Wow! Artie really nailed it regarding Ronnie. The man had the greatest stage presence of anyone I have ever seen without even moving outside a 10 foot radius. He had that confidence and that self esteem matched by no other. He put all of his emotions into every song he wrote and that's what made them so great. Ronnie was very short in stature, but you never saw Ronnie wearing these tall stacked cowboy boots, he was happy with who he was.
He funny thing about Ronnie is looks like lacked Rythem it he wouldn't move but his Rythem would be in facial expressions he had Rythem e didn't me his body like other but you can see he had it ...He was a unique musician man and he was never and won't be replaced he was God sent
DM80srock - Ed's story is extraordinary and adds to the amazing mix that made Lynyrd Skynyrd happen, the rock star studio pro who recognized Ronnie as a real life genius, a true diamond in the rough...so he joined the group in any role, just to be part in it, so he played bass to start. He dropped out of the group after the grueling touring in 1974, and now, 40-odd years on, he is glad to be alive, honored and can play when he wants but doesn't have to tour.
One of my step dads friends (we are both Skynyrd fans and guitar players) actually worked on Ed’s guitar a lot and Ed always sent his guitar there. One day he saw Ed at a public space and said “hey, I’m your guitar guy!” And Ed told him to fuck off
@@JokersWild70 Some people have the ability to multi-track in their head. They hear things other people ignore, rhythms, conversations in the grocery store, etc.
@@countessratzass5408 I retain the most minute details of music. Album year releases, producers, engineers, and a whole boatload of useless facts about bands or musicians that most people would never know about. For instance, Randy Rhoads wore Capezio dance shoes with a Latin heel for his stage shoes, lol. Shit like that. Writing lyrics in my head is just not something that I can imagine. That's just a different skill IMO.
Every time Artimus talks of Ronnie he throws in how much he misses him, crushes me every time. what a great Love for a friend and a terrible loss between brothers. God Bless those guys!
@Roger B yes, unfortunely the money and business aspects always seem to intrude. But Ronnie knew the true value of a loyal friendship and kept them separate. The man had a set of values we should all aspire to have.
Ed was key to their rise to success. All of their biggest hits were on the 1st 3 albums with Ed ,Ronnie and Allen as song writers. Freebird -Allen Alabama-Ed Simple man -Ronnie
@@kenperk9854 Possibly ya But the point was to emphasize the importance of Ed in the early line up of the band. Comparison with Gaines is a kind of different topic. Not one that I would attempt anyway as each had different styles and came at different times for the band.
I know this gal who swears she met Artimus in '76 -'77, and she said Artimus talked about nothing but Ronnie, and how amazing he was...even before the crash!
Just by age, coupled with the life they led, if anyone who lived that life is alive, WOW !! Look st Gary now, glad he is still here, but he looks like death warmed over.
I think the song "things going on" puts to rest any thoughts of Ronnie hating on anyone!! What's amazing is that song is off their first album! Ronnie was wise beyond his years!
Once I sent a ''fan'' message to Ed King (right here on yt, he's got an account), and he actually replied to me. Great guy! And he told me that playing bass is more fun than playing guitar.
I had the same interaction with him on FB. He was a real gentleman. We traded personal stories on private message and he always did his best to answer any of the band questions I had. R.I.P. brother
What a great time it was! Their music is STILL around in 2019. They were not one hit wonders, they had staying power. You gotta be GOOD to do that folks.
No matter what Skynyrd did under Ronnie Van Zant it was top notch. I love Pyle's comment about Ronnie writing from the heart and standing there as an equal not some jumping bean. He stood there on his own with dignity and class making the music completely memorable. Completely agree too that Ronnie's heart and soul is what will keep that version of Skynyrd relevant for many, many years to come.
@@TonyBeazley when I played lead guitar in bands years ago, we did several Skynyrd classics: Freebird, Gimme Three Steps (I sang that one), Sweet Home Alabama, Simple Man, Tuesdays Gone. Wanted to do more including Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet but these were mostly Country Bands. Great memories!
Saw the reunion in Sept. 1987. No one knew who Ed King was. They knew his name by the end of the night. Hands down the star of the show. He played the first Paul Reed Smith guitar I ever saw.
