ARTIMUS PYLE INTERVIEW - 24 October 1977 (4 Days After The Plane Crash) 

a good marine who didn't shut down in a crisis and admirably sought help for his injured friends.

Artemus Pyle is a man of tremendous inner strength and faith to be able to talk about the crash so soon afterwards.

I met Artimus a few years ago working back stage, and he is such a gentleman, he was carrying his own gear and setting things up, he really works hard to bring the music to everyone. At the first break me and a friend asked him about the crash and he still misses the ppl he lost that day. He really is a prince of a fellow.

Crazy how he was actually able to compose himself and talk about this.

Artimus Pyle is an absolute top notch, class-A gentleman and although this had to be a difficult interview for him, he spoke absolute truth I believe and gave so much credit to the people in and around the crash area. When he realized he survived, going for help for his friends and band mates was his mission and he accomplished this mission. Artimus Pyle, you sir are a fine gentleman!

I was a freshman in HS, hanging out with friends when we heard the news. Artemus has taken a lot of attacks, but here he is, less than 4 full days after it happened, giving a composed interview, NOT playing the Hero. The young man was still in shock. You could hear it & hear his voice start to crack in places. He had tremendous respect for Ronnie, & loved his friends. He did what needed to be done, a true Marine. He ran and found help. Then he led them back. That is what Heroes do, Now Artemus is the last crash survivor, still trying to do the right thing, and make Ronnie proud. God Bless him, long live LS !!!

Artimus and Ed were the mature ones in the band.

Lynyrd Skynyrd died that day but THEIR music lives on …

As a 27 yr veteran in the life saving business (Firefighter-Paramedic), I can pretty much say that I have 'seen it all' and one thing I can't fathom is how some victims like Artimus, Gary, Billy, Allen, Leon and Leslie and the rest can even think about going on. It's amazing. Thank you Artimus for sharing your story. The Freebird may have fallen, but it will never be kept down.

I can't imagine reliving and answering these questions only four days after the crash...

The greatest American rock band ever.

I believe his Marine Corps training kicked in and also attributed to his survival skills helped save the others. I love Artimus and this interview confirms what I have believed about the rescue all these years later. It truly is a miracle he survived

This guy was a United States Marine during the Vietnam War and was in probably imo one of the worst environments in history to fight in.

It is incredible how he walked away and was able to get help. A miracle, there is no other way to classify it. Another crew member said in the middle of all the terrifying chaos after the crash Artimus told him to “touch a tree and it will give you energy” so he’d have the energy to survive the crash. This might sound corny, but I can’t help but feel like somehow Artimus’ deep respect for all life and nature manifested some kind of protective energy field around him and possibly others on the plane. It’s a miracle anyone survived considering they went into trees, it makes no sense anyone survived when you see the wreckage. God Bless him and all the survivors and all those who were lost that day.

Rocker, US Marine, American Legend!

One of the greatest drummers of all time. Rock on Artimus.❤

Artimus was one of the humblest down to earth people I've ever met. God Bless you brother!

His voice sounds so soulful and soft spoken love this artimus !

Great interview. Artimus was very open about the plane crash. I could hear the hurt that he felt about losing his friends in his voice.😢

This was a very well done interview. Journalistic professionalism at its finest. No hyperbole, no sensationalism, just questions and answers. Rest in Peace to the members of the band who were lost then and since.

So many stories surrounding this. I believe Artimus was a hero.

I think the interviewer did a really good job with such a recent raw event. The way he gently coaxed out threads of the story from Artemis was class. And that Artemis was able to be able to think clearly and recall the tragic events. He sounds like a very intelligent bloke. A mate of my Dad introduced me to LS, he was an Australian Vietnam Vet, he told me about the accident and that the drummer was a Marine/Special Forces?? My Dads mate was SAS and I think he respected how Artemis Assessed the situation helped his mates, and got out and searched for help for his mates. I think he saw that as what you’d do in war. I dig hearing his stories and really appreciate the music he introduced me too. I miss him, so does my old man too, it’s hard losing your best mate, I’ve had it happen to me, you don’t get over it. Hearing Artemis talking about losing his mates is sad to hear. Even all these years later. I really like hearing stories from people who know or have met him, and how cool and fairdinkum he sounds. That adds to my appreciation of him and LS. Stay safe, cheers from Australia

The day the music died for LS. Anything played under the LS name after was merely a tribute band. Some guys you just can't replace. Great upload btw thnx.

