The TERRIFYING Last Minutes of Lynyrd Skynyrd

On October 20, 1977, tragedy struck for Lynyrd Skynyrd. After an electrifying concert in Greenville, the band members and crew boarded a 30-year-old Convair CV-240 passenger aircraft, that would fly them to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The first stretch of the 700-mile flight to Baton Rouge was smooth sailing. But towards the end of their flight, the pilots made a startling realization - the aircraft was running low on fuel, and disaster was lurking...

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[subjectc]

This is a good example of not allowing peer pressure to control your actions and go with your first thoughts.

[manstersr]

I heard that the band discussed getting a different plane like you said. I also heard that they knew that the plane had a faulty fuel gauge before the flight. It was totally avoidable.

[ricardobjj]

I heard the song "Simple Man" for the first time today and I've been playing it nonstop. I love that song and it was sad when I read about the history of this band and what happened to them. But I'm thankful to have come across that song it has become one of my favorites

[the_god_hand_]

In 2015 I used to work at a car parts store close to where Artimus lives now. He'd come by somewhat regularly and sometimes ask for me by name. Genuinely one of the sweetest guys I've ever met. Can definitely tell the rock star life has affected him throughout the years but he's a genuinely good guy despite everything he's been through.

Funny, I was an aspiring musician at the time and I was talking to him about how nervous I was to perform in front of a crowd with around 100 or so people and he replied with "Son if I can perform in front of 100, 000 people opening for the Rolling Stones without shitting myself, you can do 100." Really awesome guy.

[pinkyskeleton]

Aerosmith declined using the plane after seeing the pilots drinking Jack Daniel's right out of the bottle during the plane inspection lol. Ya good call on that one.

[profvonshredder]

That iconic song “Simple Man” will forever remind us of a mother’s wisdom and enduring love for their beloved child—even into adulthood

[kennethwilkes]

Artimus Pyle was NOT SHOT. He said he was but the guy at the house was interviewed and said he shot into the air. The doctor that treated pyle said he had no gunshot wounds. In fact pyles injuries were not as serious as he says. He was released from the hospital the day after the crash.

[grey]

Perfect example as to why no single member in a band should have complete authoritative control, especially if they exhibit suicidal behaviors and show a complete lack of care for the safety of others

[patriots]

they were the best southern rock band ever! Their talent was incredible and that band is very much missed! RIP guys

[davefrench]

Met my now wife on that day 20/10/77
We are still together.
RIP to a great band

[BullseyeBob]

Saw Lynyrd Skynyrd in the summer of 1974. They were on the list with Emerson, Lake and Palmer as the headliner. Skynyrd totally was the best band that day.

[alexhennigh]

"If it's your time, it's your time" is probably the least reassuring thing a person can say.

[lisal.]

Back in the 70’s music was so diverse- so much talent it’s mind boggling. Rock, southern rock, country, R & B, disco, ballads- incredibly diverse. RIP to the members of this talented group of musicians

[NapoleonDynamites]

A plane crash and getting shot in the same day. Thats what you call rock N roll.

[mattg]

I live in Jacksonville and every time I visit my grandmothers grave I have to visit Ronnie’s everytime since his is at the same graveyard, what a beautiful soul we lost that day rip brother

[Drelam]

Lived in Asheville, NC and met Artimus Pyle back around 2006. He was the neighbor to one of my family members. He was out doing work in his front yard so me and my brothers waved to him, he came over to introduce himself and shake our hands, seemed like a nice guy. Also had a friend who had a similar self fulfilling prophecy of dying at a young age and he ended up dying in a car accident aged 22.

[kathyjacques]

I remember the chill that went through me when I heard about this tragedy on the radio, yet, there was no details, no social media in those days

[tscully]

They were (and still are) one of the best rock bands ever. They had a magical combination and great vocalist.

[Holly-]

I saw their last concert at: "Greenville Memorial Auditorium" in Greenville, SC. (Now, building no longer standing. Torn down years ago ) .

October 19th, 1977 !
Ticket cost: $6.00
I was 16 at the time !

Besides Styx, Bad Company, Led Zeppelin, Skynyrd was my Favorite band in 1977 !

Fortunately,
I kept my ticket stub from that final night... Glad I did so, especially after hearing the tragic news of the crash the next day !

The stub, which included the name of the band, the venue, the date, and price of $6.00, even though it was torn that much information was on the stub.

I kept it locked away for years. Eventually in 2020 selling it to a collector on eBay significant !!!

(I still however kept a pic of the stub. Can't post pics here.🤔)

The Show:
When they took the stage,
they performed their older songs, but were primarily promoting the Brand New "Street Survivors" Album !!!
The album had just recently been released, and was being praised by critics as to how refined and professional a direction their sound has taken !
Lynyrd Skynyrd was set to take it to the next level. They were poised, and moving up the charts fast was, That Smell, I Know a Little, among others. They were heading to New heights, literally 😢

I am not quite sure, but it could have been Nazareth "Love Hurts" (incidentally, Love Hurts was record prior by the Everly Brothers )
... that was the Warm up Band !?
Not Sure on that one...
Anybody know ????

The show was tremendous....!!! Everything that a true Lynyrd Skynyrd fan could ask actually see Rossington, Collins blistering those guitar necks...Billy Powell piano licks, the whole band was so frickin tight ..
Humble roots....They had come out from Muscle Shoals Studio 1973 with Sweet Home Alabama, all the way to the Street Survivors with the great guitarist, Steve Gaines.

They Rocked for almost 2 hours....
The concert ended WITHOUT FREE BIRD being played. 🤔

The band had exited the stage, and said goodnight....The crowd became very loud, screaming in tandem FREE BIRD, FREE BIRD, !!!
But,
We ALL KNEW, they had saved it for the finally !!!

They returned to the stage, and Billy ripped that iconic intro on the piano.... And They performed the encore' song FREE BIRD as the crowd was screaming in joy.

Little did we know 😞😢,
That would be the last song Ronnie Van Zant would ever sing in public was: "Free Bird IF I LEAVE HERE TOMORROW, WOULD YOU STILL REMEMBER ME ?? 😢

It's Very touching to revisit the song, now in 2023, knowing the lyrics speak of Ronnie and his desire to fly High and Free.

He is now ( They All Are ) Flying on High now....!
...."if there's a Rock n Roll heaven, you know they got a hell of a band"

Remember, Ronnie's Mom had said to him, " Son, don't forget there is Someone up Above " which he wrote into the song "Simple Man".
Ronnie knew there was... And God was ready for him...😢

Quote:
{Death can come for you anytime, anywhere...! It's Never welcome...}
John Wayne... The Cowboys Movie.

Ronnie was only 29 years old at the time of death.

To answer the question,
Yes Ronnie We do Remember You.
You left us too early.

😢 Rest in Peace Ronnie Van Zant and all of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band 🙏❤️🙏
From all of us who truly Loved the Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. We have the music and memories.

[kingdani]

Whenever I hear about Lynard Skynard, “Sweet Home Alabama” comes to mind, it’s probably one of the best songs in all of rock n roll history! 🎶