Artimus Pyle played drums in Lynyrd Skynyrd with original frontman (and band founder) Ronnie Van Zant, and Artimus survived the tragic plane crash that took Ronnie’s life at the height of Skynyrd’s popularity almost 42-years ago to the day. Artimus relives that fateful October day in 1977, and details both the circumstances leading up to it, and the events that immediately followed. He remembers the bandmates and friends lost, and explains why no one should have survived that crash. He also recalls his first introduction to Ronnie, his own audition, and his first live gig with the Skynyrd. Artimus is talking songwriting, performing, the big Skynyrd reunion, the reasons he quick the reunion line-up of Skynyrd, and the importance of honoring Ronnie’s legacy and music.
Artimus Pyle played drums in Lynyrd Skynyrd with original frontman (and band founder) Ronnie Van Zant, and Artimus survived the tragic plane crash that took Ronnie’s life at the height of Skynyrd’s popularity almost 42-years ago to the day. Artimus relives that fateful October day in 1977, and details both the circumstances leading up to it, and the events that immediately followed. He remembers the bandmates and friends lost, and explains why no one should have survived that crash. He also recalls his first introduction to Ronnie, his own audition, and his first live gig with the Skynyrd. Artimus is talking songwriting, performing, the big Skynyrd reunion, the reasons he quick the reunion line-up of Skynyrd, and the importance of honoring Ronnie’s legacy and music.