Is Artimus Pyle Dead or Alive? Where Does Artimus Pyle Live Now?
by Janani
Updated Jun 13, 2023
Who is Artimus Pyle?
Thomas Delmer "Artimus" Pyle, born on July 15, 1948, is an esteemed American musician renowned for his exceptional drumming skills. He made a significant impact as the drummer for the iconic southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, during two distinct periods in their history. From 1974 to 1977 and again from 1987 to 1991, Pyle's rhythmic talents contributed to the band's success and musical legacy.
In recognition of their profound influence on the music industry, Pyle and his fellow band members were honored with induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, solidifying their status as legends in the industry.
Is Artimus Pyle Dead or Alive?
Artimus Pyle is alive, as he is not dead. Artimus Pyle is currently the sole surviving member of the band Lynyrd Skynyrd, which was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Pyle expressed his feelings about being the last living member, stating that it is not as glamorous as it may seem. He acknowledged the pain he is experiencing and is working on coping with the situation.
No specific cause of death was provided for Gary Rossington. However, it is known that the guitarist had been facing health challenges for the past couple of decades, particularly since the mid-2010s when heart issues occasionally forced Rossington and the band to take breaks.
Lynyrd Skynyrd issued an official statement conveying their deepest sympathy and sorrow. They announced the loss of their brother, friend, family member, songwriter, and guitarist, Gary Rossington. The statement mentioned that Rossington has joined his Skynyrd brothers and family in heaven, where he continues to play his music beautifully, as he always has. They requested prayers for Dale, Mary, Annie, and the entire Rossington family, while also urging respect for their privacy during this difficult time.
Where Does Artimus Pyle Live Now?
Presently, Pyle actively participates in the vibrant music scene of Asheville, NC, where he resides. He performs with multiple bands in the area. Additionally, he tours across the United States with a reimagined version of the Artimus Pyle Band, dedicated to faithfully recreating the iconic Lynyrd Skynyrd tunes in their original recorded form. The band's repertoire includes beloved songs such as "Sweet Home Alabama," "Free Bird," "Simple Man," and many others. Pyle also regales audiences with captivating stories about his experiences as a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, adding an extra dimension to his performances.
Pyle's musical journey extended beyond Lynyrd Skynyrd, as he contributed to the recording of four albums with the Artimus Pyle Band from 1981 to 2007. In recognition of their musical accomplishments, Pyle and his Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmates were honored with induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
What Happened to Artimus Pyle?
In October 1977, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Artimus Pyle, one of the band's drummers and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, shares his survival story in the film "Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash." Pyle expressed his desire to inform Skynyrd fans about the events of that fateful day, stating that he reflects on it every single day. Despite the lingering sadness, he has chosen to focus on the music and find happiness in it after 40 years.
The crash occurred after the band's performance in Greenville, South Carolina. They were en route to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a 95-city world tour. However, the aircraft ran out of fuel due to a fatal mistake made by the pilots, who failed to check the tank properly. The band was only 60 miles away from their destination and had taken on fuel, but the engine was malfunctioning and consuming more fuel than anticipated.
During the flight, Pyle's Marine Corps training kicked in as he tried to assess the situation. He relayed information between the cockpit and the cabin, urging everyone to extinguish cigarettes, turn off lights, conserve energy, and fasten their seatbelts. Despite the impending crash, there was an eerie calm among the passengers, with occasional instances of anger directed toward the pilots.
Pyle managed to crawl out of the wreckage with broken ribs and sought help from a nearby farmhouse in rural Mississippi. While he considers himself not a hero, he did assist a few individuals and witnessed the tragic loss of his friends before his eyes.
The crash claimed the lives of frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William Gray. Pyle thinks about them every day, acknowledging the immense talent they possessed and the potential music they could have created.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1964, derived its name from a gym teacher named Leonard Skinner. Their debut album, "(Pronounced 'Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)" in 1973, featured hits like "Gimme Three Steps," "Tuesday's Gone," and "Simple Man." The band gained further recognition with the timeless classic "Free Bird."
Their subsequent albums, including "Second Helping" (1974), "Nuthin' Fancy" (1975), "Gimme Back My Bullets" (1976), and "Street Survivors" (1977), solidified their place in rock history with songs like "Sweet Home Alabama," "Saturday Night Special," and "What's Your Name."
Pyle officially replaced Bob Burns on drums during specific periods in the band's history and was thrilled when both drummers were simultaneously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He remains proud of his band, the Artimus Pyle Band, which continues to perform Lynyrd Skynyrd's music with unmatched skill and respect.
Although Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to tour with Johnny Van Zant as the frontman, Pyle believes that none of the current members were part of the band inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite legal challenges from Van Zant's widow, Pyle wanted the story to be told and declined any financial gain from his involvement in the film.
Every time he plays the drums, Pyle remembers his fallen bandmates, and sometimes, the emotions overwhelm him, leading to tears. Nonetheless, he continues to channel his passion into the music he loves.
Artimus Pyle Wife
Artimus Pyle resides in Asheville, North Carolina, and has been married twice. Much of his personal details are unknown. He is a father to three sons and two daughters, and he also has two grandchildren. Pyle has a range of interests, including cars, motorcycles, horses, and enjoying reruns of television shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle. Additionally, he follows a vegetarian lifestyle.
In 1993, Pyle faced charges of lewd assault involving two girls. He strongly denied these allegations and asserted that the girls had actually been victimized by individuals associated with babysitters in a mobile home park in Jacksonville. Pyle believed that these individuals held a grudge against him and fabricated the accusations. Furthermore, he maintained that the claims were an attempt to extort money from the Lynyrd Skynyrd organization.
Is Artimus Pyle Dead or Alive - FAQ
Artimus Pyle played drums with Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1974 to 1977 and from 1987 to 1991.
In 2006, Pyle and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Artimus Pyle was born in Louisville, Kentucky.
Pyle's mother, Mildred "Midge" Pyle, was a homemaker, and his father, Clarence "Del" Pyle, was a construction superintendent.
Pyle enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1971 after rising to the rank of sergeant.