Artimus Pyle Band Anthems: Honoring The Music Of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Label: Get Joe
Rock legend Artimus Pyle is back with a rocking tribute to his former band Lynyrd Skynyrd, with help from Dolly Parton, Sammy Hagar, Ronnie Dunn, Warren Haynes, and more.
Artimus Pyle, often known as the "wild man" of Lynyrd Skynyrd, played a crucial role in shaping the band's iconic sound with his powerful double bass drumming. His journey began with a breakthrough at the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam, leading to recognition as a skilled session drummer through collaborations with the Marshall Tucker Band. Pyle's connections with Charlie Daniels and Marshall Tucker paved the way for a meeting with Ronnie Van Zant and Ed King, resulting in his debut with Skynyrd in 1974.
After replacing the original drummer, Bob Burns, Pyle contributed to several Skynyrd albums, including Second Helping, Nuthin' Fancy, Gimme Back My Bullets, Street Survivors, and the live album One More for the Road. Thankfully, he survived the tragic 1977 plane crash that claimed the lives of several band members, including Ronnie Van Zant.
Now, 45 years later, Pyle is releasing his new studio album, Anthems: Honoring The Music Of Lynyrd Skynyrd, which pays homage to the music that earned him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The album, featuring 13 tracks, includes guests Dolly Parton, Sammy Hagar, Ronnie Dunn, Billy Ray Cyrus, Warren Haynes, Gary Rossington, and more.
Now in his 70s, Artimus 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).