Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle talks with Smashing Interviews Magazine about his upcoming album featuring late Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington and a very personal account of the band's fatal plane crash.
Artimus' friend he refers to go back in and pull out, was my father, Don Kretzschmar. Artimus, my hero. My father survived another 9 years on this earth because of his heroic actions.
I have an awesome Artimus story. I was at a small club in Jackson Mississippi where Skynyrd was having a concert thanking the first responders. After the show I went to the side to see if I could get an autograph. The merchandise guy told me to go away if I wasn’t buying anything. I was so upset, then I saw Artimus up at the bar. I told him what happened and explained to him that although it sounds cliche, I have been a fan since I was 7 years old and had all their albums not to mention a lot of LS paraphernalia, and I would’ve bought something, but I wasn’t in good financial shape. He immediately went and got on to the guy and after that I got to hang out with him and his son (who played some that night.) Nothing but respect for the dude.
Loved the original band and because Artimus was in that plane crash, I pretty consider him original. Long life to Artimus Pyle and RIP Gary Rossington.
Artimus is always quick to give props to original Skynyrd drummer, Bob Burns. They became friends and Artimus credits Bob with teaching him the right way to play Skynyrd songs. Before he died, Bob even sat in with the APB from time to time. It was great to see him! Artimus became more well known, especially with the success of One More From the Road and Street Survivors with the cover photos. Both are/ were outstanding drummers. No question about it. I saw Artimus with Skynyrd in the Hank Jr video for If it will, it will, filmed in Nashville. When I saw the band, I didn't recognize them cause I was expecting the Bama Band, Hank's band. It took me several minutes to recognize Billy Powell. Then Leon. Then it hit me. Duh, this is Skynyrd!! I didn't recognize Johnny, and oddly enough, I didn't recognize Artimus because he had cut his hair short and shaved his beard! It was a very cool video shoot. To warm up the crowd, Hank and Skynyrd played a few songs LIVE. Yeah. THAT did the trick!!
I was in a field with my girl listening to the radio when they announced the plane crash. We looked at each other and started crying our eyes out. We held each other for hours. I'm a drummer and she was a vocalist. I'll never forget that day.
Artimus just seems to get stronger. It’s amazing. It’s eerie how the one band member (along with a couple of roadies) that emerged from the wreckage of the crash is the last one standing. It’s like it had to be.
@@coastdweller Yeah, he was the only Skynyrd band-member who actually took care of himself over the years. He ate well, exercised, and doesn't smoke cigarettes. That plus a little bit of luck/good genetics will go a long way.
Artimus looks really good and is still playing good drums. He's now the last of the pre-crash line-up still alive. There's two if you count back-up singer Leslie Hawkins. Glad he's still around to tell the tale.
@@scottdunn2178 Bob Burns was the original drummer and recorded the first two albums with Skynyrd. Bob basically quit due to some mental health issues so they recruited Artimus.
Artimus Pyle is still a Legend and I'd love to see him live . And that makes me feel so much better that him and Gary got together and I believe I know who he's talking about. And if in right it will blow people's minds. I saw a video not long ago about some certain person singing Freebird and I'll leave it at that . Love every member of Lynyrd Skynyrd and everyone should say the same thing and quit knit picking and give credit where credit is due and bottom line is that anyone that's good enough to play with any of the people that's been in Lynyrd Skynyrd is Legends in my opinion . And to you Artimus Pyle... Skynyrd Nation Forever Brother.
If Artimus was good enough for Ronnie,, then Artie is good enough for me.. Anyone else who has a problem with Artie is disrespecting Ronnie's judgement. He built this band for success and it became very successful. and with Artimus in for a good part of their run Respect the contributions he has made to the music you love and respect the manl who made that choice.
I missed that show. My bike started acting up when I got to the Disney exit on I-4 and I had to turn around and go back to Orlando. I was heartbroken when a few nights later the crash happened
Delmer is what Gene Odum calls Artimus! I will say this, Judy and Gary despised him. Gene can't stand him! I will acknowledge he was really good for the band but, Bob was the better drummer AND original founding member with Gary and Ronnie. Bob had to TEACH him the drum parts to all the songs prior to SNS! Enough said. Sorry if I offended anyone. I was at this VIP FreeBird The Movie Premiere that this interview was taken from @ The Fox in Atlanta in 1995. Judy even secured me a room at The Georgian Terrace Hotel across from the Theater. 🙏RIP Gary
@Gerald Dixon Cummings probably a lot of factors involved of control of the band name and copyright s be my guess! I do know Gary had an interview where he said something to the affect that he just hoped for the best for all his old bandmates and that he didn't hold any grudges or hard feelings and that he loved everyone!