I’m glad I listened to this. Gary has tried to belittle and twist things that Artimus said after the crash and this answers a lot of that… Every interview that I have heard, Artimus has been humble…

I played with a tribute band “Tuesdays Gone “ for about 6 years. 2 memories I can share. Played in Greenville SC on the anniversary of the crash and met a few folks that were at the original last show. Watching the the people with eyes closed remembering was heavy. I’ll never forget it. Also Artimus played Free Bird with us in Atlantic City. It’s amazing how it sounded like One More for the Road. The style was evident and unmistakable . That’s all I got. Cheers 🍻

😲 WOW!! What a gorgeous man!! I don't care if he's older now, he's just heavenly ❤️❤️❤️. Such a sad, sad day 😢 I'm thankful that those that lived were able to get through this and moved on. My heart goes out to everyone that lost their lives in this great legendary rock and roll group. May everyone involved and the many family and friends remember that Lynyrd Skynyrd will live on forever in our memories 🙏🙏🙏

i know a lot of people hate Artemis for what he's said about the crash over the years, but i cut him some slack because I've survived a few car crashes and i know how it is to try and speak and think clearly after. concussions weren't taken that seriously back then. God Bless Lynyrd Skynyrd and the souls lost that day. And bless the survivors Gary and Art.

I had recently bought "street survivors" and I was so saddened by this terrible tragedy. The lyrics and songs will never be duplicated. Absolutely perfect group .

He sounds intelligent. I associate long haired rock musicians with drugs, but I believe this man when he said he was sober and intended to stay so because of his role in the crash. He’s a Marine, and that is a good man to have with you when you’re wrecked in the woods in the dark and who knows where they were located.

Good on Artimus. He has taken a lot of slack and he was only one who never lost consciousness and he did not throw th people who rescued them under the bus.

“Lynyrd Skynyrd died in that plane crash.” So much truth in the final words of the interview.

Very coherent and informative interview. Amazing he had the presence of mind that soon after the crash to do this.

I have so much respect for this man - he's just the coolest - and was in the coolest band ever

Heartbreaking..These things are so heavy.. It's hard to think about...These are our heros of the 70's along with Duane and Berry..our hearts go out to you folks...and we thank you for all you gave us!

Man what a brutal brutal passage in rock history

I would think surviving a plane crash has nothing to do with diet and everything to do with luck. I do like the way he kept referring to the band as his friends and not just the "rest of the band". When Lynyrd Skynyrd came back in '87 for the "Tribute" tour I was there. Talk about an emotional night...💕♥️ I can only hope they loved Maryland as much as we loved them...

He’s probably the most iconic looking guy along with Ronnie. Just a great representation of the 70’s style era.. clearly the man’s in shock and dealing with it in his own way possible here though. I think hes a tough tough guy, really done beyond what most people I’d imagine could do in such a fatal accident. Really interesting to listen to this after so long and read so many other accounts given years and years later. You can truly analyse and see the passage of time and how it can mend and break. It’s crucial to look after mental health at the end of the day, and I think he’s done an excellent job to be one of the few survivors from something so horrific.

Love this band and so sorry about this tragedy

Wow! This man was was extremely lucid considering what had happened to him. To assess that the copilot never made it back to his seat and was probably jumbled around during impact is just testimony to his fortitude. May God bless him.

That DJ or whatever is very respectful and a great interviewer

And they did return as Lynyrd Skynyrd. Their first concert was in Jacksonville, Florida and I was there. It was magical !!!!

So glad ya'll kept playing because I have been to several of your concerts and loved them

Thank you for uploading this great interview

I've always loved this guy. He speaks so genuinely. Nothing but respect for the locals who save his band and friends. They used to say, if you want the truth, ask a Marine, so I suppose that's a true statement

Wow, what a great guy! I'm so impressed with him in this interview!

They were coming to play for us in Baton Rouge. They crashed about :45 minutes or so from my house. I few days before my 17th birthday and the worse birthday I have ever had. This is the first time to here this interview. Year's after they came back to Baton Rouge the first show after. I have seen them 12 different times, a few times before the crash. Lynyrd Skynyrd, and everyone we lost,, will never die. Free Bird is always going to fly. Tomorrow I will be 62, and this hurts more now. Stevie Ray, Jim Croce, if only all of the ones we lost could have lived long as B.B.King, Busy Guy, how much more would they have done for music and us. Geaux Skynyrd 💪🙏❤️👍✌️🤠

I met Artimus after he played in my city. He still gets emotional talking about losing Ronnie and the others.

yall, he wasn't saying he survived because he was a vegetarian. he was able to think clearly after realizing he survived and needed to get help. because his mind was healthy and clear.

