Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Music Minute - Artimus Pyle: Simple Man

 Artimus Pyle, a distinguished Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Member and former drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, unveils the soulful "Simple Man" in collaboration with fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Sammy Hagar. This heartfelt duet stands as the second digital single release from Pyle's highly anticipated studio album, 'Anthems - Honoring The Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd,' which includes thirteen tracks and will be released on February 2, 2024, with distribution by BFD/Orchard, paying homage to the timeless sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd's iconic repertoire.


To stream/purchase visit: orcd.co/APBSammyHagarSimpleMan

Fans who want to pre-order 'Anthems - Honoring The Music of Lynyrd Skynyrd' on CD can do so by going to ArtimusPyle.com. As part of a limited-edition bundle, music lovers can also 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” drum head 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.

Long revered as the "wild man" of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle's influential double bass drumming played a pivotal role in shaping the legendary Skynyrd sound. His breakthrough occurred at the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam, where his commanding drumming, initially credited as Artimus Pyle, percussion, caught widespread attention. Further solidifying his reputation as a formidable session drummer, Pyle, leveraging connections with acts like Charlie Daniels and the Marshall Tucker Band, met with Ronnie Van Zant and Ed King at Studio One in Doraville, Georgia. This pivotal meeting led to the creation of 'Saturday Night Special,' leaving an enduring impression on Ronnie. Making his live debut in October 1974 at Jacksonville's Sgt Pepper's Club, Pyle took over as Skynyrd's drummer after the release of 'Second Helping,' contributing to the band's next four albums, including the iconic 'Street Survivors.' Pyle not only survived the band's harrowing 1977 plane crash but also witnessed the tragic loss of six lives, including Steve and Cassie Gaines and the visionary leader of the band, 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.

Pre-save album here: orcd.co/APBLynyrdSkynyrdTribute

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' FancyGimme Back My BulletsStreet 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 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).

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