Pyle also claims to run from the plane crash to get help...thats a lie. he might have said that he went to get help to give himself an alibi...but too many facts from Eye Witness's disprove Pyles claim. Help was on its way Already before Pyle left the scene..to go and 'shower' Pyle left them there to die. end of story.
Why argue about who was better. The Band was great. No matter what lineup was there. Mainly because Ronnie Van Zant was one of the greatest songwriters in history
Ronnie was also a drill sergeant in rehearsal -- the reason he band was so well rehearsed and disciplined. They could play live like the studio, as in rehearsal. Ronnie was a task master. I like the story of the first time he met Allen Collins, who fled the scene.
@@harpoon_bakery162 Allen Collins, who co-wrote and played lead guitar in "Free Bird," was the guitarist in another band in town when both were young. Ronnie's band battled him in a Battle of the Bands one night. Ronnie was impressed with his skill. At one point, Ronnie needed a new guitarist, so he asked where Allen lived. He drove over. Allen heard Ronnie was looking for him and recognized his car coming. Ronnie had the same rep back then, as a tough guy, not afraid to fight. When Ronnie pulled up Allen ran for his life out of the house got on his bike and rode away. Ronnie chased after him and then Allen climbed a tree to get away. Ronnie said he was not going to hurt him. He just wanted him to join the band! True story. ;)
MrMrfreedom1 I’m okay with calling them both icons of Southern Rock, and given how quickly the Skynyrd fireball passed through the music scene, and how long we’ve waited for someone to pick up the torch, it’s great to see a supremely talented band like Blackberry Smoke do the honors.
"Sweet Home Alabama" has always been a timeless classic to me....I NEVER tire of it...every time I hear it, I have to raise the volume, and the song naturally makes you want to start dancing!
My 2 yr old grandson loves Sweet Home Alabama! But the version he loves is live in Oakland with Ronnie behind the microphone. He calls it my song maw maw!! But throughout the song he says Ronnie Maw Maw Ronnie! What would Ronnie think about today in 2019 a little boy 2 years old can pick his voice out?
Cannot wait to go see them I’m going to see them with Hank Williams Junior August 30, 2019 and Camden New Jersey I cannot wait this will be my second time seeing them
Spent more time reading the comments than watching the video and all I have to say is WOW, there are a lot of people here who love this band and know a whole lot of details about them. I'm 53 now and was a little young to see the beginning of LS but do enjoy their music to this day. Glad to see you all still have so much passion for you favorite band.
If Ronnie were alive today he would be furious at the level of disrespect that Ed & Artimus are given. He chose these monsters to be in his band for a reason.
ABSOLUTELY right, Thrudaroof!!!!! That's the integrity Ronnie had, that we speak of! He would have NO PROBLEM giving credit where credit is due! He was just that kind of guy! And he was no dummy, let that be known! Like you said they were there for a damn reason!
OMG I love your comment. Ronnie was actually known to use his fist and none of this inter fighting bullshit would be happening. Ronnie LOVED Ed, Ed left for health reasons, nothing else. Not sure about Artimus. If he could play then Ronnie would have him, but if his playing has dropped as implied, then he'd be out. Ronnie took Gary and Allen to task, tpp well known, and no one was immune to getting the boot. Ronnie ruled the roost. His is so deeply missed.
I was born in feb of 77.... my mom was 19 and a die hard Skynyrd fan. She kept all of her concert stubs and she saw Skynyrd a few times....once at the Fairgrounds in Nashville.....I envy her soooooo much but glad of it......just wish I coulda seen them in the DAY!
When i was a child of 15 i heard Lynyrd Skynyrd. The very first time i heard them was when i decided to move to America from England. In 1980 i came here. I have had good times and bad times. I have moved back Home 3 times. I have had more good times than bad. I have lived in many states, and many more i visited.... I can't say there is any special song that i like the most, but ALL there songs touch my soul..... Call me the Breeze is a song about me, because i to move a lot. I am the FreeBird Free to move and to roam around. To see the beauty of America...... And America is a beautiful country. Most Americans are good people....... Thanks Tony Beazley..... Regardless of what people say. What you did by getting this for people Like ME ( And others ) is a wonder to me.... Thanks again, and Peace be with us all everyone.... Rock on Lynyrd Skynyrd
him and Bon Scott died way to young imagine the music they would of given the world had they not died so young .. they to e are the best two song writers and vocalists
40 years come and gone next month. And yet the music lives on. 6 people lost their lives in a tragic, possibly avoidable, aircraft accident. There is simply no room for hate and negativity towards the content and poster of this video. I have watched this video and listened to the interviews many times over, thank you Tony Beazley.