@@cliffordskeen4368 I think as Gary got older, he let alot of things go but, for years and years Artimus bad mouthed just about everyone. The band let him go because he plead guilty to sexual molestation, and to avoid bad press, he got the boot..quickly! He was (and maybe still is) a decent drummer. Bob Burns was the best drummer and founding member. I also think Artimus has ALWAYS resented the fact that Bob, as a founding member, has always received royalties that he doesn't to this very day. I would suggest any true diehard Skynyrd fan tune into Craig Reed's "Stoned Roadie Show" Podcasts or Gene Odum on RU-vid to know all things Skynyrd. RIP Gary 🙏
@@terrylunsford8742 yeah I've heard some things along those lines myself! However I reserve judgment cause I personally don't know anything about that too be a fact maybe it is but just keep in mind there's always two sides too every coin and im sure artimus got a different tail but anyway I don't care either way none of my business! All I know is all them Skynyrd guys sounds great ether in studio or live makes no difference!
Thanks Artimus, for holding your own in the decades long feud ( real and propaganda) that has been told again & again. Glad to hear that Gary & you “ buried the hatchet” so to speak , and looking forward to your album Release . Really appreciate all you have contributed all these years to keep Southern Rock alive & well . Peace to Gary , and his family left behind. May he play on now with Allen, Ed , Leon, Steve & Cassie Gains, Billy Powell, and Finally Ronnie. The “ HereAfter” must be going pretty good right now.👌. Thanks for posting this one. 😊
For years I thought the way the other survivors from the crash treated Artimus Pyle would possibly be remedied in the end by Artimus being the last man standing. I loved the original band but justice has come as I thought it might. You deserved better treatment sir.
Wasn't just Artimus. They cut Wilkerson, burns and Powell out of everything. They treated them like session musicians. Van Zant was an asshole. His select boys got the $. Half his band ended up giving lessons in music stores. After the crask Billy Powell moved in with his mother. He didn't have a dime.
Being an old school bass player, I have always been mesmerized by Artimus drum playing and was playing their songs back in 1976. I now play in a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band called Almost Skynard and posted my story on the youtube channel "Southern Stories" . Thanks for posting this video and I really enjoyed this interview.
A really strong man. He survived the crash, went to look for help and gave detailed interview about the crash only 4 days later! Hail the vegetarians! He is still strong and clear minded almost half a century later.
Artimus Pyle is a great drummer, just listen to One More From the Road. Lynyrd Skynyrd needed him and he was an integral part. He is an original band member since the third album. I love his style of drumming and I love Lynyrd Skynyrd and they’re both one in my book.
R.I.P. G.R.!!! Gary had the Les Paul with the slow hand kicking out that buzzsaw blaze of a tone. He wrote the signature riffs that are as integral to Lynyrd Skynyrd classic tunes as any vocal line. Rossington was the subject of "That Smell". The band was certain he would be the first to go in a quick flash of addicted glory. To the chagrin of all...he was the last man standing from the Founding of a truly legendary band. In the end, he was Southern Rock's truest ambassador. "The Prince Charming" way beyond the ludes could spin a tale from yester-year and take us back to that swamp side shed where enduring magic was created. Hats off to Gary Rossington and all things Lynyrd Skynyrd. 😢🎸🏁
@@terrylunsford8742 they were his kids and it was a vicious ex. You ain’t never had one of them. The kid da recanted so you might not be right at all. I could be wrong however kids would still be upset and not going against theyr😮 mother if it actually happened. I bought a tv once and ended up getting dealing in stolen property charge. When I couldn’t afford an attorney I had to except a plea to keep from going to jail. There. Are extenuating circumstances sometimes and you ain’t God. Now with all that said if he did do that I hope he goes to hell. But I don’t believe he did!
