I liked Johnny's vocals on his own band's stuff, but he ain't Ronnie...tho no fault of his own. You described it perfectly...Ronnie just had that certain quality!
He sounds terrible anymore. Never did care for him singing Ronnie’s stuff to begin with. I thought that made him look disloyal to his brother and his legacy. Above all, it made him look greedy! Actually the tribute band as a whole exists for the cash. It ain’t got shit to do with keeping Ronnie’s spirit alive, that’s horse shit. RVZ doesn’t need help from anyone to keep those songs alive and relevant. What y’all wanna bet the band keeps on cashing in on the name even after Gary, the last original member passed away? They are greedy as hell if they continue without Gary. Hell they have no right to, in my opinion. RIP Gary Rossington!
No. When they got on a plane NOBODY should have been flying (cuz their cheap-ass mgr wouldn't get em a Lear for the quick flight) is when it died. Call me a whatever, but this was Ronnie's band, his dream..the only Skynyrd as far as I'm concerned
I also really enjoy the #AllmanBrothers they are fantastic I've been listening to them today LOVE this song #MySweetMelissa ❤ #MarshallTuckerband #can'tyousee #God bless you all in # #Jesus #Christ name #🕊️
I'll make my confession. I've never listened to the no Ronnie Van Zant version of Skynyrd. I've continued to listen to Skynyrd with RVZ. I have NOTHING against Johnny. Ronnie was my guy.
#I truly believe that #RonnieVanZant would want his brothers #DonnieVanZant #JohnnyVanZant to have continued #Lynyrd Skynyrd #music They were #BROTHER Come on you I saw them in their last concert #LynyrdSkynyrd As we say in the deep South I was jailbait meaning to be underage... It was so sad to hear of the plane crash I know all band members were completely devastated at the time. #fighting is not a good Answer JUST LOVE EACH OTHER AND #PRAY FOR THE PEACE 🕊️ THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING ❤️🙏🏽
Ronnie was the boss. Collins was the cutting edge blues shredder. Rossington was the guy who had feel. King made them Kings of rock n roll. Leon was the wildchild. Artimus was the zen. Billy brought the high class. Gaines was the rocketfuel. The Honkettes took the edge off and made them magnets. GOAT american rock n roll band.
I think theres just a couple original members left, cant remember.4 or 5 died since. But, this isnt the narrative i watched on other documentaries. This guy is trying to get attention
@@jenmb2679 Gary is the only true original member still alive and Artimus is still alive as well. Gary isn't even playing with the band right now because of health issues so really no one in the band is an original member at the moment.
@@jenmb2679 he does come off as a snake, but at least some of it seems to line up - why would Judy start at 'never use the name again' to 'at least 3 original guys' to 'none at all'? It does sound like a money grab.
Interesting that Ronnie Van Zant was passed out in the aisle but picked up and strapped into a seat against his will, then Artimus Pyle wound up in the Aisle and survived but Ronnie did not.
Pretty simple answer basically. Cut out the alpha dog and the pack fractures. It´s sad that fame can divide the foundations of what was once solid, causing power struggles and hurt feelings. But if RVZ´s best friend Odom was telling the truth - that RVZ could already sense a power struggle developing before the crash - then that may explain why we saw so much division in this production. Or, that the production was engineered to goad the divisiveness out of the former band members in a soap opera kind of way. I am very unappreciative if that was the design, I´d rather remember the good in this piece of music history.
I saw them last year in TX and they did a fantastic "Freebird". These days, Johnny opens the song, but then they darken the stage with a spotlight on a microphone stand with Ronnie's hat propped on it and play it out with Ronnie's recorded voice finishing the song--a very moving and honoring way to do Ronnie's song...
I had the privilege of meeting Artimus last month.. He was eager to sign autographs and take pictures.. He didn't charge a dime and he gave credit to Ronnie Van Zant for him being where he is now.. Artimus is a true legend and a fantastic human.. When he signed autographs for me he put RVZ thanks brother... I saw lynyrd skynyrd back in May they still sounded great but in my opinion the drummer did not do the band justice
I mean, guys look it up, the reason why he doesn’t get any work is because he’s a registered sex offender. He molested a 12 year old back in 93, plead guilty to it.
@@nickrandles1102 no he didnt, it was his crazy girlfriend who lied to steal all his stuff, it was a giant mess, the girls he was accused of molesting were his daughters who she got to testify against him even though they were kids. He didnt do anything but probably the real reason he wasnt allowed back in LS is cause he plead no contest, he was out of money and facing life if he lost so he had no choice.
@@joejones9520 you’re right, since I made this comment 7 months ago I looked more into it because I didn’t want to believe it. Apparently his daughter had his back and said he didn’t do anything at all. Something definitely stinks with that situation
Mr Ed King is a class act. To omit the guy (who wrote one of the most iconic songs in music history) to rejoin for a reunion is petty and childish. They are a mere tribute band now. May all the members who have passed on R.I.P., although they haven't yet because of the drama that still continues. Rest in peace Ed King 🎸🎸🎸
The 2018 documentary titled If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd Ed talks about how he had to play a second night without new strings and he broke two of them and after the show Ronnie was riding him and told him he was no better then a pimple on Gary's ass and so he packed up his stuff that night and left the next day.
Color dont mean anything when it comes to skynyrd music. They are just as much at home in some juke joint in missippi, as they are on some big rock stage show. Thats a fact.
Bubba, you are 1 of the few that actually "get it." My hats off to you man. 👍👍 The music, the sound, the playin' style, and rebel flag are nothing but pure L.S..... People try to brainwash others by saying that by using a rebel flag in the show was declaring some racial b.s., but it ain't, it's just "southern rock". We're all free-birds.
In 1988 I was living in Jacksonville and I went to the Tribute concert and after the concert the ladies in the Band came into the bar I worked & looked for a bartender Carolyn Burns who was married to the first drummer of Lynyrd Skynyrd and she was off that night but it touched my heart to be able to get to see these ladies & they not realizing how much their voices and that music of Lynyrd Skynyrd meant to me. I was 19. RIP ŁŠ❤️🎶🤟🙏🎩
Ed, Allen nor Leon never had a bad thing to say about anyone, yet Ed was an outcast. Ed lived a HAPPY life and that's more important. REST BYRD HEADS, REST
VanZant in a drunken rage put a broken lamp to Ed Kings throat and told him he wasn't "As a pimple on Allen Collin's ass." Ed King packed his bags and left the bad that night.
@@joshg2350 He definitely was the smartest by leaving them. No one likes having to fight those who are supposed to be friends and brothers. Not only by words but fists too as they became mean people when they got drunk on the whiskey, this is documented fact. This has nothing to do about redneck philosophy either as I've seen whiskey change behavior in different people from all over the country. Sad ending regardless. Such talent gone.
As a drummer, just from the videos I've seen of artimus playing in the last 15 years, there's nothing wrong with his drumming. It definitely goes deeper than "his drumming was getting bad"
Skynyrd is not a group of stagnant individuals. it's a spirit that grew from a dream to a legend. The fighting, love, scars and family is the vessel that rides across the sky, the freebird. If you are not a fan, then that disqualifies you from telling their story because you wouldn't understand their story.
My mama always said “If you can’t say something nice about a person, say nothing” Come on guys; Time to lay Skynyrd to rest! The Best band ever is sliding fast. Nowhere to go but down and this hurts coming from a 67 year old South Georgia boy.
Ronnie not only wrote most of the songs he was the band leader, had discipline and was regimented and ran the band like a baseball team. He also had grit and was tough didn’t put up with any bullshit. Having a concert at the crash site where Ronnie, Steve, Cassie and others died would just be reverent and wrong.
I AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT HAVING A REUNION CONCERT @ THE PLANE CRASH SITE I CAN STILL REMEMBER WHEN IT HAPPENED & I STILL FEEL HEARTACHE EVERYTIME I HEAR ONE OF THEIR SONGS I COULDN'T IMAGINE ANY ORIGINAL MEMBER OR LIFELONG FAN THAT WOULD WILLINGLY EVEN GO TO THAT PLACE . IT'S LIKE I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE WEAR CROSSES ON NECKLACES & HOW THEY WORSHIP THE CROSS , ETC. "ALLEGEDLY" JESUS WAS NAILED TO A CROSS , TORTURED AND DIED A HORRIFIC DEATH ON THAT CROSS , SO WHY WOULD ANYONE WORSHIP A CROSS AND/OR CONSTANTLY WEAR ONE ? I JUST THOUGHT ABOUT THAT AFTER THINKING ABOUT SKYNYRD PLAYING AT THE CRASH SITE. IT WOULD BE LIKE (HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING) SOMEONE THAT I LOVED N CARED FOR DEEPLY DIED IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH & THE CAR WAS MANGLED YET I NOT ONLY CHOOSE TO KEEP THE CAR , I ALSO HAVE IN DISPLAYED ON MY FRONT YARD & I WORSHIP IT.....OR BRING THE FAMILY TOGETHER & THROW A PARTY AT THE CRASH SITE. JUST LOOKING AT THE IDEA FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES AND NONE SPELL THAT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA NOT TO MENTION MORALLY/ETHICALLY WRONG. (SORRY ALL CAPS AS IAM LEGALLY BLIND)
Sadly, the last surviving original member of Skynyrd Gary Rossington, passed away. Gary played the slide guitar on the opening to “Free Bird”, one of the most iconic instrumental performances in Rock music!
