Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Member and former drummer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle is excited to release the Artimus Pyle Band’s long-awaited album ‘Anthems - Honoring The Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd.’ With a total of thirteen tracks, this record features artists including Ronnie Dunn, Sammy Hagar, Lee Brice, Billy Ray Cyrus, Warren Hayes, Michael Ray, Chris Janson, LOCASH, Jerrod Niemann, Marty Raybon, Lindsay Ell, and Dolly Parton! Released by Get Joe Records and distributed by BFD/Orchard, the Artimus Pyle Band has recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut and has been featured in Forbes, Cowboys & Indians, Larry London’s Border Crossings on Voice of America, RFD-TV, Huckabee, The Tennessean, and a premiere of Artimus Pyle and Dolly Parton’s collaboration on “Free Bird” with Garden & Gun. This new version of "Free Bird" also includes a new guitar recording from late Lynyrd Skynyrd founding member Gary Rossington.
To stream/purchase visit: https://orcd.co/APBLynyrdSkynyrdTribute
Fans can also order the limited edition ‘Anthems - Honoring The Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd’ on vinyl by going to ArtimusPyle.com. As part of a separate limited-edition bundle, music lovers can order the CD and an autographed collector’s edition drumhead. Priced at $100.00, this exclusive package includes the tribute album and a one-of-a-kind, autographed 15” drumhead featuring Artimus Pyle’s logo. Limited in availability, this special offer guarantees fans a unique and collectible addition to their music memorabilia, making it a must-have while supplies last.
Renowned as the untamed force behind Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle's impactful double bass drumming was instrumental in defining the band's iconic sound. His breakthrough moment came at the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam, where his authoritative drumming, initially credited simply as "Artimus Pyle, percussion," captured widespread attention. Further establishing himself as a sought-after session drummer, Pyle connected with acts such as Charlie Daniels and the Marshall Tucker Band, eventually crossing paths with Ronnie Van Zant and Ed King at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. This fateful encounter paved the way for the creation of 'Saturday Night Special,' leaving an indelible mark on Ronnie. Making his live debut at Jacksonville's Sgt Pepper's Club in October 1974, Pyle assumed the role of Skynyrd's drummer following the release of 'Second Helping,' contributing to the band's subsequent four albums, including the legendary 'Street Survivors.' Pyle survived the band's tragic 1977 plane crash that took six lives, including Steve and Cassie Gaines, along with the band's leader, Ronnie Van Zant.
"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 Track Listing:
I Know A Little - Micheal Ray
Sweet Home Alabama - Ronnie Dunn
Simple Man - Sammy Hagar
Needle And The Spoon - Lindsey Ell
The Ballad Of Curtis Loew - Chris Janson
Workin' For MCA - Lee Brice
That Smell - Jerrod Niemann
Gimme Three Steps - Marty Raybon
Call Me The Breeze - Billy Ray Cyrus
Saturday Night Special - Warren Haynes
The Hunt - Artimus Pyle Band
What’s Your Name - LOCASH
Freebird - Dolly Parton
About Artimus Pyle:
Following his time as a Marine Corps Sergeant from 1967 to 1971 and a short stint with Spartanburg, SC-based band Thickwood Lick, Artimus Pyle was recommended by the late Charlie Daniels and joined Lynyrd Skynyrd in 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 subsequent 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.
In 1979, the band began to reunite, first for the 5th Annual Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam, and eventually, as the Rossington Collins Band (which included all the remaining band members and Pyle, plus Dale Krantz on lead vocals and Barry Lee Harwood on guitar). However, shortly after that, Pyle was in a car accident that broke his leg in 21 places and shattered his hopes of remaining with the group. Pyle spent the next three years healing, both physically and emotionally, before returning to the States and establishing the Artimus Pyle Band (A.P.B.) to honor the music and legacy of Ronnie Van Zant.
In 1987, Pyle rejoined his former bandmates to tour and eventually record as Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991, but the experience left him flat. While he deeply loved them, he no longer felt the magic he once did with Van Zant at the helm, nor was he interested in returning to the party lifestyle for which the band was known and stepped away from the group permanently, only to return in 2006 during Lynyrd Skynyrd's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (where he played alongside Bob Burns).
Now in his 70s, Pyle still continues to honor Van Zant's musical legacy, recording and touring with the Artimus Pyle Band, now comprised of Pyle (drums), Scott Raines (guitar/vocals), Jerry Lyda (guitar) Brad Durden (keyboards/vocals), and Dave Fowler (bass).