Thank you for uploading this.

Incredible interview.

What an awesome honest & sincere interview and answers..well done

Thank you for keeping 904 alive

May God bless you Artemis. I’m happy Skynyrd kept going. Many of the younger generation. That was a generation of the best music ever made. It has proved the test of time. I hope you’re happy and doing well. God has surely blessed you and you’ve passed those blessings down. Thank you. I think the version of Skynyrd we have now is are excellent also. Johnny and the band keep the memories alive. May none ever be forgotten. Fly high Free Birds. 🦋

Artimus seems like he's got a good head on his shoulders.

Truly a miracle he survived

The only thing I could think about thru this interview was how much I felt for Artimus having to relive everything and tell the public. It was very uncomfortable and exploitive. God Bless you Artimus. You have my love and respect. 💯🙏💓

I met Gene Odom in 2001. He came through where I lived in Georgia at the time to listen to me and my friend play drums and guitar possibly for a tribute band. Anyways, he was very kind and didn't mind talking to me about Skynyrd a little. I asked him a few questions and there was one answer that I didn't care for. I wasn't upset or anything, just more or less like... ahh come on man, no way. Lol I was basically a kid then and even then I realized that no matter what his opinion was about a certain member or anyone else's in the band about another member... they are regular people just like we are. They didn't get along with each other all of the time and as far as the conflicting stories told by certain members i.e Billy Powell saying in one interview that Cassie died in his and Artemus' arms when later he was called out by Artemus saying how was that when he was gone for help? I'm just saying that they've been through more than most bands as far as tragedy goes sbd and I don't believe that things that Artemus, Billy or Gene said was out of hate or to hurt another member. To me they're the greatest band ever and I've seen many fans get caught up in taking sides and judging certain members and I just think that's wrong because if you're a true fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd then like myself, I remember why I love this band so much. It's because of the music! Not the lawsuits, the rumors or the arguing on TV back and forth over the years between some members. Unless any of us was on tour with them or very close to them then all we know is what we hear in news stories and on TV. Sorry for making a short story long but I'm just trying to say is that no matter what they've said or done, good or bad, they will always be the greatest band in history to me and their music gotten me through some very hard times and I will always be grateful to every member of Lynyrd Skynyrd but most of all, to God because music has always been a very powerful, healing, freeing and a very important part of my life. Sincerely, Skynny Lynyrd 💯☮️🙏💙🎶

so sad , such a great band i had just seen them live in philadelphia, they were coming back to the spectrum, and then this terrible crash , artimus such a good druumer ,he had double bass way before anybody except foghat, hard hitting drummer , just came across this , thanks for sharing ,god bless!

Thank you for the music.

We thank him for his service.

I was at the concert in Greenville South Carolina the last one they would all play together and what a wonderful concert 🎶 forever missed and forever loved 🙏🙏 I remember this like it was yesterday

Still remember that crash as it was today. It's still pretty hard to believe that all the original band members besides Artumis Pyle are gone now. Big Lynard Skynyrd fan being I was raised in Florida. At least their all together playing Free Bird in heaven.

Didn’t know this existed, absolutely fascinating, so glad this came on my feed wow what a moment in time

To me this is the REAL" the day the music died". Lynyrd Skynyrd ended the day Ronnie Wayne died 💔

Artimus was down at Renfro Valley in Kentucky just a half hour drive from me here in Richmond several years ago, and one of my buddies who works down there was fortunate enough to have a conversation with him along with a photo❤

When i was 14 discovered their music and when i was 16 i learned about the crash. Such a tragedy 😢 💔

I'm so happy you survived, I'm glad you didn't get a TBI and was able to find help

Great interview 😊

Chilling when he tells about finding the pilots dead and then he says, "I knew the only way to help them was to go get help. Because I wasn't gonna do it." And what he meant in that sweet mountaineer way was that it was an impossible situation - and then he lists exactly what he needed if they were gonna be helped. I am 50 years older than when Street Survivor's was out. I am still learning more about this over all those years and this is definitely always a haunting story. And I suppose it always will be. Fuckin trees!