@@avolite719 Tbh, not me. I don't really care for Skynyrd. My parents were huge fans. At the urging of my mom (and dad I suppose) I learned Simple Man and Sweet Home on guitar, so I mean, I guess there's that. To be honest, the music is alright to me. I think Skynyrd is unfairly gets attributed to the American South. The music is so-so if you ask me. I was much more into Allman Brothers Band, if we're talking music from the American South.. I think they'd be more considered "jam," anyway. Nevermind they toured well into my adult years with various lineups. Who cares, though? Well, I imagine Artimus Pyle would, being that (at least according to Google) he ain't dead and he is indeed an original member, at least according to the verbiage in that contract (again, at least according to this documentary)
I idolized this band from age 12, after a friend and I snuck out of her bedroom window, jumped into a neighbor's VW Bug and drove 30 miles to Macon, GA, to see Skynyrd live at the Macon Coliseum on September 21, 1973. My very first concert that will always be a night I'll never forget. Four years later, I remember walking into my Commercial Art class in high school hearing about the plane crash. It felt like I'd lost my own family members. For decades since, I've prayed they would all stop this stupid bickering, instead I've seen them pass away one after another, holding on to pointless anger. Hopefully, by some miracle before Gary and Artimus die, we will see them make peace in honor of the music and the lives of those lost. The music changed my life and to this day, has helped me through difficult times. Their anger and bitterness has casted a dark ugly cloud over the music, which should be a beautiful heavenly brilliant blue sky with huge white puffy clouds kind of day. Only these two have the power to choose peace for themselves, their families and fans like myself. I hope I live to see that happen.
I agree with you. Fortunately for us they all got along long enough to make music that will impact lives for years to come. Skynyrd died Oct 1977 and no band has come close to what they had. Not even the Skynyrd you see on stage today. RIP RVZ
Natalie Davis wow! !! I'd love to hear more of your story. ....I was born in 1973. ....January the 15th. .....same day as Ronnie. .. . I have allways loved this "original skynyrd "......since I was 15. .....I'm 44 now. I only listen to Ronnie n his mules. ....I just can't listen to the cover band. .......just can't. ...Ronnie will always have my heart. .....I was born in the wrong generation. .......Ronnie was supposed to be with me! !!!♡
Natalie Davis you've got to tell me about your experience with "anything to do with Ronnie "....... please. ....omg I was born in 73. ...n I've loved him since I was. .....a lil girl. .. sooo much more too me . ....the older I get. ...the more I relate to them!!!!!! Ronnie is my most favorite man. ...2nd to my dad n son. ...3rd. ..Ronnie. ..father /son/holy spirit. .....LOVE YOU RONNIE! !#! Johnny knows he'll never come close to Ronnie n respects him. ... for that he's ok with me!!! I love Ronnie sooo much. ..... ♡ I just can't explain it! !!
Before you cry for Allen you should know he killed his girlfriend in that crash due to intoxication so at least he lived. I feel bad for the girlfriend cause she died
Ed seems like he has got his head screwed on tight, he don't want nada to do with the drama. Hats off to you Ed for being a gentleman in this whole fiasco.
Ed grew up in Glendale/La Cresenta Calif(LA), great guitar player and nice man.I find it rather cool that a native Southern Californian co wrote Sweet Home Alabama.That is his guitar into riff..
I saw Lynard Skynyrd at the Lakeland Civic Center that October, 2 days before their crash! I was 16 and totally devastated when I had heard on the radio their plane had gone down! I was so happy when the Rossington Collins Band album came out in 1980! And I bought it! I was thrilled that the surving members had done this album! I wanted to hear more from them! But I am hurt to here how this one time family from Jacksonville, Florida are treating each other!
They did a second album, I think it's called "This is the Way", but it wasn't as good, tho I did see them both years they toured, and they were great. They did Freebird without vocals, and it was powerful
If it was a mess 20 years ago when this video was made what does that make it today now that Gary has passed (R.I.P) and there is now NO original members in the band?
Right... There first 2 albums and 'One More From the Road' album were top-tier. Let it stay there and let them have their fun but Skynyrd they are not.
I've watched both documentary's and it breaks my heart that it all comes down to the unability to move on! Lynyrd Skynyrd was an awesome band you people need to forgive and forget you are not going to live forever
And now the last original member (Gary) just passed. Arty came on in '75 with Ronnie so I guess you say Arty has a claim as the last 70's original member still alive.
I prefer to remember Lynyrd Skynyrd as the awesome southern rock band they were before the plane crash and all the B.S. crap after that. R.I.P. and thank you for all the awesome memories from your songs from the 70s.
After all of these years that have gone by, this vid has brought back many great memories of seeing the band back in the 70's and so sad to see the tragedy that happened and what the band members went through. Long Live Skynyrd
I think it's already been established that Rossington is a fool. Listen to the song "That Smell" to get the full details. Ronnie let us know way back then hahahaha
I don’t enjoy hearing Johnny sing any of the songs because they’re just not the same. Although he also has a great voice, it’s not the same . I’ve heard the songs played too much on the radio. But they’re still genius and beautiful songs . I still appreciate them regardless of hearing them played non stop here in the south. I especially appreciate them now that I know more about the band . And the fact that Ronnie didn’t write down his lyrics. Having been around bands a lot , I know what a talent that is . All members of Lynyrd Skynyrd are very talented. Even the live recordings in documentaries sound so tight and perfect. ❤️
i used to look at gary like a perfect human..but he lost a lot of cred when he threw artimus under the bus..farmer backed up artimus, story making everything gary says up for debate.. R.I.P RVZ
yeah he was saying artimus didn't help save them. Nobody knew at the time when the plane went down that they were gonna be saved by some locals. That's all hindsight. Gary should know better.
They're all gone now, except Gary. Does he think about that often? Does he miss them? All of them? Does he remember conversations and shows and press appearances from years ago? Is he haunted by any? Does he regret never forgiving or reconnecting with Artimus and Ed?
Dave E, wow I googled Atticus Pyle chomo and he admitted to molesting 2 sisters, ages 4 and 8!! He paid his way out of going to prison and only got 8 years of probation on something that should have gotten him life, it said 1993 was when he was put on probation, so it probably occurred while he was still with the band in 1990 or 1991.
@@johnnyc.8256 He admitted it as in "made a deal" with the prosecution and pleaded guilty, but he has denied it ever since and multiple times. I really dont know what to make of the guy.
alfredon, I don’t know what to make of him either, now I find out that some people are saying his ex wife set him up, idk. If he did do it he needs to be punished a lot worse than just probation and if he didn’t do it then he needs to be cleared of all charges. I’m trying my best to do some background research on people and not to be in such a rush to pre judge everyone., thanks for making me take a deeper look into this.
johnny c. This interview shows him with some child in a van going to see the dolphins with this reporter. If you believe what you see then that’s it right there. The other band members sure don’t want him around. If this is true I wonder what they know? Could that be why really or partly.
@@joannmaracle2672, it very well could be why they don't want him around and why he's not fighting it. Because he would be losing alot of money by not being in the band and it is in the the contract for him as one of the original members of the band to not be kicked out like that. I believe it actually could be some sort of agreement he has with the band legally, for them to never mention it and for him to get some money out of the tours but for him to not try legally to get back with the band or for more money. As much as the band seems to dislike him there has got to be more of a reason than him playing a little slow sometimes for them to kick him out of the band like that and to never talk to him ever. Also as much as they seem to dislike him, they never mentioned not one time anything about his conviction of being a child molester. Usually if someone really doesn't like you they will use the most hurtful things they can find to say about you.
This guy jake tappers a real arse ! I b first in line to give praise n' respect towards the great SKYNYRD band BUT ... this video does 'not' n' falls short with many discrepancies thruout and instead talks em down. As far as this vids concerned … it pretty much sux ! So blessed to catch em during a 3-day Southern Rock Tour celebration (Tulsa State Fairgrounds) with 'LS' as headliner back in the summer of '77 - rebel hell yea ... n' 7x's over the past years up in Pa. w/ DP ! In memorium to Ed King and those that lost their lives n' present that most miserable day from hell *** 19 RIP 77 ~ ALL R SO MISSED ***
Ed King seems like a really good guy. I'm glad his recent heart transplant worked out great for him. He STILL picks a guitar like no one else on earth!
I am a 66 year old "Southern Man" from New Orleans. No doubt my favorite band is LYNYRD SKYNRD, the favorite band of all Southern Men and Women right? I was Blessed to have the experience of seeing SKYNYRD two or three times. Ronnie and the band are in Heaven looking down on all of us, but they never met us, but we love them dearly. Back in the late sixties early seventies SKYNYRD rehearse at "Hell HOUSE "in Green cove springs south of Jacksonville. My sister lived in a little town 25mi West of the springs call Stark, I would go to Stark every year and stay for months and visit every year. I did not know how close I was to the hottest band in all of our lives! Until it was to late
Why? we make pilgrimages to New York to see the place where nearly 3000 people lost their lives one cool crisp September morning in 2001, and we do it by the millions. its the # 1 top tourist destination in America for domestic and international tourists... its how we honor our distinguished dead... we build monuments and celebrate their lives.
i dont think so.....I love that idea.....Feeling the spirits in there presence would be awesome show but im a big paranormal fan so dont mind me...I will always love this band and the past players
With all due respect to Gary Rossington, I think he's full of it when he says that Artimus didn't go for help. Johnny Mote corroborates that Artimus did.
