the dealers away, keep the band, including Ronnie, straight etc. I don't think that Artimus or Steve Gaines had substance or alcohol issues, but Ronnie with his drinking, Allan, Gary, and Leon with their drugs and drinking, and Billy with his drinking, were all total abusers. I absolutely take Gene's versions of what happened at different times over Gary's or Billy's or Artimus', that's for sure. I certainly wouldnt dispute anything Mr. Odom has said

[@JokersWild70]

Geez, that interviewer is really a beautiful woman.

[@1doublem]

Frankly speaking, I'm surprised Gene granted an interview with her. An established person in professional music journalism or media would know history and make a much better interview. Gene is great, but she's not in touch with the story or history.

[@warrenfloyd1484]

No matter what LYNYARD SKYNYRD, will never be forgotten, fly on FREEBIRD!!!

[@steveng1624]

*No way my friend, no way* !

[@bomkfort9428]

Spelling it right helps

[@SQUIRRELGUY3ybENrT]

Honestly, I don't know who or what to believe from anyone involved in the crash, they all tell different stories.

[@marymatese9857]

Do your homework honey- there were no drugs. They thought it was drugs but it was ginseng 🙄 Also- why should you be the only one that has the full truth of this story sir? Hmmm

[@rickmontgomery3037]

To hear those details....wow, both heartbreaking and chilling at the same time :(

[@kramniffirg544]

For gods sake put the cell phone away and use paper notes cause it seems so disrespectful and looks like you are not in the moment giving the situation respect .. even if that’s not the case, it appears so and a picture paints 1000 words.

[@carolispinheiro]

Gene, is it true that after the birth of his second daughter, Ronnie would like to retire?

[@crypttonite]

Rionnie got himself killed ordering everyone on the plane & Artimus being late for flight COST THEM FUEL MINUTES that definitely killed people

[@Judy1975uni]

I know it's so sad. They were only ten minutes from the airport. TEN MINUTES! Had they not made that last minute turn they very well would have been able to make a belly landing in the field. Once they did that turn both engines failed and they went right for the trees. So tragic.

[@robert.m4676]

I’m pretty sure it wasn’t intentional on Anyone. Ronnie Just wanted to get some sleep and had zero knowledge that the plane would run out of gas. The pilots should have gotten the plane fixed long before. Artimus was probably having a good time and once again wouldn’t have any ill intentions. It was simply a lack of knowledge from everyone but it’s the pilot’s job to get the equipment fixed. Even they had no reason to want to crash.

[@johnbenson3954]

Gene Odom will give it to you straight! I cherish my friendship with him. Great fella!

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

the way he remembers things. Most everyone's go foggy.

[@circusdog]

I watched the movie , I believe and it seemed like a huge plug for Artimus Pyle... and the APB Band. Look Man I Love Lynyrd Skynyrd and have loved them since 1974 but I was always a Bob Burns fan because he was in the beginning and some of my favorite songs are from that era. Not knocking Artimus Pyle he is a good drummer and played drums on songs that are my favorite as well. I am a kind of person who loves music too much.... I hate when bands replace members , That is their right but I still hate it lol. It would be like Aerosmith replacing steven tyler or Led Zeppelin replacing John Bonham. You know what I mean ? I also will agree with others that the producer and people involved with the movie was very bad and I felt like it was the Artimus Pyle movie... and was exaggerated way too much. I will always love Lynyrd Skynyrd and will always play Lynyrd Skynyrd Listen and respect Lynyrd Skynyrd but Mr Pyle Lied too much and went through too many loops to make this movie for his own capital The End.

[@TheMercury-13]

These videos are great, & so valuable; Thank you! 💜 Feel I can trust Gene's accounts; seems a level-headed, honest person; refreshing, we all want truth not fiction. *If only RVZ hadn't undone that seat-belt! Another on the list of 'what ifs', but past is past. RIP, RIG. x

[@ladypaul7932]

Soon all we will have are videos as guys like Gene are slowly fading.