Great comment and accurate and it's obvious you're a fan but... WHY DO YOU SPELL THE NAME WRONG? I mean the spelling is one of the most recognizable things about the band. But don't feel bad because I see it A LOT
During my years in the Marine Corps in the early 70's and stationed in N.C., I was deep into southern Rock and Roll and this band was on the top of my list. Their music and songs have gotten me thru a lot of turmoil and bad times in my life. I'm thankful... I was alive to hear and see them all!
He always leaves out the true damn fact that two other men(Kennedy Peden snd Marc Frank)crawled out from the wreckage and followed him to the farmer's property for help and NO HE WAS NOT SHOT AT ALL.
Tony trout he's one of those who understands what happened! But you still make a good point however cause it's too my understanding that he artimus Pyle wasn't ever knocked unconscious there for he was more aware than the others which could explain why there was different accounts about the crash from other survivors!
Yeah he was there, but he’s told so many version of the event I don’t think even he knows the truth anymore. Love Artimus, but he told of the plane “spiraling in" from 10,000 feet. So…
@@WillieBeard Yeah I’ve watched many Skynard documentaries and I truly like Pyle I recall he said many years ago you can’t have Lynyrd Skynyrd without Ronnie Van Zant. Which is actually the damn truth. But yes he’s told many different versions of the crash, I’ll add that trauma can change petspective on events. You can sincerely believe things happened that didn’t. If he had a concussion during the landing that can also alter perceptions plus he could’ve had recurring dreams of the event or better said nightmares of the event. He reminds me of Merle Kilgore in his storytelling, Kilgore had an amazing life with great accomplishments but told stories that were inaccurate.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the major groups that absolutely interested me in picking up the guitar. I remember the day that I heard of the tragedy in Cape Cod. A truly sad, sad day and mourning for weeks not understanding why and how this could have possibly happened. Tickets were ready to go on sale for the Boston Gardens show. The greatest southern rock group. Without question.
I'm old enough that I remember hearing the news of the plane crash. Street Survivors had been on my heavy rotation at the time and the whole tragedy was such a crazy event to try to digest. I've recently been listening to 'One More from The Road' again after probably 40 yrs of not hearing it. It was recorded so well for the time period and Artimus is kicking ass on those drums.
I saw Artimus play 20 times he is awesome .He started with the song Saturday night special and made it awesome. He talked to me 45bmins and signed 6 albums thar he played on when he was with Skynyrd .He's very down to earth and super nice .I am so glad Gary Rossington played on Freebird with him that was his last recording .Gary fly high freebird
I feel blessed to have had the chance to meet artimus many years ago in south Florida. A friend of mine, his band opened for for the artimus Pyle band at the hard rock. Really nice guy for sure.
I have a pretty good story about the Artimus Pyle band. About 2004 Artimus' band did a benefit for Down's Syndrome kids in Orlando at Lake Eola bandshell. Myself and some biker buddies rode our Harleys down to see the show. A few of my buddies are Vietnam Vets and hard core bikers, all great guys but really tatted up and rough looking. There were probably 50 downs syndrome kids there that were really impressed with the bikers in the crowd. They were great friendly kids, smiling and high fiving us. When the show was over Artimus came down off the stage to greet the kids and take pictures but nearly all the kids were over by us having their parents take pictures of them sitting on our bikes and getting pictures with us and our wives. We eventually got to go over and meet Artimus and get some photos and talk to him a bit. Artimus laughed and said "Those kids were really impressed with you guys, I'm not even sure they know who I am" and thanked us for coming to the show. It was a great show, some good fellowship and everybody went home happy
I remember I was on a senior trip and Cape cod and some Harley bikers were on the ship from the coast to the island. And my friend struck up a conversation. I remember years later I went up to visit a friend from that boarding school for my DC area in New Hampshire and there was some bikers doing a cake party playing their VHS tapes are some wild Hells Angels tapes or whatever--I was drunk and falling over the table even though I know we had a good tolerance. They were very good sports about! Treated me with dignity. They were warriors with dignity!! (The front of the high school friends I showed up weren't so happy on the other hand, ha ha.. but it all ended well) Pardon the tangent, I thinking back with my Lynyrd Skynyrd for a little while now and this is a great interview to see!