It makes no sense at all. What other motivations would there be? Staying at the scene, with no medical personnel present would not be helpful. Being in better condition than others, where else would he be going, what other intention would he have, but to seek help? Help was already on the way, but he didn't know that, and I'm sure he was in a state of shock. If no one had known, waiting would have been critical for those severely injured. Mote saw his distress, I believe him. Imo Gary was being vindictive and harsh to say the least. Sad. Tragic. Peace.✌
O my dudes it goes much deeper than even that with these southern boys jealousy, envy, fear of Ronnie being the boss man who’s going to be in the band and who aient and Love it’s all so confusing for everyone. I think Ronnie would not like to see all the fighting going on between them and lies to cover up the hurt. They should all try to get along realize life’s short. They were the best band when Ronnie was there and they were together. Anyone know who is offering this $100,000.00 for them to play at the crash site?
Artimus Pyle I saw you in 1975 in Pittsburgh Pa. I will never forget that show you guys were truly Southern gentleman [ a little high but we all were in the ''70's''] Miss all of you guys playing together. Billy and Johnny both are true gentlemen. R.I.P. Billy
The only decent band member left is Ed King. A very genuine human being who's always eager to share stories and sign an autograph for someone. The rest have just got too caught up in the money and old grudges.
+Freedom's Tavern ...When was this filmed? Just Gary Rossington's left now & he's in bad shape. Some bad health problems. LS not touring right now. The rest are dead (original members). B Powell dIed recently. Artemus gone. Leon Wilkerson dead. Bob Burns just died. (Only a true fan would know him) Ed King's not in the band currently. (See Wiki for current members) So who's caught up in the money & grudges nowadays? Tell us.You need to rephrase that. A lot of this film is old.
+TheBigjohn527 Also, it was always a mystery to me as to why LS didn't let Ed back in circa 1996. The man had congestive heart failure, healed up, got better etc but - what happened? Although his replacement wasn't bad - do the initials HT ring a bell?
@@tiborosz1825 Watch Bob and Artemis play side by side and you tell me who is the better drummer. th-cam.com/video/T-nSTdf8TZc/w-d-xo.html Hands down it is Artemis. The live sound of Skynyrd in 1976 was the best they ever sounded and the feel of the band was better with Artermis.
I would never listen to Skynyrd until I was in my mid 20's. I realised how much I missed out, their kickass rock n roll, and the impact they had not just in the States, but around the world. Still dumbfounded how someone could be so evil as to defile Ronnie's gravesite. I was so in shock about that incident I actually shed a tear for his family. Ashame Artemis isn't a part of the band. Such an amazing talent. Ashame that people can put the past behind them and forgive one another. But as much as I respected the tribute band, to me, only the original would do for me. Just like AC/DC with Bon Scott. Nothing against Brian Johnson (and he's really the nicest guy in person), but Bon Scott was AC/DC. He had such a presence, and I loved his songwriting. But I've always told my children that truly great music is timeless. Fats Waller is another great example of a true entertainer. The orig Van Halen lineup was pure gold. So many too remember.
maybe they're the most normal because they weren't part of the plane crash. The other "misfits" went through hell that night. It's got to be really hard both mentally & physically to live life after such a tragedy.
Grief can explain a lot of this behavior. Unprocessed, unhealed grief. And shock. A lot of the behavior at the time of the crash could be explained by shock
Ed....you are a Great Guitarist and a Wonderful human being...were....you will always be known for that! I wish i had musicians and friends like you and Artimus...i am a guitarist of 57 years old...a good one and man i wish i could have played with you and Artimus!!! Friends and understanding...what else is there in life?
Seems Jake Tapper was just trying to instigate more friction. “Gary said, Artimus said”... It is sad they didn’t sit down and talk it out before Ed passed. RIP Ed.
Its funny how judy says its MORBID to do anything on the crash sight yet there she is at the crash sight doing the tribute !! That should tell you everything
30:24 "No, I'm a great guitar player". Of course he was but at least he didn't have no false modesty that's so prevalent amongst rock stars - and that's refreshing ! Lynyrd Skynyrd's best moments were with Ed King.
As I have stated on various Skynyrd you tube spots ~ any Lynyrd Skynyrd music is better than no Skynyrd music and I listen to the original band cd's in my car almost daily. I shall never tire of Skynyrd music, here or in eternity, it is the perfect music to me. fan in Kalamazoo, and I wish the original band had not been in a crash but all of the brothers of Ronnie VanZant can sing and all the band members are extremely talented then and now.. my thoughts and opinions, I like all of them .
So very very sad to see how hurt feelings, unmet expectations, and unforgiveness affects every human being on planet earth. Wouldn't it be the greatest thing to be truly FREE from all that! Be reconciled today with those you love before it's to late...✌❤
Gotta love the guy, who when told Pyle and Powell are two different names, asks "are you sure?".....Such an amazing band and story. But if you saw them after Al was present, you were seeing a Skynyrd tribute band.
Don't you find it odd that Leon was basically the only one who held no animosity toward anyone ? I never heard Leon say a bad or negative word. He was the peacekeeper and the one who stayed true to the legend that was Lynyrd Skynyrd
I think Allen did to. The poor fucking guy had one bad thing after the next happen to him..... The drunk driving was his fault of course but by that point I think he was done with life.
I know it's three years since your post, but since you posted it, I agree with you about Leon, who was cool too look at, because no one knew what he was going to put on. Allen, oh Allen, he didn't have harsh words either.
Yes, Leon kind of reminds me of Randy Meisner back in the Eagles days when all the guys were carrying on the way they were with each other and he just kind of setback and tuned his base and stayed the hell out of the nonsense
A few take aways, IMO: Artimus Pyle SHOULD be back in the band, ever band has their issues, and finally -and most importantly- Jake Tapper is a consummate tool!
The word consummate in your statement was cut and all I saw was the c & the o. I thought you were going to say Jake Tapper is a cock sucker and I was going to agree
I was attending the CDB concert the night the FREEBIRD went down in St. Louis Missouri and attended the ten year reunion tour. Was a sad day to say the least in that faithful day in 77. SKYNYRD FAN FOR LIFE
I've loved Lynyrd Skynyrd all my life; even in the womb I was hearing their beautiful music- my mom was and is a huge fan. Unfortunately I never got to see the Ronnie, Allen, and the original gang play together (mom did) but I was grateful to have gotten to see what remained of Skynyrd with Johnny Van Zant back in 2001 in Evansville Indiana. It was my first and only concert I've ever attended and I had the time of my life and will forever cherish the memory along with my love for my favorite band of all time, Lynyrd Skynyrd. May those that have passed rest in peace and the few that remain find some measure of peace and comfort despite the greed of others, for someday we all will have to face judgement for what we've done in this life. While the entire cumulative story of all that is Skynyrd is a forever tragic one on many levels, my heart always hurt most for poor Allen Collins. That man went thru more hell than most of us will ever be able to comprehend and those that remain that are tangled up in conflict and greed should stop and really think about that, think about what Ronnie would say. God bless Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I saw them play in Statesboro, Ga as a freshman at Georgia Southern. It was October 1977. I had never heard of the band and I wasn’t going to go but my roommate had an extra ticket so I went. I cried as I was so moved by the music. Yes, I am a southerner man through and through. I am so glad I changed my man.
I tell you what would have been a perfect theme song for this entire documentary. Ronnie Van Zant wrote a song called "Trust" back in 1971, that was kind of a premonition to all the backstabbing that came later, and represented the philosophy of the lack of trust that he had toward his own friends even in those days.
Lynyrd Skynyrd personified the Southern Rock Sound. Us Northern folks love Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, Black Oak Arkansas, Black Foot, Charlie Daniels Band, The Outlaws, & Marshal Tucker Band. Every day.
So glad you posted this! I lost my VHS of this from when it first aired. I believe the band members were VERY angry at their portrayal in this doc and wouldn't allow VH1 to re-broadcast it. Really shows the ugly side of the music business indeed! Thanks again!!
Saw a TH-cam metal detector go to the crash site about a year ago and found some of the gauges from the plane. I think Artemus got a raw deal. Yeah maybe they would have found the plane and help was on its way, but at that very moment nobody knew that. He was the only who went out for help.
No, Artimus, Ken Peden and Mark Frank all 3 went together for help. They ended up at at the home of Johnny and Brenda Mote's home. Brenda (pregnant) drove all 3 to the hospital that night on Oct. 20th.
I ran production for his band at a show just recently and I agree. When you get to talk with him in person he comes across as a real good guy. I'm a pretty good judge of character and I would say my impressions of him are he is an honest person.