[@schecter6l6]

This is so stupid! She is quoting scenes from the movie? Gene already said it was complete B.S had she done any real research online from others who were there this would have been a much better interview. So for those who do these types of interviews? Do your research first and don't ask stupid questions taken from a fictional movie! good to hear gene's side of the story though glad to see he is well!

[@nocotton]

Did you feel you "helped" the situation by interfering with the pilots, 3 times??

[@km1074]

Not a drug-fueled party on the plane? That plane went down on when most of them were stone-cold sober? My God.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Must've been a very long-assed ten minutes.

[@learntoswim9291]

At first he says there were no drugs then he changed that statement along with saying Artimus went twice to the cockpit then he changed that too and says Artimus went only 1☝️ time to the cockpit. Then which one is it Gene? 😏

[@juliemurray4719]

@@learntoswim9291 just watched this and it was Gene himself that went to the cockpit 3 times not Artemus

[@christywhitehead3171]

This woman doing the interview she's too young to know anything about Lynyrd Skynyrd at all

[@mikerose6489]

I went to Lee, worked at the Holiday Inn where I met Dave Evans who was a engineer on GMBMB. Got to tour the studio on Riverside Avenue across from the YMCA. Artimus was very nice to me. Wish they could reconcile, too old and too many years have passed not to. RVZ was a prolific songwriter but the guitar work of AC and GR got them started imo. RIP.

[@rnicholasmartin1335]

I had the honor of meeting Gene Odom at the Daytona Beach Bandshell a few years ago when he was promoting his latest book while showing support for the Skynyrd tribute band "Nuthin' Fancy" that was playing there that evening. Gene is about as down-to-earth and a straight shooter as you can get! When I told him after detailed explanation that I was there for the final Lynyrd Skynyrd meet and greet at the Altamonte Springs Mall on October 17th 1977 he personally handed me and signed one of the photographs taken there at that event! Thank you again Gene Odom! 😁🤘🎸

[@dskywalker3397]

Ronnie essentially ruled the band with an Iron Fist and had done so for years. Right or wrong. What he said was how it was gonna be. Everyone HAD to get on the plane or they would've been OUT, as in OUT of the band. And unfortunately Ronnie thought he was bullet-proof. Had thought this for many years. In fact, Ronnie seemed to ENJOY courting danger. He also liked seeing how others would respond in these types of situations. Also, remember: Airline Companies like many hotels wouldn't work with the Lynyrd Skynyrd traveling entourage. By 77 they had one helluva reputation and they all seemed to be proud of it. They were in competition with Keith Moon and The Who. Also, while in Europe a few years prior Ronnie had made a genuine effort to throw a member of their traveling group out of the Emergency Exit at several thousand feet in the air. Whoever thought placing Ronnie Van Zant in an airplane was an acceptable idea should've given it more thought.

[@paulhasenauer4166]

Mr Odom seems like a straight shooter, tells it like it was without BS. Good interviewer.

[@yourmomshairysnatch]

Yessir.. she's hot. She's certainly of those dumb ones, however, sure...she's doable.

[@vansabbath5127]

Ronnie killed the band.....

[@firestarter105G]

No, being stupid killed the band. Not one factor causes a plane to crash, it is a sequence of events.

[@vansabbath5127]

@@firestarter105G & Ronnie was a big sequence of those events.

[@firestarter105G]

@@vansabbath5127 No one should have ever gotten on that airplane. No pilot should have ever got in the left seat with people on board and started those engines, knowing that they had problems. That "have to be there syndrome" has killed a lot of people.

[@marydahm6851]

It always seems to be a whole bunch of missteps that lead to this kind of thing. But the manager choosing a 40-year-old Convair 240, which has a spotty record at best, prone to fuel exhaustion and engine failure would have been at the top of the list. Before their last flight, there had been 26 major crashes of the 240 in 23 years. Compound that with the flaming engine on the way to Greenville and “get-there-itis” by the pilots. Although it wasn’t common, it might have been better if the pilots tried to land much earlier on a highway instead of wasting time and what remained of fuel looking for a field. Hindsight is 20/20. Still amazingly sad, RIP.