I was at the concert in Greenville,S.C. And the next morning I heard what happened I cried all day long.I'm 64 and still listen to the original L.S. Just ain't the same after the plane crash.💜🤗
Artimus Pyle is one of my favorite musicians ever. I was angry at how the other survivors spoke ill of him years ago, but that's ancient history. This man was good US Marine, college educated, and a great musician and pilot. He was the only member of the band who could physically hold his own with Ronnie. Nothing but respect.
The day Gary passed I cried a tear of joy and sadness. I’m sad that Skynyrd is gone forever, but I’m happy that He is with the Brothers he loves. I look forward to seeing them jam in heaven. Tuesdays gone with the wind will never sound better. God bless each of them.
My Sentiments exactly. I'm 67,from Chicago, now Jax 🐆❤ been listening to Skynrd since Sweet Home Alabama first came out. I got HOOKED on Southern Rock since. So sad to hear the news. But once a band, always a band. MAY LYNRD SKYNRD REST IN PEACE. TOO MANY songs to mention. I loved them all. You always bring me back to my childhood. Jacksonville took a hit on this one. The end of an era. Thank You Gary, 😍😚❤🤗👏👏👏 THANKS Artimis for posting. YOU ARE NOT Forgotten either ❤
Gary gave us a lot of years pouring his heart out with that guitar. A big piece of Southern Rock is gone but he was a Christian so we’ll see him again! God bless the boys who made the noise!!
I love this guy. Artimus got a bad rap several years ago, suffered from it, paid for it, but later on he was vindicated of it! I heard he and Gary made up and was back on track, and Im so happy about that. My brotherinlaw had a cover band of LS back in the day. We lost him in 2011, to pancreatic cancer, after being diagnosed just 11 days prior. My family gathered around and sang The Ballad of Curtis Loew at his burial. Anywho, I hope Artimus gets the appreciation, love and respect he deserves. When the plane crash is mentioned, so many times there are people thats never mentioned. Their manager, Dean Kilpatrick, Pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William Gray, Jr., also died in the crash with Ronnie, Steve and Cassie. Im pretty sure that it's Judy VZ, is the one that keeps the lawyers on stand by.
Dean Kilpatrick was not their manager-he was their assistant road manager. But yes, he was an integral part of the band-he was there very early on and very dedicated to the band.
I saw artimus a couple of years ago in effingham, il and they were fantastic.I really hope they come back.I've seen skynrd 4 times with various original members and everytime they were great,and ARTIMUS was no exception.I would love to see him and his band again.may God bless them all.😢
Artimus Pyle id love to meet him intelligent strong articulate man great inventive drummer of a great band each member of Lynyrd Skynyrd was more like a limb that added to one body of sound never to be repeated im so sorry about Gary falling asleep very sad Ressurection will bring them all back again all the best Artimus I'm a musician drummer and I live in Stevenage england herts 2 miles from knebworth take care love to everyone xx
Good interview. I was a kid when the plane crash happened.....I'm a life long skynyrd and Arti fan. Thanks for doing all you could to get help for your friends and band. I'm sure it contributed to those that survived. I know you probably have images burned into your memory from that night that haunt you daily. Can't wait for the new tribute record. I will be buying it.
I remember the night I heard it on the radio about the plane crash. I was 13 and Lynyrd Skynyrd was (still is) my favorite band. I had just bought the Street Survivors Album. It was such a sad thing. You were so brave Artimus and you kept it together to help save the others. God bless you for that. I am glad that you and the others survived. I've been to 2 Lynyrd Skynyrd concerts with Johnny singing. The first concert was in Chattanooga. I had the best time ever! I had waited about 22yrs before I was able to finally go to a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert. I was so excited. I think it was the most excited I have ever been in my life ❤ I was invited to go to the Oakland Coliseum concert in 77 before the plane crash but my mom said no because I was too young. You all were the soundtrack of a lot of my life :)))
Same here. I had just bought the album, which I still have, and I was ready to buy tickets for their concert in Hershey, Pa., getting courage to ask the cute neighbor girl if she wanted to go to the concert with me. I was so sad to hear of the crash. It was heartbreaking. I never did ask the neighbor girl for a date and I always wonder what may have happened if their plane didn't crash. My life may have been totally different.