Who cares? As my dad once told me. When it comes to family like situations. Who isn't screwed up? These are survivors of a plane crash. I saw this band 2x in 1975. They kicked ass when on stage. Let us leave it at that
Marc Sawatzki They were ok on stage at best and without Allen who looked like he belonged in a metal band, they would have been nothing much to see. He was a great guitarist. Of course until Van Halen came along in '78 and blew the roof off the rock world. EVH redefined and revolutionized guitar playing for generations to come. I saw them the first time as a warmup band for Black Sabbath. That was a rock show!
It's always the drummer who gets fucked....trust me I know. Gary is obviously not very believable especially when he's in cahoots with a typical Yoko...I don't believe him one bit.
@@jimgodofbiscuits FU(K EVH!!! I had that Turd---at least the guy who was teaching me the beginnings on guitar was an EVH Freak, I always hated them, No EVH was great in his genre. At best for the 1980's, Personally he's Fu(king Boring. Clapton is Still GOD!!!
play on the site of the crash is total and utter tasteless and disgraceful and a total cash grab by Gary and the band. Good on Judy for stepping in and pulling the name of LS from this tasteless event....WOW!!!!....NO RESPECT FOR THOSE THAT DIED IN THAT PLANE CRASH
@ Les Moore FYI, Rossington was dead set against this absurdity from the beginning. Pyle on the other hand would play the crash site from the back of a dueuce and a half and sell bags of dirt if he could profit.
I hate it when family members want to kill the music because their family member died. Can’t they see the music’s bigger than any person? To get to see the music performed live by surviving members is a gift immeasurable in value and can literally save lives to feel the live energy and be a part of the legend that carries on. But Artemis and Ed should be included because they legit have something to offer- authenticity ~
***** Hey man, fair enough, but we just disagree. I think Artimus is definitely a BETTER DRUMMER than Bob, true. More capable, better chops, sound, etc. But Bob was a far better drummer FOR SKYNYRD. Artimus played really stiff, too on top of the beat, and WAY too busy, all this "look at me" stuff. Bob just played the song, and had an easy, laid-back groove that fit the boogie of the music better, in my opinion. He knew his role...support the song. For the record, I'm a professional drummer, so it's kinda my department, heh, heh. Anyways, I like Artimus, I really do. I just think he sees his role in it all as way more important than it was.
He may have lied about that. True. BUT ... the fact remains. We know for a fact that Artimus WAS IN FACT running for help. The man/farmer has no reason to lie about that... Gary and the rest do have a reason.
Man, probably the greatest RR band of all time IMO and about the saddest ending conceivable. Hopeful they all make up in the great hereafter. In the meantime I’m still cranking ‘Call me the Breeze’ up to 11. Rock on boys
This guy has a lot of nerve referring to Gene as a clinger. Gene was Ronnie's best friend from boyhood, and was in the plane crash himself. He has done as much as he can to protect and help Ronnie's estate from being screwed over by the cover band that is "Lynyrd Skynyrd" ....- L
Johnny isn't a bad singer but what made Ronnie great was the attitude that came across in his vocals. He sang those songs he wrote with conviction
I liked Johnny's vocals on his own band's stuff, but he ain't Ronnie...tho no fault of his own. You described it perfectly...Ronnie just had that certain quality!
Ronnie had that soulful bluesy sound in his voice.
Lynard skynard died in the plane crash.....RIP free bird 4 ever!!!
He sounds terrible anymore. Never did care for him singing Ronnie’s stuff to begin with. I thought that made him look disloyal to his brother and his legacy. Above all, it made him look greedy! Actually the tribute band as a whole exists for the cash. It ain’t got shit to do with keeping Ronnie’s spirit alive, that’s horse shit. RVZ doesn’t need help from anyone to keep those songs alive and relevant. What y’all wanna bet the band keeps on cashing in on the name even after Gary, the last original member passed away? They are greedy as hell if they continue without Gary. Hell they have no right to, in my opinion. RIP Gary Rossington!
@@jprice276 I agree with you in principle, however it is like saying Walmart can't continue after the founding members passed away.
Lynyrd Skynyrd ended when that plane dropped out of the sky.
The whole family was talented come on are you an artist can you do?
@@user-nc5fl4zj4m
I know the difference between the real McCoy and an admirable attempt.
@@user-nc5fl4zj4m I'm glad you told that draft dodger off
No. When they got on a plane NOBODY should have been flying (cuz their cheap-ass mgr wouldn't get em a Lear for the quick flight) is when it died. Call me a whatever, but this was Ronnie's band, his dream..the only Skynyrd as far as I'm concerned
@@jamiegarrett3869
Draft dodger?
Absolutely the best Southern Rock Band.
Although the Allman Brothers Band were the Best Band from the South
Molly hatchet
I also really enjoy the #AllmanBrothers they are fantastic I've been listening to them today
LOVE this song #MySweetMelissa ❤
#MarshallTuckerband
#can'tyousee
#God bless you all in # #Jesus #Christ name
#🕊️
No the best rock band period
To be real. Skynyrd died when Ronnie died. But it will never really be dead. People will be listening to Skynyrd for 100 years. Including myself
I'll make my confession. I've never listened to the no Ronnie Van Zant version of Skynyrd. I've continued to listen to Skynyrd with RVZ. I have NOTHING against Johnny. Ronnie was my guy.
#I truly believe that #RonnieVanZant would want his brothers #DonnieVanZant #JohnnyVanZant
to have continued #Lynyrd Skynyrd #music
They were #BROTHER
Come on you
I saw them in their last concert #LynyrdSkynyrd
As we say in the deep South I was jailbait meaning to be underage...
It was so sad to hear of the plane crash
I know all band members were completely devastated at the time.
#fighting is not a good
Answer JUST LOVE EACH OTHER AND #PRAY FOR THE PEACE 🕊️ THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING ❤️🙏🏽
🕊️🙏🏽🕊️🙏🏽
Lynyrd Skynyrds music will stand on its own . They will be forever remembered without any tribute Band.
Well, all I know is Pyle's drumming on Saturday night special was fucking epic
I'm 53 years old and always loved this band it's a shame you don't love each other
Ronnie was the boss. Collins was the cutting edge blues shredder. Rossington was the guy who had feel. King made them Kings of rock n roll. Leon was the wildchild. Artimus was the zen. Billy brought the high class. Gaines was the rocketfuel. The Honkettes took the edge off and made them magnets. GOAT american rock n roll band.
dude ! best fking comment right here!!
You said it best! Great job!
That❤
AGREED🎉
Great comment! 👍
4 years after this aired, at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame all the guys made it back on stage together one last time.
Oh how I WISH my favs Leon and Allen were there.
I heard it was tense. Some friends here in Jacksonville told me
I think theres just a couple original members left, cant remember.4 or 5 died since. But, this isnt the narrative i watched on other documentaries. This guy is trying to get attention
@@jenmb2679 Gary is the only true original member still alive and Artimus is still alive as well. Gary isn't even playing with the band right now because of health issues so really no one in the band is an original member at the moment.
@@jenmb2679 he does come off as a snake, but at least some of it seems to line up - why would Judy start at 'never use the name again' to 'at least 3 original guys' to 'none at all'? It does sound like a money grab.
"No, I'm a great guitar player" - Ed King
Actually, that's one of the most honest statements in the entire video. Ed is awesome. :)
"What went wrong with lynyrd skynyrd?" RVZ died in the plane crash...... THAT is what happened to Lynyrd Skynyrd.....
There's more to the ancient dumb ass
@kenneth foskitt and we all know commie news can fuck themselves
@kenneth foskitt I didn't know CNN wad behind this. Well, that explains everything.
Interesting that Ronnie Van Zant was passed out in the aisle but picked up and strapped into a seat against his will, then Artimus Pyle wound up in the Aisle and survived but Ronnie did not.
Pretty simple answer basically. Cut out the alpha dog and the pack fractures. It´s sad that fame can divide the foundations of what was once solid, causing power struggles and hurt feelings. But if RVZ´s best friend Odom was telling the truth - that RVZ could already sense a power struggle developing before the crash - then that may explain why we saw so much division in this production. Or, that the production was engineered to goad the divisiveness out of the former band members in a soap opera kind of way. I am very unappreciative if that was the design, I´d rather remember the good in this piece of music history.
Rock in Peace Ed King - you seemed like a really cool person. And , yes, a GREAT GUITAR PLAYER!!
It’s 2024 & we are still listening!
I saw them last year in TX and they did a fantastic "Freebird". These days, Johnny opens the song, but then they darken the stage with a spotlight on a microphone stand with Ronnie's hat propped on it and play it out with Ronnie's recorded voice finishing the song--a very moving and honoring way to do Ronnie's song...
OMG , I'd be bawling if I saw that. 😭💔🎤🎼
Yes saw this too at a concert. They added hearts and candles with the deceased members names.
@@robinlanier6886 I totally am😢
I wonder if it's actually Ronnie's hat
I had the privilege of meeting Artimus last month.. He was eager to sign autographs and take pictures.. He didn't charge a dime and he gave credit to Ronnie Van Zant for him being where he is now.. Artimus is a true legend and a fantastic human.. When he signed autographs for me he put RVZ thanks brother... I saw lynyrd skynyrd back in May they still sounded great but in my opinion the drummer did not do the band justice
Artimus sucks
@@floydfletcher4313 so does your mom.