[@doris1755]

I. Want. To. See. More. Of. Gene. Talking. Shout. Skynyrd

[@maxpuppy96]

Gene is good people, his story never changes.

[@josearriola3087]

I believe him more Ben the movie

[@josearriola3087]

Opps the movie

[@josearriola3087]

@Vic Marrotti of course I believe him

[@joeyfussell282]

Every video or interview I've ever watched of Gene Odum he has never said anything different. Every time he tells the story it's always the same. Gene is a good and honest man.

[@hunter6719]

@@josearriola3087 wait i thought he was in the hospital at the time of the crash

[@TheFreebrid]

This is his account if what happened just like Artimus has his account don't mean either one is wrong none of you were there it's how each person saw it as it happened every single one of them had a different account of what happened so don't slam anyone

[@nohippietruckingandtransportat]

It's a shame that everyone is so divided these days

[@brodocbetty4856]

One thing about this guy, His story never changes, So you know its true.

[@tonydiesel3444]

This is a psiop just like all other major events any and all famous entertainment people are gender swapped FTM and MTF you do not become famous in this world if you're not inverted gender swapped

[@jcg2922]

With the exception of Billy Powell, no one else changed their story either. Gene's whole weird hang up with Artimus Pyle is very off putting. Other survivors have recounted Artimus actively preparing them for the crash. It's almost like Gene doesn't think anyone else is around to fact check him.

[@timterry2863]

And they don't play the best of Skynyrd on the radio. The whole album give me back my bullets was awesome. All I can do is write about it, cry for the bad man, Mississippi kid, upon many upon many of great other ones that can be searched !!!

[@perbes100]

Mississipi Kid is from their debut album.

[@lolitagrant6751]

It was tragic for me to learn, that Ronnie referred to himself, as the Mississippi Kid, not knowing why. Again, I respect Gene alot; but, wish he and Gary, and some of the other survivor's, would've been a part of this movie. Because they chose not to, we have one perspective of one man for this movie. Don't knock Artemis, please. But, an interesting thing, Gene said, was that the plane, sat running on the tarmac for 45 minutes, waiting for Artemis. Could've been a big reason, the plane ran out of gas. Not blaming, just saying.

[@robert.m4676]

@@lolitagrant6751 sounds about right! Artimus seems to act like he’s not about the money yet nobody that was affiliated with Skynyrd wanted anything to do with his project. I think that speaks to the authenticity of the movie!

[@janetphillips2875]

Coming Home is a great song

[@scottmoore7975]

She doesn't even know what band she's talking about!!! A crock!!!

[@LoyalOpposition]

That is Harvey Weinstein's 2nd cousin from israel.

[@matildaharden1064]

Back in 77 aviation standards was not what they are today. Had this plane been flown today it would have never passed the FAA regulations and I’m sure the pilots would not hold a certification either. If you ever have a gut feeling that something is wrong listen to that little voice and if you get fired you get fired. Being fired is better than being dead.

[@65drummer1]

Dear Gene. I saw Ronnie & Skynyrd two nights in a row with front row seating at the Grand Strand Music Festival at Myrtle Beach SC in 1975 with 38 Special. I was stationed at Myrtle Beach AFB while it was still open and saw the itinerary posted in the BX. I know you've heard this from many Skynyrd fans, how Ronnie's music influenced & helped many for various reasons. I was a budding bass player, and the Southern Rock genre was my music of choice. So, that's what I cut my bass chops on. I have one question for you if you have the time and if it's permissible to answer, if not, I do understand. You spoke once, concerning Artimus Pyle, how Ronnie was contemplating to fire him and hire Steve Gaine's brother to take over the drum chair. Did Artimus do something really bad to P O Ronnie? The only reason I ask is a Artimus only speaks highly of Ronnie, always heaps praises about him. Again, I understand if you can't answer that question due to good form, ect. There'll never be another Lynyrd Skynyrd band in my opinion. It ended when the plane crashed. Thank you Gene for all you do.