I wish that I could have just the smallest fraction of the talent that Ronnie had! To come up with lyrics, straight from his heart and soul, that resonate with millions of people! Such a great talent he had! I think of him and Skynard almost every day, when I pick up my guitar. At least one or two of their songs are the first I play!👍😎🎸🎶
That was good! Well spoken. The best Lynryd Skynryd video I've seen. Powerful songs, great guitar riffs. Their music was incredible and will live on forever.
Ed King was their secret weapon. He was the one with the most knowledge of theory and what to do to bring out the best in their sound. He helped to balance the down home southern blues rock with an heavy edge.
Was the biggest skynyrd fan, but skynyrd died when the plane went down. No band should be calling themselves lynyrd skynyrd. Loved rossington Collins band, they should of kept that going
@@timothypartin8460 hey Tim I'm late here but I saw Skynyrd in 87 Atlanta and it was nothing more than a cover band. I agree the band ended when Ronnie died. Loved Rossington Collins, PRIME TIME 🌟🌟🌟
no disrespect to Allen, Gary or Ed. But Steve Gaines was the best guitarist in Skynyrd. What he accomplished with Street Survivors was just a drop in the bucket.
I love the fact that you Tony included the 2 (at that time) surviving Honkettes in your interview. Leslie & JoJo look so beautiful, it was a treat to hear them speak about how they sang, what their inside structure was, who did and played what. Awesome video, so wonderful to see the girls of the band. R.I.P. Cassie & JoJo...Playing that great gig in the sky
Ed King and Ronnie were a great song writing pair. When Ed left the band, it left a huge hole of creativity in song writing. They were magic together and it showed in the albums that Ed was a part of making Skynyrd such a great band.
Think maybe better checkout songwriting credits ronnie and gary wrote more songs together than ronnie and Allen, ronnie and ed or ronnie and Steve. Yes ed had a lot to do with skynyrd sound but so did gary and allen
@@frankmiller7721 I know how that feels. I'm from California and have not lived there for 30 years, but the stigma of California is always there. Your not part of the group cause your not from wherever there from. Being from California has a bad thing associated with it for good reason. Sad, but true. Land of nuts and fruits is all I ever hear, 🙉.
When I saw the show, the depth of emotion I felt was so great. It was as though every song was written for me. I had tears running down my face. Then when I looked around, I saw that other guys were experiencing the same thing. All these years later, I still play their music on an almost daily basis.
Thanks for sharing this. The band members that were NOT from inside the Jacksonville home-crew bubble seem to have seen Ronnie in a deeper light than those that grew up with him. Outside looking in,first seeing the genuis of RVZ at work must have been as epic for Ed,Artimus,Steve,The Honkettes as it would have been for anyone else. The original surviving members always seemed have shown a resentful tone towards Ronnie,as evidenced in several interviews. Poor Ronnie,always herding cats! Ha,what a badass he was. He went out like few get to...at the top of his game and forever remembered. Not bad,for a short kid from Shantytown!
After living Jacksonville, and hearing the stories and stuff, I have a deep appreciation for Ronnie and his band's work. These songs will live on, and always be just as meaningful as hearing them the first time...Freebird!!!