I mean, guys look it up, the reason why he doesn’t get any work is because he’s a registered sex offender. He molested a 12 year old back in 93, plead guilty to it.
@@nickrandles1102 no he didnt, it was his crazy girlfriend who lied to steal all his stuff, it was a giant mess, the girls he was accused of molesting were his daughters who she got to testify against him even though they were kids. He didnt do anything but probably the real reason he wasnt allowed back in LS is cause he plead no contest, he was out of money and facing life if he lost so he had no choice.
@@joejones9520 you’re right, since I made this comment 7 months ago I looked more into it because I didn’t want to believe it. Apparently his daughter had his back and said he didn’t do anything at all. Something definitely stinks with that situation
Mr Ed King is a class act. To omit the guy (who wrote one of the most iconic songs in music history) to rejoin for a reunion is petty and childish. They are a mere tribute band now. May all the members who have passed on R.I.P., although they haven't yet because of the drama that still continues. Rest in peace Ed King 🎸🎸🎸
@30:55 Yeah what he said was great! Very funny. Collins and little Van Zant seem creepy like trumpers.
@@UberLummox ok baby shaker! Gtfoh!
@@AtavisticPlatypus Too bad, trumper. The hate of King Con Dementia Dawn is VERY warranted.
Can't believe he asked Ed if he was fired for not playing good. Ed is an excellent Guitar God to the last day
The 2018 documentary titled If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd Ed talks about how he had to play a second night without new strings and he broke two of them and after the show Ronnie was riding him and told him he was no better then a pimple on Gary's ass and so he packed up his stuff that night and left the next day.
Ed left because Ronnie was borderline insane at that point and taking it out on Ed. He left for self-preservation.
Ed was not fired. He left, without a word - just walked out. Right after a crazy incident with RVZ. Ed made the right move!
Coming from a black man... I love Lynyrd Skynyrd💯😉
Color of physical skin doesn't matter brother....we are all the same in the spirit world with Yeshua!
@Lebo leigh Leigh LMFAO
Color dont mean anything when it comes to skynyrd music. They are just as much at home in some juke joint in missippi, as they are on some big rock stage show. Thats a fact.
Bubba, you are 1 of the few that actually "get it." My hats off to you man. 👍👍
The music, the sound, the playin' style, and rebel flag are nothing but pure L.S.....
People try to brainwash others by saying that by using a rebel flag in the show was declaring some racial b.s., but it ain't, it's just "southern rock".
We're all free-birds.
Hells yeah, brother man!
Met Billy Powell before he past away. One of nicest guys who will ever meet
I just loved him to pieces. Gone way too soon as well. 😢🎹🤟🏻💐🌟🕊💔💯🌺
Saw Lynyrd Skynyrd first October 1976 and twice when they regrouped. Ronnie and Steve were as good as it gets
In 1988 I was living in Jacksonville and I went to the Tribute concert and after the concert the ladies in the Band came into the bar I worked & looked for a bartender Carolyn Burns who was married to the first drummer of Lynyrd Skynyrd and she was off that night but it touched my heart to be able to get to see these ladies & they not realizing how much their voices and that music of Lynyrd Skynyrd meant to me. I was 19. RIP ŁŠ❤️🎶🤟🙏🎩
I knew almost nothing about Bob Burns but I didn't realize Marsha was his second wife.
Ed King was a very nice guy, very kind. So sad he passed away.
Ed, Allen nor Leon never had a bad thing to say about anyone, yet Ed was an outcast. Ed lived a HAPPY life and that's more important. REST BYRD HEADS, REST
Would there have been Pronounced or Second Helping even Nutin Fancy without Ed King?
@@bachvon Ed King was Sweet Home Alabama. He contributed a lot to the band.
VanZant in a drunken rage put a broken lamp to Ed Kings throat and told him he wasn't "As a pimple on Allen Collin's ass." Ed King packed his bags and left the bad that night.
Ed King was clearly ALOT better than the other drunk's but they were good also just no Ed King AKA Cali boy
RIP ED KING.
Ed was probably the best pure musician LS ever had.
Miss them all only one left
@@joshg2350 He definitely was the smartest by leaving them. No one likes having to fight those who are supposed to be friends and brothers. Not only by words but fists too as they became mean people when they got drunk on the whiskey, this is documented fact. This has nothing to do about redneck philosophy either as I've seen whiskey change behavior in different people from all over the country. Sad ending regardless. Such talent gone.
He still never got that call, pisses me off
This was a hit piece that I'm sure none of the band was aware of when agreeing to these interviews.
If it's the same Jake Tapper from.cnn now than that doesn't surprise me cuz he's a scumbag from way back
Jake Tapper was a dick tnen like he is now.
Media: enemies of the people.
What...Speaking Truth?
it was sick. i like to remember my heroes @@RichBudski
As a drummer, just from the videos I've seen of artimus playing in the last 15 years, there's nothing wrong with his drumming. It definitely goes deeper than "his drumming was getting bad"
Gary never liked Artemis in the original Skynyrd incarnation. Allegedly, because Artemis was a vegetarian. I don't know.
@@RachelWeepingArtemis was a health nut. He never pushed that on the band. Artie loved the music. Gary loved the power. Judy loved the money.
Skynyrd is not a group of stagnant individuals. it's a spirit that grew from a dream to a legend. The fighting, love, scars and family is the vessel that rides across the sky, the freebird. If you are not a fan, then that disqualifies you from telling their story because you wouldn't understand their story.
awesome comment right here
Forgive and forget! Bygones be bygones! It's to late now! Ronnie would be pissed at this crap. RIP RVZ!
My mama always said “If you can’t say something nice about a person, say nothing” Come on guys; Time to lay Skynyrd to rest! The Best band ever is sliding fast. Nowhere to go but down and this hurts coming from a 67 year old South Georgia boy.
I like when Ed King said, ' Im a great player". No Ed you were the greatest guitar picker that ever played with Skynyrd.
Allen Collins would like a word...
@@coltallgood4764 He was probably to busy drinking and I have to admit they were all better than me but Ed King was the best!
@@wildestcowboy2668 All 100% better than me too!
@@coltallgood4764 Steve Gaines would too
14:23 the most powerful member of Lynyrd Skynyrd died in the plane crash in 77. They lost their boss and have descended into chaos ever since.
I totally agree . 😢
Without Ronnie, there is no Skynyrd. Period. End of story.
Ronnie van Zant was the vision of this band and if he was still alive all this shitt wouldn't have been💯
No shit, Ronnie would not have put up with any of this belly-aching BS.
Ronnie not only wrote most of the songs he was the band leader, had discipline and was regimented and ran the band like a baseball team. He also had grit and was tough didn’t put up with any bullshit. Having a concert at the crash site where Ronnie, Steve, Cassie and others died would just be reverent and wrong.
Most of the song credits go to Ronnie and Allen or Ronnie and Gary, not Ronnie alone. Just saying.
Ronnie came up with the lyrics but he never wrote anything down at least not right away. The rest of the music was an individual and band effort .
@thelastrebelshow1627 Truthfully, he collaborated with Allen and Gary on the lyrics of many of the songs they wrote. It was what it was.
I AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT HAVING A REUNION CONCERT @ THE PLANE CRASH SITE I CAN STILL REMEMBER WHEN IT HAPPENED & I STILL FEEL HEARTACHE EVERYTIME I HEAR ONE OF THEIR SONGS I COULDN'T IMAGINE ANY ORIGINAL MEMBER OR LIFELONG FAN THAT WOULD WILLINGLY EVEN GO TO THAT PLACE . IT'S LIKE I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE WEAR CROSSES ON NECKLACES & HOW THEY WORSHIP THE CROSS , ETC. "ALLEGEDLY" JESUS WAS NAILED TO A CROSS , TORTURED AND DIED A HORRIFIC DEATH ON THAT CROSS , SO WHY WOULD ANYONE WORSHIP A CROSS AND/OR CONSTANTLY WEAR ONE ? I JUST THOUGHT ABOUT THAT AFTER THINKING ABOUT SKYNYRD PLAYING AT THE CRASH SITE. IT WOULD BE LIKE (HYPOTHETICALLY SPEAKING) SOMEONE THAT I LOVED N CARED FOR DEEPLY DIED IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH & THE CAR WAS MANGLED YET I NOT ONLY CHOOSE TO KEEP THE CAR , I ALSO HAVE IN DISPLAYED ON MY FRONT YARD & I WORSHIP IT.....OR BRING THE FAMILY TOGETHER & THROW A PARTY AT THE CRASH SITE. JUST LOOKING AT THE IDEA FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES AND NONE SPELL THAT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA NOT TO MENTION MORALLY/ETHICALLY WRONG. (SORRY ALL CAPS AS IAM LEGALLY BLIND)
Ronnie couldn't write any music , only lyrics ....... Which he was a poet
RIP Gary Rossington.
Sadly, the last surviving original member of Skynyrd Gary Rossington, passed away. Gary played the slide guitar on the opening to “Free Bird”, one of the most iconic instrumental performances in Rock music!
Artimus Pyle is still alive ??
@@ClintTimms Pyle never joined until their 3rd album.
@@ClintTimms .. who cares?