[@lolitagrant6751]

Really? I missed this part or haven't seen it yet, the part about RVZ thinking of firing Artemus. And, I've noticed, Artemus only has the highest praise for Ronnie. You're right about that. (Ya Got that right!) I know Gary and Artemus, had some kind of argument, and they got rid of Artemus; and in my opinion, that was a big mistake for LS Tribute band to make. The more original members you have, the more legit you become; but, Skynyrd was over when they lost RVZ. Side thought, I have heard, the plane sat on the tarmac running for 45 minutes waiting for Artemus, and this very well could've been way the plane ran out of gas.

[@TheChristoph68]

When I first got into the Skynyrd history and the plane crash I thought that Gene was more like a hanger on around the band. Now some years later and after seeing and hearing so much from him and a few other interviews; I realize how much Gene really loved Ronnie and the whole band in a way that he would have done anything for them to help them to be more sane and responsible people. I think if Gene could go back in time he would selflessly trade places with Ronnie in that plane crash so that we would have Ronnie with us longer than we did. Gene is a Good dude in my opinion and I was Wrong to think that he was just looking to hang around Ronnie for some type of fame. Sorry Gene; I judged you wrongly and please accept my apology for doing so.

[@wyattblackwood3927]

Gene Odom and Ronnie Van Zant were best friends from childhood and Gene Odom was brought on board to try to keep the band clean on that last tour. I would take Gene's word about the situation over anybody else's. There's also a very good interview with the sound man who was on the plane to and it really lays out what happened during the crash

[@TempoDrift1480]

I think he still is. Of course he loved Ronnie, and of course he would do anything for him but same with a room of 30 women. He was hired because he was reliable in a bar fight. That doesn't mean ya'll best friends. I go to the bar with very specific people for the sole purpose of fighting but would never invite those people to my house because they are not my "best" friends. It's became very obvious in another video where he takes interviewers to the grave sites and doesn't even know what a coil of guitar strings were. Anyone who was close to a guitar band like that would recognize guitar strings. He thought they were "bracelets in a plastic wrapper". He is just riding the legacy of that band. It's not like he's some fantastic kind of dude that's done for the world, he was hired to do a job because he's a scrapper. Plain and simple.

[@stevemason5173]

@@TempoDrift1480 You're an idiot. I've played guitar for 60 years and sometimes I see guitar strings in packs I can't be sure what's in them. How the hell do you know what he was hired for???????

[@ThomasSchoellerFineArtPhotos]

@@stevemason5173 yep, that dude is FK'd. Riding the legacy :) He must mean the band touring around calling themselves Skynyrd lol.

[@stephentroup7943]

@@TempoDrift1480 You go to bars specifically to get into fights? I think you've taken a few too many to the noggin Wizzle.

[@edwinjewell5359]

That concert at Hollywood Florida Sporatorium on Oct 15,1977 was Great. Thay were at the top of there game.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

The ironic thing about the crash was it had nothing to do with the engine failing like they were flipping out about. Just fill the damn tank with fuel you fools.

[@debramercer5896]

The first story he had to tell about specific memories " as a Legacy" is about the "slaughter" of those kittens??? And then he chuckled about it?? WTF

[@perbes100]

Poor cats.

[@debramercer1138]

Darn right!!!

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

Yeah, his obvious enjoyment over the poor kittens being killed like that has put me off Gene Odem. And he's been making his living off of his friend's death for years now. I wonder what Ronnie would think of him now.

[@billyshane3804]

Gene Rodman is the MAN.

[@samsacre]

They check the fuel level with a stick!!!!

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Were supposed to. Didn't actually DO it, i don't think.

[@cuzz63]

Dont depend on the sensors they will malfunction. A good pilot will know how much fuel they use per hour and would be able to estimate being low.

[@bluskytoo]

its called a fuel dipstick, used on the ground to verify the accuracy of the fuel quantity indicators in the cockpit , it is calibrated with notches and readings on it. I used it many times on a C-130. So yeah…its a real thing.

[@NefariousEnough]

"There were no drugs on that plane." "There maybe were some prescription drugs on that plane." "There may have been a little marihuana on that plane."

[@j.t.cooper2963]

That should say a lot about trusting his account of what happened that tragic day.