They spent a week with my brother and I printing tee shirts at our silk screen printing operation , my brother was also a sound engineer at Muscle Shoals Sound ,I remember Gary came by to visit after getting out of hospital & I can’t remember if Artimus was with him or not but think he was

I’m a situation like this, with all the trauma and terror, everyone remembers what happened differently. Pyle was a Marine. So was I, so I know the training he received helped him think as clearly as he obviously did in a chaotic environment.

Its only 4 days after crash! Artimus is a real unbreakable man, really strong man both mentally and physically. He survived both plane crash and the gun shot by a farmer while he was looking for help. And he is still alive and strong, after nearly half a century later. I am non vegetarian too, I am proud of him.

I was 11 years old...loved this band. We talked about in school.. so sad.

Artimus was a major force in the bands success Gave that band the exact back beat it needed

I remember the day after the crash...I was in high school...one of the saddest days of my youth...rest in peace...

I was in high school. I still remember the somber mood that day. Everyone was affected, even teachers. This was in So Cal.

That was so interesting!

thank you as well.

I met the guy in the late 90’s, partied at his place after a gig where he was the sound man for some reason. Met his girlfriend and her daughter there too, nice people. Pretty strange dude at that time. Friendly as hell but kind of scary as well. And he was really pissed at the rest of the band for screwing him, according to him.

He's so lucky to walk away with no broken bones

I seen Lynyrd Skynyrd in Louisville KY on April 23, 1977. I had a couple extra tickets to Led Zeppelin that I sold there, which was just two day's later on April 25, 1977. Lynyrd Skynyrd played at the Convention center downtown, while Zeppelin played at Freedom Hall. Both very good concert's.

I remember driving to school that morning after, Smyrna GA. Listening to 96Rock. They made the announcement and I remember thinking oh no I hope Ronnie is okay. Didn't hear about who died till later. Never heard this interview before. Thank you for it.

Very interesting to hear this side of the story as when you listen to the farmers and towns people who first got to the plane crash there’s an interview with one of the first guys to come up on the crash and I’m curious to know if Artimus had made it out and went for help before that guy got there.

Super humble dude

I saw Skynyrd 3 months before the plane crash, in Oakland CA at Day On the Green. They were BURNING. So hard to see them have to go through this

I’ve met the man before he is a down to earth person

I was 9 years old when this happened and it’s still sad 😢

The respect and love for this band has carried forward to the new LS. And they are carrying the torch admirably.

A very classy man.

This is the only honest Is interview I've ever heard him give

Except for me being a Christian conservative and he being a self-described liberal, I really enjoy hearing him speak with honesty and his drumming is simply the best!!! Thanks Artimus Pyle for all the great years and carrying on the Skynyrd legacy!!!!!

Was stationed at foot blister TX, when I heard the news! Sad day for Rock.

RIP to those lives lost Ronnie, Steve, Cassie, the pilots, and engineers et al Artimis is a class act and was throughout this terrible tragedy. Despite his inner sorrow, his inherent fortitude, persevered to help his friends as best he could. I recently watched a Mike Huckabee clip from October 2023. He is still distraught over the events of that October night. A tough cross to carry for nearly 50 years. May God Bless you Artimus, as well as all those lives lost.

The real day the music died...best band ever...cut way to short,they were just getting started...

Cassie is the hardest one for me to think about. Just a really young girl, to die so violently, far from home, not alone, but, I dunno,, it's just really hard to imagine her last few hours. It's all terrible, seemed like they really had a fresh start with Steve, things were going great... then they run outta fuel?? Maddening. It's pitiful, listening to Artimus sometimes, he's so hurt sounding.

I live in McComb and was three years old when this happened . My dad tried to go to the crash with me in the car but the Highway Patrol had the exit blocked. I don't remember anything about it but my aunt has an interesting story about cleaning the mud and blood from their hair at the hospital. She remembers the luggage brought from the plane and one member who was pretty out of it probably on pain meds thinking she was a lady he'd met in Las Vegas.

We play several of their song weekly with deepest love , and respect for those who came before , and paved the way .

He was a beautiful man. Talk about a survivor.

Wow, a friend of mine Steve Tullus in Florida knows Artemis.

One thing you never forget is your Marine Corp training. It's what helped Artimus stay calm and able to think.