@@avolite719 Tbh, not me. I don't really care for Skynyrd. My parents were huge fans. At the urging of my mom (and dad I suppose) I learned Simple Man and Sweet Home on guitar, so I mean, I guess there's that. To be honest, the music is alright to me. I think Skynyrd is unfairly gets attributed to the American South. The music is so-so if you ask me.
I was much more into Allman Brothers Band, if we're talking music from the American South.. I think they'd be more considered "jam," anyway. Nevermind they toured well into my adult years with various lineups.
Who cares, though? Well, I imagine Artimus Pyle would, being that (at least according to Google) he ain't dead and he is indeed an original member, at least according to the verbiage in that contract (again, at least according to this documentary)
@@ClintTimms Bob Burns was the original drummer and one of the founding members of the band. Artimus came after burns left in 74.
I idolized this band from age 12, after a friend and I snuck out of her bedroom window, jumped into a neighbor's VW Bug and drove 30 miles to Macon, GA, to see Skynyrd live at the Macon Coliseum on September 21, 1973. My very first concert that will always be a night I'll never forget. Four years later, I remember walking into my Commercial Art class in high school hearing about the plane crash. It felt like I'd lost my own family members. For decades since, I've prayed they would all stop this stupid bickering, instead I've seen them pass away one after another, holding on to pointless anger. Hopefully, by some miracle before Gary and Artimus die, we will see them make peace in honor of the music and the lives of those lost. The music changed my life and to this day, has helped me through difficult times. Their anger and bitterness has casted a dark ugly cloud over the music, which should be a beautiful heavenly brilliant blue sky with huge white puffy clouds kind of day. Only these two have the power to choose peace for themselves, their families and fans like myself. I hope I live to see that happen.
I agree with you. Fortunately for us they all got along long enough to make music that will impact lives for years to come. Skynyrd died Oct 1977 and no band has come close to what they had. Not even the Skynyrd you see on stage today. RIP RVZ
RC Crawler Workbench
Skynyrd without Ronnie fucking stinks and always has.
Natalie Davis wow! !! I'd love to hear more of your story. ....I was born in 1973. ....January the 15th. .....same day as Ronnie. .. . I have allways loved this "original skynyrd "......since I was 15. .....I'm 44 now. I only listen to Ronnie n his mules. ....I just can't listen to the cover band. .......just can't. ...Ronnie will always have my heart. .....I was born in the wrong generation. .......Ronnie was supposed to be with me! !!!♡
Natalie Davis you've got to tell me about your experience with "anything to do with Ronnie "....... please. ....omg I was born in 73. ...n I've loved him since I was. .....a lil girl. .. sooo much more too me . ....the older I get. ...the more I relate to them!!!!!! Ronnie is my most favorite man. ...2nd to my dad n son. ...3rd. ..Ronnie. ..father /son/holy spirit. .....LOVE YOU RONNIE! !#! Johnny knows he'll never come close to Ronnie n respects him. ... for that he's ok with me!!! I love Ronnie sooo much. ..... ♡ I just can't explain it! !!
Natalie... You are beautiful ... Inside and out !
Saw them in 77' and remember exactly where I was when I heard about the crash. Jake Tapper is a condescending hack.
I thought it was pretty fucked up for Jake to call Gene Odom a cling on. Gene was buds with Ronnie before the band
I think you are prejudiced against jake tapper because you are in the dump cult. Lighten up
I still recall where I was as well.
I pray you’re resting in peace Ronnie! You are missed!😢
Seeing that clip of Allen getting wheeled out in a wheelchair onstage almost made me cry.
Before you cry for Allen you should know he killed his girlfriend in that crash due to intoxication so at least he lived. I feel bad for the girlfriend cause she died
@@opticscolossalandepicvideo4879 She was driving not artemis
Ed seems like he has got his head screwed on tight, he don't want nada to do with the drama. Hats off to you Ed for being a gentleman in this whole fiasco.
Walter Sobchak a friend of mine goes to his house a lot you can see on Instagram @tcarrollmusic_
Dom Mullica Thanks, will check that out.
ed is a great guitar player, and if you don't believe me, just ask him
A gentalman
Ed grew up in Glendale/La Cresenta Calif(LA), great guitar player and nice man.I find it rather cool that a native Southern Californian co wrote Sweet Home Alabama.That is his guitar into riff..
I saw Lynard Skynyrd at the Lakeland Civic Center that October, 2 days before their crash! I was 16 and totally devastated when I had heard on the radio their plane had gone down! I was so happy when the Rossington Collins Band album came out in 1980! And I bought it! I was thrilled that the surving members had done this album! I wanted to hear more from them! But I am hurt to here how this one time family from Jacksonville, Florida are treating each other!
I still have my copy of the Rossington Collins Band on vinyl. Never selling that one.
They did a second album, I think it's called "This is the Way", but it wasn't as good, tho I did see them both years they toured, and they were great. They did Freebird without vocals, and it was powerful
Yeah when there a little money to split, it'll be a fight.
I still have my Rossington Collins vinyl !!! ❤❤❤
How bout dat?
If it was a mess 20 years ago when this video was made what does that make it today now that Gary has passed (R.I.P) and there is now NO original members in the band?
I will just listen to the original stuff and leave it there. I grew up on this,you can't change that.
Right... There first 2 albums and 'One More From the Road' album were top-tier. Let it stay there and let them have their fun but Skynyrd they are not.
I've watched both documentary's and it breaks my heart that it all comes down to the unability to move on! Lynyrd Skynyrd was an awesome band you people need to forgive and forget you are not going to live forever
And now the last original member (Gary) just passed. Arty came on in '75 with Ronnie so I guess you say Arty has a claim as the last 70's original member still alive.
I prefer to remember Lynyrd Skynyrd as the awesome southern rock band they were before the plane crash and all the B.S. crap after that. R.I.P. and thank you for all the awesome memories from your songs from the 70s.
After all of these years that have gone by, this vid has brought back many great memories of seeing the band back in the 70's and so sad to see the tragedy that happened and what the band members went through. Long Live Skynyrd
This band defined the term " Southern Rock " !!! They led the way for others to follow..
I think it's already been established that Rossington is a fool. Listen to the song "That Smell" to get the full details. Ronnie let us know way back then hahahaha
the band ended on October 20, 1977. period.
😮Not for the Fans dont forget that! you saw it how the Fans need the Lynyrd Skynyrd Musik the 1987 Reunion!
And Tribute Tour.
I don’t enjoy hearing Johnny sing any of the songs because they’re just not the same. Although he also has a great voice, it’s not the same . I’ve heard the songs played too much on the radio. But they’re still genius and beautiful songs . I still appreciate them regardless of hearing them played non stop here in the south. I especially appreciate them now that I know more about the band . And the fact that Ronnie didn’t write down his lyrics. Having been around bands a lot , I know what a talent that is . All members of Lynyrd Skynyrd are very talented. Even the live recordings in documentaries sound so tight and perfect. ❤️
I don’t like listening to him singing Ronnies songs either.
@@jaray7710 better that the brother do the job than some hired singer
i used to look at gary like a perfect human..but he lost a lot of cred when he threw artimus under the bus..farmer backed up artimus, story making everything gary says up for debate.. R.I.P RVZ
True .. Rossington sounded like a rebumpkin for sure there.
yeah he was saying artimus didn't help save them. Nobody knew at the time when the plane went down that they were gonna be saved by some locals. That's all hindsight. Gary should know better.
Id still like to meet him and get his autograph. He is a legend.
They're all gone now, except Gary. Does he think about that often? Does he miss them? All of them? Does he remember conversations and shows and press appearances from years ago? Is he haunted by any? Does he regret never forgiving or reconnecting with Artimus and Ed?
Artimus is still alive
I love artimus. Poor dude, He’s genuine and I feel he would give you the shirt off his back. The nice guy always gets the short end of the stick.
Dave E, wow I googled Atticus Pyle chomo and he admitted to molesting 2 sisters, ages 4 and 8!! He paid his way out of going to prison and only got 8 years of probation on something that should have gotten him life, it said 1993 was when he was put on probation, so it probably occurred while he was still with the band in 1990 or 1991.
@@johnnyc.8256 He admitted it as in "made a deal" with the prosecution and pleaded guilty, but he has denied it ever since and multiple times. I really dont know what to make of the guy.
alfredon, I don’t know what to make of him either, now I find out that some people are saying his ex wife set him up, idk. If he did do it he needs to be punished a lot worse than just probation and if he didn’t do it then he needs to be cleared of all charges. I’m trying my best to do some background research on people and not to be in such a rush to pre judge everyone., thanks for making me take a deeper look into this.
johnny c. This interview shows him with some child in a van going to see the dolphins with this reporter. If you believe what you see then that’s it right there. The other band members sure don’t want him around. If this is true I wonder what they know? Could that be why really or partly.
@@joannmaracle2672, it very well could be why they don't want him around and why he's not fighting it. Because he would be losing alot of money by not being in the band and it is in the the contract for him as one of the original members of the band to not be kicked out like that. I believe it actually could be some sort of agreement he has with the band legally, for them to never mention it and for him to get some money out of the tours but for him to not try legally to get back with the band or for more money. As much as the band seems to dislike him there has got to be more of a reason than him playing a little slow sometimes for them to kick him out of the band like that and to never talk to him ever. Also as much as they seem to dislike him, they never mentioned not one time anything about his conviction of being a child molester. Usually if someone really doesn't like you they will use the most hurtful things they can find to say about you.
