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 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.

Artimus Pyle and Ed King was clearly the more mature than the other ones. Love you artimus

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.

Long live Artimus Pyle, the mountain man.

Gary Rossington, Forever Loved, Forever Missed, Forever Remembered ❤❤

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.

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. 😊

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.

I saw them in Lakeland Fla one week before the crash. They kicked ass and this guy is maybe the best drummer I've seen live in concert.

I love the fact that the a p b is keeping Lynyrd Skynyrds music alive and well! Rest in peace Gary rossington 🎸

RIP Gary Rossington……the heartbeat of Lynnrd Skynnrd!😎👍

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.

Skynyrd was the best American Band of their era. Nobody comes close.

Much Respect Artimus, I had the pleasure of meeting you a few years ago, You’re a stand up guy.

Love listening to Artimus. He’s an awesome Drummer him and Bob both my drummer heros.

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.

I have had the honor to meet and spend a little time with Artimus when I was with rolling thunder. Great man and good hearted person

People do LOVE SOUTHERN ROCK! What a great interview. I will be looking for you guys. Thanks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 😢🎸🏁

Goodbye Gary. Thanks for the memories. R.I.P. 💔

Great interview. R.I.P. Gary. Artimus; Semper Fi. Once a marine is always.

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!

Amazing that he was in that plane crash and remained conscious through the whole thing.

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.😢

I love hearing that man talk. So humble.

An incredible musician and a great spokesman of the inner workings of the greatest band ever!!! Thanks Artimus!!!!

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.

Been on the fence for reasons of my own about AP for a long time. He acquits himself very well here. Great interview.

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.

Artimus is the ONLY man who can talk about the plane crash because he was there and knows exactly what the hell happened.

God bless you sir! Long live Lynyrd Skynyrd and southern rock n‘ roll!

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.💜🤗

My favorite Skynyrd drummer by a country mile

Such a positive dude and great part of the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd. Good storyteller as well. God bless and RIP Lynyrd Skynyrd.

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.

Sweet man right there. Always good to him around Asheville.

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.

Good interview with Artimus. Thanks!!

Thanks for sharing this interview. Very emotional. Cheers!

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

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.

Artimus is such a cool guy! And seems to be a well spoken and very well read guy. Good to see him looking so healthy and spry!

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”🙏💫🎸🎶

Artimus is interesting to listen to. He has a lot to say. Carry on Artimus. God speed.

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.

Lynyrd skynyrd Legendary lives where saved that day because of this Man. I think Ronnie would be proud of that.

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. 🇺🇸🥁

Damn, Artimus looks and sounds great!

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

Artimus survived the plane crash and is now the lone survivor of the actual LS band

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.

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.

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.

I feel and hope Gary and Artimus worked out the differences they had a few years back before Gary passed. RIP Gary and God Bless Lynyrd Skynyrd.

my favourite drummer; so underated

Love u brother!! Thanks for all u have done!!!!

Mr. Pyle, Thank you for your insight! God bless & Semper Fi! RIP GR!

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! ❤️

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 :)))

God bless them all, every one of them.

Glad to hear you love small venues and old theatres....come to the old historic theatre in Sellersville Pennsylvania!!!!!

I can't wait to see ya in McMinnville TN ,I'm from Cookeville

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

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

We seen Artimus Pyle band at a farm show in NJ was a few years ago and it was absolutely amazing!! Rest in peace Gary ,,

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.

This man is giving me inspiration , keep loving these people Art it's shifting

thank you for your comment on losing a child Lost my son (37)2 years ago is a wound that never heals .

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❤

I wish you all the best! Legend!

Loved it

God Bless You Artimus & SEMPER FIDELIS BROTHER, & God Rest Gary's beautiful Soul🙏✌️💜

I saw YOUS GUYS/LYNYRD SKYNYRD in Philadelphia at JFK Stadium in the spring of 1977. I'm a big fan of the Original Band.

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.

Great interview 👏

Tyvm Artimus for your bravery ✌️ RIP Gary 🎸 🎶 🥁

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.

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 😿💔😿

Gotta luv Artimus !!👍👍

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

You keep rocking brother may the Lord Jesus bless you and your family.

Yo if he reads this, I remember jamming with you in Floyd VA, and now I play Dogtown tavern every month, thanks to you. Rip Gary and everyone else

Great content. I saw LS for the Day On The Green, 4th (2nd) July show with Peter Frampton. Also Winterland for Second Helping.

Artie Is Huge to 60a and 70s Drummers. So Many Memories.

Beautiful story, my friend artim

Was lucky enough to see 87 come back tour! was freakin awesome!

Lynyrd Skynyrd live in Oakland performing Free Bird. Thanks, Artimus.

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!

Love you, from Poland 😊❤

appreciating Lynard Skynard more in 2023

Can't wait for the CD!!!!! I have yet to see the "Street Survivors" movie because I haven't gotten my Stepfather to purchase it for me yet, sadly.