If you think Ronnie was racist, you're definitely NOT a real fan! Have you ever heard The Ballad of Curtis Loew…? That song is literally a tipping of the hat TO African-Americans who played Blues music!
who gives a crap even if ronnie WAS racist, i mean come on, i judge a singer by how good he/she is at singing, not his personal opinions, even if ronnie was a racist so be it, but you could not take away the fact that he sung his heart out , on every performance, and was a great singer PERIOD
I fucking love Artimus P man. Such a down to earth, salt of the earth dude. God bless all of the Skynyrd family. Steve and Cassie I wish I knew ya... RIP
After all these years, they still love the man! As we all do but they had that personal connection. He truly was their leader, without him, the band has lost it's way in my opinion.
sweet home alabama will be forever played for generations and generations the song is a classic and as long as that song survives the original band mates will never be gone
+Bethany Hickman I remember early 70's, drinking Flaming Huricanes, being 16, underage but no one carded back then. and this was playing in all the bars in Underground ATLANTA
Deborah Jo White was a customer of mine at my shoe retail and repair business. She was such a wonderful person. A really bubbly kind woman. I can't remember how it came to the conversation one day that she was a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. She didn't broadcast it but I probably had to take her name for some repair work and I was a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd since I was in the eighth grade actually starting with their first album and getting to see them before they were well known open for Wet Willie in Birmingham's Boutwell Auditorium. She remained a customer for years and one day she left a magazine for me which was an interview she'd done in a Christian publication. It was great knowing she was included when the band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. She is greatly missed in my town of Cullman, Alabama. I enjoyed seeing this and thank the poster.
The only reason the JoJo and Leslie (the two surviving Honkettes)were at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lynyrd Skynyrd is someone(who wishes to remain anonymous)paid their airfare so they could attend.Lynyrd Skynyrd has treated both JoJo and Leslie very badly since the plane crash,all at the behest of Judy Van Zant Jenness,and that's a damn shame....
Simple man , still stands the hairs on my back after listening to it thousands of times as it did the first . Songs can capture your emotions and quickly just become another song . Simple man is in a league of its own , from consistently delivering pure emotion on every level .A timeless masterpiece
I wish that it would have been possible to have Allen, Gary, Ed and Steve on stage or in studio just one time. could you just imagine what those four guitarist could have done together?! Now we have only Gary, Artimus and Leslie left here with us; but Ronnie has a hell of a band in Heaven: Bob, Larry, Leon, Billy, Allen, Steve, Ed, Cassie and JoJo all with Ronnie at the Front leading them in Awesome Music and in the down time some great fishin'!!!
Like most all your southern bands they are some of the most I entertaining groups of people there are. Seen them three times in concert. Was never disappointed or bored. Rock on where eiver your at my friends. And in my opinion this wanna be band using the ole timers name is about nothing but thE all mighty $$$$.And good luck with that.
Ive watched several interviews of band members talk about ronnie,but artimus pyle is the only one that ive seen,that gets emotional at some point every time he talks about ronnie,you can tell there's a lot of love and respect there.
Yes Ronnie did know what he want definitely he was a a rebel lol... I will never forget in UK opened for the Rolling Stones...Mack Jagger told the band one rule don't walk on the tongue.. Lynyrd scary one is so what a real rock and roll band was! 😜 Free Bird was epic that Day.. Ronnie was pushing his guitarist Allan Collins Steve Gaines I freaking loved it 🤘😎 there is no weak Link in this band everybody was performing at a very high level they each could have gone on and done their own thing and would have excelled Powell everybody amazing! To me that was the best life performance of Free Bird! Across the pond didn't know it hit them🤘♥️🇺🇸 Ronnie Van zant had a present about him.. you knew he was a leader of that band and I believe that everyone respected him! Lynyrd Skynyrd would live forever! ♥️🇺🇸🤘😎
RONNIE was the king of rock n roll no telling what or were we would be in music today if RONNIE would have not lost his life in that crash one thing i do know for sure today's music would be better he was the greatest singer songwriter-artist of all time and a true southern gentleman what a shame to lose him the world would be better with him here we all should be grateful for the supreme music he left for us it is still touching people today rip RONNIE and GODbless all
Thank you Tony Beazley....for preserving the memory of one of the best bands that ever played, and the one and only Ronnie Van Zant. What a damn shame he left us so soon!
Awesome upload! Ronnie is a fascinating cat. I recall a story about him writing the lyrics to Free Bird in his head and someone said, "Aren't you going to write it down?" He said, "If you can't remember it, it ain't worth remembering."---A neat angle on writing. Old school, bard, oral-poet style. You could also tell he was the boss on stage.