This guy jake tappers a real arse !
I b first in line to give praise n' respect towards the great SKYNYRD band BUT ... this video does 'not' n' falls short with many discrepancies thruout and instead talks em down.
As far as this vids concerned … it pretty much sux !
So blessed to catch em during a 3-day Southern Rock Tour celebration (Tulsa State Fairgrounds) with 'LS' as headliner back in the summer of '77 - rebel hell yea ... n' 7x's over the past years up in Pa. w/ DP !
In memorium to Ed King and those that lost their lives n' present that most miserable day from hell
*** 19 RIP 77 ~ ALL R SO MISSED ***
That guy singing Workin for MCA that thought Billy & Artimus were brothers was really the cream of the crop.
Real genius right? I thought the same thing. Like of all the people to interview...
What a dumb butt he was
He seriously thinks Powell and Pyle are the same name
@@haileyshannon7548 It might with a real Southern accent.
Ed King seems like a really good guy. I'm glad his recent heart transplant worked out great for him. He STILL picks a guitar like no one else on earth!
WOW , heart transplant! 😮 RIP Ed and yes, you were a damn good guitar player. 🎸🤟🏻💐💔🕊🙏🏻
Skynyrd is nothing but a tribute band!! That's it!!
Imagine the grief in the Gaines family they lost two that day
I am a 66 year old "Southern Man" from New Orleans. No doubt my favorite band is LYNYRD SKYNRD, the favorite band of all Southern Men and Women right? I was Blessed to have the experience of seeing SKYNYRD two or three times. Ronnie and the band are in Heaven looking down on all of us, but they never met us, but we love them dearly. Back in the late sixties early seventies SKYNYRD rehearse at "Hell HOUSE "in Green cove springs south of Jacksonville. My sister lived in a little town 25mi West of the springs call Stark, I would go to Stark every year and stay for months and visit every year. I did not know how close I was to the hottest band in all of our lives! Until it was to late
The idea of a concert on the site of the crash is just morbid weird and sick
Why? we make pilgrimages to New York to see the place where nearly 3000 people lost their lives one cool crisp September morning in 2001, and we do it by the millions. its the # 1 top tourist destination in America for domestic and international tourists... its how we honor our distinguished dead... we build monuments and celebrate their lives.
yes, but we Don't get paid to go there! we do it to Honour the memory of the lost!
Someone is always getting paid, if not you, someone else. what do you have against getting paid for doing a job or providing a service anyway?
i dont think so.....I love that idea.....Feeling the spirits in there presence would be awesome show but im a big paranormal fan so dont mind me...I will always love this band and the past players
I took a shit on the crash site.
With all due respect to Gary Rossington, I think he's full of it when he says that Artimus didn't go for help. Johnny Mote corroborates that Artimus did.
It was just a statement to hurt Artemus. Mission accomplished. Goodness, Ronnie again proved he had it figured out with Don't As Me No Questions.
It makes no sense at all. What other motivations would there be? Staying at the scene, with no medical personnel present would not be helpful. Being in better condition than others, where else would he be going, what other intention would he have, but to seek help? Help was already on the way, but he didn't know that, and I'm sure he was in a state of shock. If no one had known, waiting would have been critical for those severely injured. Mote saw his distress, I believe him. Imo Gary was being vindictive and harsh to say the least. Sad. Tragic. Peace.✌
Gary was just being a dick by saying that.
O my dudes it goes much deeper than even that with these southern boys jealousy, envy, fear of Ronnie being the boss man who’s going to be in the band and who aient and Love it’s all so confusing for everyone. I think Ronnie would not like to see all the fighting going on between them and lies to cover up the hurt. They should all try to get along realize life’s short. They were the best band when Ronnie was there and they were together. Anyone know who is offering this $100,000.00 for them to play at the crash site?
@@joannmaracle2672 MCA!
CNN was so impressed by Tapper's advanced trouble making abilities they gave him a show of his own
That's right. Stir up some good trouble
Artimus Pyle I saw you in 1975 in Pittsburgh Pa. I will never forget that show you guys were truly Southern gentleman [ a little high but we all were in the ''70's''] Miss all of you guys playing together. Billy and Johnny both are true gentlemen. R.I.P. Billy
The only decent band member left is Ed King. A very genuine human being who's always eager to share stories and sign an autograph for someone. The rest have just got too caught up in the money and old grudges.
+Freedom's Tavern Yep, I follow him on Facebook. pretty humorous guy too.
+Freedom's Tavern ...When was this filmed? Just Gary Rossington's left now & he's in bad shape. Some bad health problems. LS not touring right now. The rest are dead (original members). B Powell dIed recently. Artemus gone. Leon Wilkerson dead. Bob Burns just died. (Only a true fan would know him) Ed King's not in the band currently. (See Wiki for current members) So who's caught up in the money & grudges nowadays? Tell us.You need to rephrase that. A lot of this film is old.
+TheBigjohn527 Also, it was always a mystery to me as to why LS didn't let Ed back in circa 1996. The man had congestive heart failure, healed up, got better etc but - what happened? Although his replacement wasn't bad - do the initials HT ring a bell?
+TheBigjohn527
Are you kidding? Hell, they can't even keep replacement members. Sorry, but the new Skynyrd isn't Skynyrd---it all ended in 1977.
Well, I agree that it can never be as it was, but it is still a really great band and they do carry the torch very well.
Ronnie was the man..He WAS Lynyrd Skynyrd!
Bullshit
Artemis Pyle made the signature sound and feel of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Now that everyone else is dead, Artemis should be in the lineup of the Skynyrd band.
What? He wasn't even on the first and second albums and the sound was established.
@@tiborosz1825 Watch Bob and Artemis play side by side and you tell me who is the better drummer. th-cam.com/video/T-nSTdf8TZc/w-d-xo.html Hands down it is Artemis. The live sound of Skynyrd in 1976 was the best they ever sounded and the feel of the band was better with Artermis.
I would never listen to Skynyrd until I was in my mid 20's. I realised how much I missed out, their kickass rock n roll, and the impact they had not just in the States, but around the world. Still dumbfounded how someone could be so evil as to defile Ronnie's gravesite. I was so in shock about that incident I actually shed a tear for his family. Ashame Artemis isn't a part of the band. Such an amazing talent. Ashame that people can put the past behind them and forgive one another. But as much as I respected the tribute band, to me, only the original would do for me. Just like AC/DC with Bon Scott. Nothing against Brian Johnson (and he's really the nicest guy in person), but Bon Scott was AC/DC. He had such a presence, and I loved his songwriting. But I've always told my children that truly great music is timeless. Fats Waller is another great example of a true entertainer. The orig Van Halen lineup was pure gold. So many too remember.
Ed King and the lead singer’s wife are the most normal of this group.
maybe they're the most normal because they weren't part of the plane crash. The other "misfits" went through hell that night. It's got to be really hard both mentally & physically to live life after such a tragedy.
Artimus Pyle comes off the best by far
can't watch anymore of this, I'll remember the band as I knew them when they were alive.....
Grief can explain a lot of this behavior. Unprocessed, unhealed grief.
And shock. A lot of the behavior at the time of the crash could be explained by shock
If Ronnie was here he’d be kicking azz
Lynyrd Skynyrd died October 20th, 1977. The end.
No joke
I agree
Same as Def Leppard died with Steve Clark.
Skynyrd died when Ronnie died
Their music lives on!
I lived through Lynyrd Skynyrd those are words of wisdom my friend
@syn schecter Air Force Pinhead you probably weren't even born so how the F do you know anything about it
You Sure Got That Right Along With Steve And Cassie
I Wouldn't Walk Across The Street To See The Fake Band And Ricky Is To Damm Good For The Band Wish He Had His Own Band Like When He Was In Blackfoot
Ed King was a phenomenal guitarist. I wish I could of had the pleasure of meeting him. It's ashamed what happened. Thanks for sharing.
Ed....you are a Great Guitarist and a Wonderful human being...were....you will always be known for that! I wish i had musicians and friends like you and Artimus...i am a guitarist of 57 years old...a good one and man i wish i could have played with you and Artimus!!! Friends and understanding...what else is there in life?
forget your lust, for the rich man's gold. all that you need is in your soul.
+walter myalls Pretty obvious who the punks are in this story.
"And be a Simple Kinda Man"!
Amen walter
That is my favorite of their songs
I have an old tape of T for Texas
Seems Jake Tapper was just trying to instigate more friction. “Gary said, Artimus said”...
It is sad they didn’t sit down and talk it out before Ed passed.
RIP Ed.
How you can make and say statement before Ed gonne ya tick Sam Power of Love and world baby
Sam Love say what?
He's a fucking asshole
He sounded like a gossiping old woman ..
Jake Tapper was practicing for CNN
Its funny how judy says its MORBID to do anything on the crash sight yet there she is at the crash sight doing the tribute !! That should tell you everything
30:24 "No, I'm a great guitar player". Of course he was but at least he didn't have no false modesty that's so prevalent amongst rock stars - and that's refreshing ! Lynyrd Skynyrd's best moments were with Ed King.