Yes he IS! LISTEN TO HIS WORDS, He's ALWAYS SO POLITE AND INCLUSIVE OF THE ONES THAT ARE DESERVING OF IT..... SHOWING CONTINUAL RESPECT to ALL OF HIS BAND MATES over the decades. We can't judge the dude, we're not worthy of THAT. NEVER, except for him calling Gary a dick once, NEVER HEARD HIM SAY ONE FOUL WORD ABOUT THE BAND, NOT EVEN RONNIE'S WIDOW .. 😢he's a bad motherfucker 🎉😅❤
I lost my oldest son when he 6 in 1992, I still get PTSD. He was hit by a school bus it’s been 31 years on March 5th ..so yes I know!! I was in the ER with my son! I ❤ Lynyrd Skynyrd Simple Man is my fave! Deviating story! ❤️
Amazing Musical History and Clarity that we all appreciate. I’ve been a drummer for 60 years, still gigging! I’ve been blessed to have great success. I’ve never even had a beer, drugs or smoke EVER. Thus no accidents, guns or fights. Surviving by any means necessary is always a good thing!! Keep Smilin’! It increases face value. Thx again, fellow drummer I always LOVE playing your tunes. 🇺🇸🥁
Back in 90 or 91 I seen Artimus Pyle play with his little band he had at the time at a little beach bar at Jax's Beach the crab pot and I believe they had a 8 or 11 year old kid back than that would jam in the band. I was in the Navy serving on the Saratoga stationed at Mayport and seen them play there several times. God it was great
Thursday October 20, 1977, approximately 7:00 pm The Plane Carry LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND MEMBERS AND CREW CRASHED NEAR GILSBERG,MISSISSIPPI. I Was in my Hometown of Meridian,MS THAT NIGHT WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS ON THE RADIO! Being a Devout Lynyrd Skynyrd Fan and a Musician…..Part of me died that night. I was in Highschool 11th grade 17 years old. I still own all the Original LP’s The Real Skynyrd Band Put Out! WoW‼️ I Still to this day get emotional when I think about it. To Quote The Late and great Ronnie VanZant”every mother’s son, better hear what I say…..! Every mother’s son…Will Rise and Fall Some Day‼️ Rest in Peace “LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND”🙏💫🎸🎶
God BLESS YOU!!!! GREAT TO HEAR FROM A REAL PERSON!!! I TOTALLY LOVE SKYNYRD!! IT'S ON MY NV PLATE!!! WISH I WAS THERE OF AGE, FOR THE 70'S!! I was a 2nd grader in 75-76.. I'd have been a 🎉🎉 very happy girl.
I like Artimus and I like listening to him. He doesn't seem to have any ego issues, he exceptionally lucid, very aware, intelligent, and he sure loves what he does. Thank you Artimus for all that you have contributed. God bless to you.
Hey artimus man love you and all the skynyrd family R.I.P. GARY ROSSINGTON PRINCE CHARM.N. OF THE RYTHM GUITAR AND GUITAR SKYNYRD FAMILY AND SOUND IM HEARTBROKING I LOVE YOU GUYS ALLWAYS PEACE.IM FROM WEST COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA ALSO YEAAA. REBEL YELL
Shared a stage with Artimus in Newport AR. couple years ago. Super nice gentlemen, took time to talk to us about his gear and some other things. Just another picker.
His humility stands head and shoulders above the rest of them. I've nothing but respect for this man, especially his refusal to let anyone else's negativity & bitterness drag him down to their levels. I enjoyed this interview. I believe Artimus' account over anyone else's, especially anyone as embittered as some of the others became. They did him dirty and I'm proud that he stayed true to himself and his integrity.
Congrats on the move finally ! I seen you and Fletcher, North Carolina, won New Year’s, long ago with the Outllaws !you guys played with everything you had like you were performing for thousands I’ll never forget it ! Greetings from Piney Flats, Tennessee on Boone Lake
It is great to see Artimus get some form of press time. I saw LS in San Diego in 1976 or 77. They were incredible and he really beat the skin off the drums especially on his solo in Freebird.
Have always felt bad what had happened to Artimus, he seems like a great guy and deserves the best, glad to see him around and healthy. Saw Skynard many times in Gainsville in the early 70’s they were great. RIP Gary, gone but never to be forgotten 😿💔😿
What a terrible tragedy for all involved. I have a hard time with Artimus’ view of “the girls” not being a part of the band. To me, they were an integral component of the Skynyrd sound and live shows.
