Long considered the "wild man" of LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Artimus Pyle's powerful and distinctive double bass drumming helped define the legendary SKYNYRD sound. Artimus got his first real break at the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam. His first recording lists — Artimus Pyle, percussion. Then with other work for the MARSHALL TUCKER BAND, Artimus became known as a powerful session drummer.
Using his connections with Charlie Daniels and Marshall Tucker, both acts that often toured with SKYNYRD, Artimus met with Ronnie Van Zant and Ed King at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. The results of that meeting — "Saturday Night Special" — greatly impressed Ronnie. Artimus's live debut with the band took place in Jacksonville's Sgt Pepper's Club in October 1974. He would replace their original drummer (Bob Burns) following the release of the group's second album, "Second Helping", and performed with the band and on SKYNYRD's following four albums, "Nuthin' Fancy", "Gimme Back My Bullets", "Street Survivors" and their live album, "One More For The Road". Pyle was injured but survived the band's 1977 horrific plane crash that abruptly ended the lives of six people, including band members Steve and Cassie Gaines, and most notably, frontman and musical visionary Ronnie Van Zant.
Now 45 years later, Artimus Pyle prepares for the release of his forthcoming Get Joe Records studio album honoring the music that propelled him into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The album, which boasts 13 tracks, will be released and distributed by BFD/Orchard on February 2, 2024 — with a track to be released digitally on October 20, the day that coincides with the 46th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that made music history. Music enthusiasts can pre-order the physical CD at ArtimusPyle.com.
This project has been a year in the making, but when the fans hear it they will understand why it took so long, says Len Snow, Get Joe Records president. "Artimus is legendary within the Southern Rock space. The music that LYNYRD SKYNYRD made will always live as a part of rock history. This album honors that music and gives Artimus a way to honor his former bandmates."
Anthems: Honoring The Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd by Artimus Pyle Band
1 I Know a Little - Micheal Ray
2 Sweet Home Alabama - Ronnie Dunn
3 Simple Man - Sammy Hagar
4 Needle and the Spoon - Lindsey Ell
5 The Ballad of Curtis Loew - Chris Janson
6 Workin' for MCA - Lee Brice
7 That Smell - Jerrod Niemann
8 Gimme Three Steps - Marty Raybon
9 Call Me the Breeze - Billy Ray Cyrus
10 Saturday Night Special - Warren Haynes
11 The Hunt - Artimus Pyle Band
12 What's Your Name - Locash
13 Freebird - Dolly Parton