The greatest southern rock band ever, glad I grew up during their best days. I know the "band" still plays but when the plane crashed it was the end of southern rock, worse than when Stevie Ray pasted.
Hey man don't say that Stevie Ray vaughan died and hurt the world when lynyrd Skynyrd was in the plane crash that was the same and there not forgotten man.
That's a subjective opinion. I really like Skynard but Stevie, I fucking loved Stevie!!! Stevie was one of the best guys ever and I'm not even talking about his guitar playing, singing, or songwriting.
All members gave something to the band. I love these guys. Personal lives are none of my business but the tunes are a part of my soul and I love that I'm not the only one.
So true Kevin, I only listen to the original skynyrd. I can tell right away if its Ronnie singing. No one can replace his presence no one. Johnny does an amazing job but sorry I need the original skynyrd!,
I think this sheds a little more light on just how essential Ed King was to the rise and success of Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was too bad that the excesses of the rock n roll lifestyle started to take their toll on Ed, which contributed to his leaving Skynyrd. But by his own admission, Ed would say it was for the best that he did. RIP Ed King. 🎸🙏
Incredible interviews ! Such great history. RVZ was an amazing talent. He really did have “raw genius,” & a vision along with a work ethic to get everything 100 percent. How many bands rehearsed as hard as Skynyrd. You can’t help but wonder what other music would have happened if the plane didn’t crash. RIP Ronnie. Your songs will go the distance. Hearing him sing “Simple Man” at the end was chills.
Ya, that's what's a shame, the hardest part was behind them! All of the practicing, all of the hard work. They finally were clicking on all cylinders! They could have made a fortune off of their music. (Actually the band name continued to generate a ton of money,....but that's another story). It's just a shame that Ronnie, Allen, and even Steve & Cassie didn't get to reap the rewards of all of their hard work. Even though Allen survived the plane crash, he was never the same. Just one tragedy after another. And his life was cut short too.
I have so many awesome memories of my life with Lynyrd Skynyrd playing in the background. I don't think those memories would've been the same had something else been playing, they're music meant so much to my life that I want it played at my funeral
Missing you Ronnie, Steve, Cassie, Allan, Billy, Leon, Jojo! Thank you for the incredible music that you made and touched all of our lives with! Ill see you on the other side Freebirds!
I've been listening to Lynryd Skynyrd from in the 70's & jus loved 😍 this band & for them all to such strength 💪🏼& loved ❤ for their music 🎶 & fan's & families An amazing band ❤ loved Y'all Always ❤🥰❤🥰❤🥰❤
Great work Tony. Your devotion to LS is second to none. I'm about the same age of Ronnie and very few days go by that I don't lament that he's gone and I'm still around. .remembering their music. I've said it before but it bears repeating, HAD that lineup from '77 remained intact, LS would be in the same breath with the Beatles and the Stones in fame. Many, including me, think they already are. They were all brilliant musicians. We'll never forget them. Thanks Tony. Well done.
Hmmmm do you think that plane crash was really an "accident"? Hate to start another conspiracy but you raise a very good point. Where they were headed with the addition of Steve would have been very disruptive to many of the "empire" acts of the time.
Ed King was and still is a fabulous guitar player. Having been born and raised in southern California, Ed had already tasted success in the music business with the Strawberry Alarm Clock and as part of the Beach Boys touring band before ever joining Lynyrd Skynyrd. I've always thought the primary thing that drove Ed away from the band when he left during the Nuthin' Fancy tour was that having been born and raised in the Los Angeles area was a different kettle of crawfish entirely than having been born in raised in the deep south on the west side of Jacksonville, Florida. The difference in those two settings back in the early 1970's was as different as daylight and dark and still is today. I think Ed always very much felt like the outsider of the group having been the only one who wasn't from Jacksonville, save Artimus Pyle, who was from the Carolina's and very much understood southern culture and the southern way of life.
Ed was burnt out. He was smart enough to know what that lifestyle can do to a person if your not careful . I loved watching him play. He was sooo freakin into it....A great guitar player and good human being. What a huge loss. RIP Ed
RIP Brother Ed King! Still missing Ronnin, Cassie, Steve, & Billy! We'll Hang on to Art & Garry as long as we can... We'll keep your music playing long as there is breathe in us.