[@rickdack1197]

Her accent is distracting..."Da Fuel for Da Plane"

[@LoyalOpposition]

she is very annoying.... her daddy must be paying for all this shit

[@captaintruth3219]

Does this guy ever wear a real shirt? Every interview is the same undershirt time to stop at the laundromat.🤭

[@perbes100]

Perhaps he has a knack of wearing only white ones.

[@ericdegroot828]

Artemis is a great drummer. But this is his version. Not sure how accurate but they should do a movie on each survivor's recollection...

[@jimreal3840]

Best band ever,end of story.,

[@riffcat04]

45 years ago today. Tragic. BTW, Gene is correct about the Artimus Pyle movie. It's crap and Pyle should be ashamed.

[@leighnassau1158]

Ok, here s a guy who doesn t sound at all convincing aboyt what he says! And HE S the one saying don t believe what thw movie said! He also CLEAELY States that he hasn t even seen the movie . So how can you make comments like that when you ain y seen it! The ONLY Thing that he states that is consistent with what he knew , from other interviews, is that he tried to get Ronnie into a chair and snap on his seatbelt. I DO Agree with him however, on the fact that the movie wasn t Correct! Artimus Pyle 's story is something i believe but its from his persceptive and that s OK With me ! Just one big note that i was suprised about with Artimus, he said that he was a pilot and referenced he dad dying at the same airfield that they left from, yet, in a DC 3! The Skynyrd Plane Was a Convair or a Viscount , NOT A DC3 ! DC-3 s are Hugely reliable and was the Wae era plane that has Legendary status. All this movie did was give the Band a Bad account of what ACTUALLY Happened! Esp with Rpnnie! And give a bad reputation to a plane that didnt deserve it !

[@edwardquimby1960]

Miami Hollywood Sportatourium October 15 1977

[@RedneckHillbilly-ho9md]

Well I was wondering if the movie was real and worth watching or not, I sure got my answer I absolutely will not be watching it. Just like Oliver Stone and the DOORS movie, why do these jackass's have to lie and make shit up and ruin something that could be a great movie.

[@robertfrazier2909]

I thought the part that Ronnie Van Zant pulling the top off of the blonde girl was unnecessary sure these things happened, But he has Daughters and Grandaughters and someday they will see it..

[@zebdoz333]

The interviewer is a prime example of how journalists have gone down the drain! And I myself would have told Ronnie c ya I am off to another gig! No way I would have gotten back on a plane after it caught fire the first time!

[@american_cosmic]

What's wrong with the interviewer? She did fine.

[@beaumontmichaels3575]

Give her a break she's from Ukraine!

[@Vinylfromtheunderground]

She was on 90 day fiancé. Check out the latest season of before the 90 days. She is with the Mormon guy with the long blond hair

[@dellahicks7231]

I'm sorry but how old is this young lady conducting the interview? I get with the Me Too movement etc. these days, that it might be difficult to believe that topless women hung around, and that they drank did drugs etc., but she seems terribly naive. Either that, or we didn't question enough and wrongly accepted the behaviour of rock stars back in the day. Who knows?

[@jameslomenzo1139]

I watch that movie free of course I wouldn't pay to watch it, Artimus Pyle should be ashamed of himself for making that BS of a film.

[@blaze3884]

I really wish people doing interviews like this would stop using that word "basically". It's way overused an seriously isnt even needed in conversations like this. On Gene, totally believable what he said in the interview. Always been a LS fan from day one.

[@jameslomenzo1139]

Im sure Ronnie was taking the two ludes to get some sleep, i have done them back then. Basically you're unconscious when you do even two of them, unless your tolerance is high,. I can understand he didn't even know what Gene was trying to say to him, the crash happened so fast' just like alot of accidents but accidents don't happen they are caused.

[@tomg5304]

I laughed at many of her comments - ex. “Were there naked women in the hotel?” “You mean they were smoking on the plane?” Definitely a bit clueless on the life of rock stars.

[@waynewilliams5802]

Gene tells it like it is, Gary rossington was to drugged up to remember the crash and artimus Pyle lies way too much to listen to him...