As I have stated on various Skynyrd you tube spots ~ any Lynyrd Skynyrd music is better than no Skynyrd music and I listen to the original band cd's in my car almost daily.
I shall never tire of Skynyrd music, here or in eternity, it is the perfect music to me.
fan in Kalamazoo, and I wish the original band had not been in a crash but all of the brothers of Ronnie VanZant can sing and all the band members are extremely talented then and now..
my thoughts and opinions, I like all of them .
+1besieged The post ronnie band is mostly just a "tribute" band though
Time moves on. Shit happens. People should enjoy what is left of the band for what it is like you are.
On October 20th, 1977...THE Lynyrd Skynyrd band ended with the death of RVZ. TRY to rest in peace Ronnie.
So very very sad to see how hurt feelings, unmet expectations, and unforgiveness affects every human being on planet earth.
Wouldn't it be the greatest thing to be truly FREE from all that!
Be reconciled today with those you love before it's to late...✌❤
EXCELLENT POINT MY FRIEND!❤
Gotta love the guy, who when told Pyle and Powell are two different names, asks "are you sure?".....Such an amazing band and story. But if you saw them after Al was present, you were seeing a Skynyrd tribute band.
Don't you find it odd that Leon was basically the only one who held no animosity toward anyone ? I never heard Leon say a bad or negative word. He was the peacekeeper and the one who stayed true to the legend that was Lynyrd Skynyrd
Leon was my hero as a kid.
I think Allen did to. The poor fucking guy had one bad thing after the next happen to him..... The drunk driving was his fault of course but by that point I think he was done with life.
He was a funny, postive jokester for sure.
I know it's three years since your post, but since you posted it, I agree with you about Leon, who was cool too look at, because no one knew what he was going to put on. Allen, oh Allen, he didn't have harsh words either.
Yes, Leon kind of reminds me of Randy Meisner back in the Eagles days when all the guys were carrying on the way they were with each other and he just kind of setback and tuned his base and stayed the hell out of the nonsense
A few take aways, IMO: Artimus Pyle SHOULD be back in the band, ever band has their issues, and finally -and most importantly- Jake Tapper is a consummate tool!
Yeah agree Tapper is a duche bag.
The word consummate in your statement was cut and all I saw was the c & the o. I thought you were going to say Jake Tapper is a cock sucker and I was going to agree
Now they are all gone. RIP Gary.
Ed King...class act.
I was attending the CDB concert the night the FREEBIRD went down in St. Louis Missouri and attended the ten year reunion tour. Was a sad day to say the least in that faithful day in 77. SKYNYRD FAN FOR LIFE
I've loved Lynyrd Skynyrd all my life; even in the womb I was hearing their beautiful music- my mom was and is a huge fan. Unfortunately I never got to see the Ronnie, Allen, and the original gang play together (mom did) but I was grateful to have gotten to see what remained of Skynyrd with Johnny Van Zant back in 2001 in Evansville Indiana. It was my first and only concert I've ever attended and I had the time of my life and will forever cherish the memory along with my love for my favorite band of all time, Lynyrd Skynyrd. May those that have passed rest in peace and the few that remain find some measure of peace and comfort despite the greed of others, for someday we all will have to face judgement for what we've done in this life. While the entire cumulative story of all that is Skynyrd is a forever tragic one on many levels, my heart always hurt most for poor Allen Collins. That man went thru more hell than most of us will ever be able to comprehend and those that remain that are tangled up in conflict and greed should stop and really think about that, think about what Ronnie would say. God bless Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Beautifully said .
I saw them play in Statesboro, Ga as a freshman at Georgia Southern. It was October 1977. I had never heard of the band and I wasn’t going to go but my roommate had an extra ticket so I went. I cried as I was so moved by the music. Yes, I am a southerner man through and through. I am so glad I changed my man.
I tell you what would have been a perfect theme song for this entire documentary. Ronnie Van Zant wrote a song called "Trust" back in 1971, that was kind of a premonition to all the backstabbing that came later, and represented the philosophy of the lack of trust that he had toward his own friends even in those days.
Yeah it's what it was back then.
I agree. 'Trust' was prophetic.
Lynyrd Skynyrd personified the Southern Rock Sound. Us Northern folks love Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, Black Oak Arkansas, Black Foot, Charlie Daniels Band, The Outlaws, & Marshal Tucker Band. Every day.
I live 3 minutes from all the boys where they’re buried from lynyrd skynyrd. Love hanging with them and having a beer
As much as I love this band, they ALL need to GROW UP.
So glad you posted this! I lost my VHS of this from when it first aired. I believe the band members were VERY angry at their portrayal in this doc and wouldn't allow VH1 to re-broadcast it. Really shows the ugly side of the music business indeed! Thanks again!!
Glad to see where Tapper started chasing ambulances
Saw a TH-cam metal detector go to the crash site about a year ago and found some of the gauges from the plane. I think Artemus got a raw deal. Yeah maybe they would have found the plane and help was on its way, but at that very moment nobody knew that. He was the only who went out for help.
No, Artimus, Ken Peden and Mark Frank all 3 went together for help. They ended up at at the home of Johnny and Brenda Mote's home. Brenda (pregnant) drove all 3 to the hospital that night on Oct. 20th.
Artimus to me seems the most believable of them all. He might be a bit kooky but still comes off as the best person involved.
I ran production for his band at a show just recently and I agree. When you get to talk with him in person he comes across as a real good guy. I'm a pretty good judge of character and I would say my impressions of him are he is an honest person.
Who cares? As my dad once told me. When it comes to family like situations. Who isn't screwed up? These are survivors of a plane crash. I saw this band 2x in 1975. They kicked ass when on stage. Let us leave it at that
Marc Sawatzki They were ok on stage at best and without Allen who looked like he belonged in a metal band, they would have been nothing much to see. He was a great guitarist. Of course until Van Halen came along in '78 and blew the roof off the rock world. EVH redefined and revolutionized guitar playing for generations to come. I saw them the first time as a warmup band for Black Sabbath. That was a rock show!
It's always the drummer who gets fucked....trust me I know. Gary is obviously not very believable especially when he's in cahoots with a typical Yoko...I don't believe him one bit.
@@jimgodofbiscuits FU(K EVH!!! I had that Turd---at least the guy who was teaching me the beginnings on guitar was an EVH Freak, I always hated them, No EVH was great in his genre. At best for the 1980's, Personally he's Fu(king Boring. Clapton is Still GOD!!!
play on the site of the crash is total and utter tasteless and disgraceful and a total cash grab by Gary and the band. Good on Judy for stepping in and pulling the name of LS from this tasteless event....WOW!!!!....NO RESPECT FOR THOSE THAT DIED IN THAT PLANE CRASH
@ Les Moore
FYI, Rossington was dead set against this absurdity from the beginning. Pyle on the other hand would play the crash site from the back of a dueuce and a half and sell bags of dirt if he could profit.
When Ronnie Van Zant died Lynyrd Skynyrd died PERIOD THE END.
I hate it when family members want to kill the music because their family member died. Can’t they see the music’s bigger than any person? To get to see the music performed live by surviving members is a gift immeasurable in value and can literally save lives to feel the live energy and be a part of the legend that carries on. But Artemis and Ed should be included because they legit have something to offer- authenticity ~
All about whu is boss.
I'm from south Louisiana and grew with this music 🎵....
Miss the Baton Rouge show behind crash.
You got that right!
I can't really agree with you, although I understand your point.
Artimus has a HUGE friggin heart, man.
He does, but he also thinks he was a bigger part of the picture than he was.
*****
Hey man, fair enough, but we just disagree. I think Artimus is definitely a BETTER DRUMMER than Bob, true. More capable, better chops, sound, etc. But Bob was a far better drummer FOR SKYNYRD. Artimus played really stiff, too on top of the beat, and WAY too busy, all this "look at me" stuff. Bob just played the song, and had an easy, laid-back groove that fit the boogie of the music better, in my opinion. He knew his role...support the song. For the record, I'm a professional drummer, so it's kinda my department, heh, heh. Anyways, I like Artimus, I really do. I just think he sees his role in it all as way more important than it was.
You may like him I don't
artimus is a fucking liar. saying he was shot. he was never shot.
He may have lied about that. True. BUT ... the fact remains. We know for a fact that Artimus WAS IN FACT running for help. The man/farmer has no reason to lie about that... Gary and the rest do have a reason.
Greedy Rossingtin even looks like Gene simmons little brother.
How about Gene saying Ronnie told him to not trust Rossington? Gary sounds like a rebumpkin!
@Yuri Nameem Gary may not be likeable. Or maybe he's the nicest guy in the world. I don't KNIW the man, but he's a hell of a guitar player.
Man, probably the greatest RR band of all time IMO and about the saddest ending conceivable. Hopeful they all make up in the great hereafter. In the meantime I’m still cranking ‘Call me the Breeze’ up to 11. Rock on boys
This guy has a lot of nerve referring to Gene as a clinger. Gene was Ronnie's best friend from boyhood, and was in the plane crash himself. He has done as much as he can to protect and help Ronnie's estate from being screwed over by the cover band that is "Lynyrd Skynyrd" ....- L