GARY WAS AN INSPIRATION TO ME ON GUITAR AND I LEARNED SOME OF MY SLIDE TECHNIQUE FROM EMULATING HIS NOTES AND TONE HE WAS GREAT MAY HE RIP IN PEACE KNOWING HOW MANY LIVES HE TOUCHED GOOD INTERVIEW ARTIMUS TO THE LAST IN IMHO ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE L.S. STAY WELL AND LONG LIVE AND JAM THE A.P.BAND HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT TIME I AM IN ASHEVILLE PERHAPS I SEE YOU @ THE GOLDEN CORRAL FOR BUFFET AND CAN JOIN YOU FOR SOME FOOD AND GOOD CONVERSATION ✌️ DR.k
I attended that Day on the Green. The music was hotter than the weather and it was damn hot that day. Those early Day on the Green’s were kickass affairs. I miss those days.
I recently watched the movie. I will say overall, they did a really good idea showing the fear, intensity, melancholy, and overall emotions anyone would feel in the wreck. I do feel some liberties were probably taken here and there (probably even some by Cleopatra even to make it more entertaining). Artimus might remember some things inaccurately but, as he stated himself, it is from HIS perspective and he is telling HIS story the way HE remembers it. I didn't feel he was being purposely untruthful at any point. Nobody has a perfect memory (damn near impossible to prove if anyone does anyways). I do wish there was more input from people like Gary, Gene, Mark, Tote, and other survivors & rescuers but I also understand where Artimus is coming from overall.
@@airgunfun4248 I meant getting Gene input's during production of the movie. He said a lot of things I felt were likely true and wish were portrayed along with Artimus's claims too. There is a lot of stuff that does match up but finer details are skewed between them. All survivors had dealt with trauma that might cause misperceptions in those moments.
I dont think Artimus is lying, especially in light of how upset he got with Billy Powell over his account of Cassies Gaines' death. Plus, as he points out, he never lost consciousness, unlike Gene Odom, who sustained some bad head trauma. I do tend to lean towards Gene's account tho, because Ron Eckerman gave a similar account of the last flight in his book
I was about 7 when the crash happened. I was so devastated! Eventide I see the band, I get upset to this day!. My sisyers always listened to Lynrd Skynrd. So was used to the music growing up. When I heard Gary Passed, It brought back the devastating crash I seen on the news back then. R.I.P Gary Rossington. I hope to see the movie. Keep playing Artimus, you are a Legend!
Artimus Gordon, the intellectual one (Ross Martin) and master of disguise. My favorite TV drama from the 60s with Bob Conrad as James West (a real man's man) and the James Bond of the Wild Wild West.
Artimus, thank you for the honesty, thank you for the perseverance, and thank you so much for the music. You guys defined a generation and still influence future generations. I’m looking forward to seeing the movie and hearing the music.. much deeper, hearing your take on, the crash is incredibly humbling. The way you articulate what happened that painful day it since chills through my body, I think you for the strength to tell the story of the people that so many of us fans, consider friends, Godspeed my friend. Also, if you don’t mind, say hello to a friend of mine, by the name of Carrie from Jenkins high school.
What's up Artemis I'm 63 now how about you I remember 77 real well lost Elvis and Ronnie and T-Rex bang a gong glad to see you're alright you keep playing the drums I'll keep playing the Bass amen❤
Well technically Jeff Carlisi (of .38 Special Fame) is still alive. He played the Dobro on the song Four Walls of Raiford. Al Kooper was a musician and the producer of some of Skynyrd's albums. He actually played a few instruments including the organ on some of their tracks. In fact I believe he used a made up name in the credits.
@@Elite59 On PRONOUNCED, he's credited for playing the MELLOTRON ,( a form of keyboard ) on TUESDAYS GONE as Roosevelt Gooks . From a long time LS fan .
I think everyone remembers traumatic events differently. They all remember it the way how they needed to end even Gary remembers seeing Dean even though he couldn't have helped him so who am I to say he's wrong or right all I cans say is thank God he lived and was able to get help to the others who lived
I love how the media has spun it as Gary being "The last original member of Lynnard Skynnard has past away" I went wait a sec ... What about Artimus? Sooo the norm for all the crap this living legend has gone through as a member of one of the most iconic bands of our time . May the music all of the survivors made after the crash stand for the efforts of this man and the rest that rushed to help who they could survive that horrible night .
