LOGOS

ARTIMUS PYLE BAND EVOLUTION

The impact of Lynyrd Skynyrd on American rock and roll began with the harmonious blend of guitar driven rock with southern blues roots and can be heard today in the new rock music of the 21st Century. Artimus Pyle’s powerful and distinctive double bass drumming helped define the legendary Skynyrd sound. Artimus’ live debut with the band took place in Jacksonville’s Sgt Pepper’s Club in October 1974. The years Artimus played with Skynyrd were the years that solidified the legend behind the band with classic rock songs such as “Saturday Night Special”; “Gimme Back My Bullets”; “That Smell”; “I Know A Little” and “Freebird”. The band quickly developed into one of the nation’s top touring draws with a grueling schedule of 300 shows a year.

During the next few years Lynyrd Skynyrd’s songs became radio staples. Their album, ‘Street Survivors’, had just been released to critical and popular acclaim. The ambitious new tour, just days underway, saw sellout crowds. On October 20, 1977, as the sun was setting in Mississippi, the chartered plane ran out of fuel and fell from the sky. The plane crash took the lives of band leader and vocalist, Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, vocalist Cassie Gaines, road manager Dean Kilpatrick as well as both pilots, and seriously injured the surviving band members and crew. Artimus, who had a broken sternum from the impact, used his Marine Corp training and survival instincts to find and bring help to his critically injured friends in densely wooded thicket.

Artimus started APB in 1981 after recovering from the plane crash and initially signed the band with MCA. The Band was known at the time as APB or ‘All Points Bulletin’ and released two albums in the early 80’s. When Lynyrd Skynyrd members joined together for the Tribute Tour in 1987, APB took a hiatus, and Artimus reunited with Skynyrd. Two of the early APB songs are featured on the Lynyrd Skynyrd CD entitled "Solo Flytes", that was recently released by MCA. Many unbelievably talented musicians have participated in the APB project since it's conception over twenty years ago. For a complete listing of participating musicians or discographies please visit the website at www.ArtimusPyle.com.

After more than twenty years and several versions of APB, Pyle has focused his energy on music that feels right and makes him proud. Southern Rockin’ Blues that is soul soothing, foot stomping, home spun and performed with a top notch band. The Artimus Pyle Band released “APB : Live From Planet Earth” in 1999 and toured internationally to support the CD. Artimus pours his heart and history out on stage for every performance.  He sincerely carries the torch in loving memory of his dear friends, Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines & Leon Wilkeson, to help their spirits and songs they performed together, live on forever. 

Branching out into other forms of experimental music, Pyle conceived and created a band with his sons, called The Fenwicks. From which, two incredible Afro-Celtic-Yiddish-Ska CD’s have emerged ( www.thefenwicks.com ). Pyle has performed at numerous functions, with Charlie Daniels, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Black Crowes, Maria Muldar, Carlos Santana, Do Diddley, Dickie Betts, Phil Lesh & Friends, and the list literally goes on and on… Artimus released his CD entitled "Artimus Venomus" in 2006 with Strom Dog Records in Nashville, TN.  You can hear a few songs at www.myspace.com/artimuspyleband.com .

Semper Fi

QUOTES AND COMMENTS

Artimus is a rock and roll legend, in presence and history. His drumming was an integral part of some of the greatest songs of all-time. In addition he is one of the nicest guys I have dealt with in this industry. When the APB Band hit New York City, wild rats couldn't keep me away. 

James Krieger, Audio Engineer and Mixer (VH-1, M-TV, HBO, Network TV, Carnegie Hall)

“I saw The APB band at the Tobacco Road bar in NYC and was completely floored by the raw energy and passion put into every single song. All the jaded New Yorkers stood and cheered the entire time. It was a very special night.”

 Jimmie Corrieri, Empire Entertainment

"I have been a friend and fan of Artimus Pyle since 1977, and the music he is creating today with APB is just as fresh and exciting as anything he did as drummer for the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd. Pyle is a one of a kind artist who isn't afraid to experiment, and his artistic integrity is only exceeded by his personal integrity... Let APB's music flow through your soul and wash over you like an ocean breeze.  "

Michael Buffalo Smith, Publisher; GRITZ Magazine

“By performing at the E.A.R.T.H. Awareness Youth Music and Arts Festival, (APB) will help insure the future of music, art and drama in the schools in our community.

Sue Luley, President and Founding Director
EARTH Awareness of Brevard, Inc. (E.ntertainers A.gainst R.uining T.heir H.ome)

PHOTOS by Clay Enos

PROMO PHOTO ARCHIVES

1987 Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Tour 

1975 :  This photo was taken near the Hell House outside Green Cove Springs, Florida during the Nuthin' Fancy album cover shoot.(L-R) Ed King, Leon Wilkeson, Artimus Pyle, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Ronnie VanZant, Gary Rossington

 FANS RESPONSE 

I've got to give a review of the show at Tobacco Road, in New York City, This show "KIKKED-ASS" these guys just flat out rule, this is real rock-n-roll. I work for a radio station and go to a lot of shows, this has got to be one of the best sounding and performing band i've seen in a long time. I'm not just saying this because i'm a huge southern rock, skynyrd or ARTY fan, this band has just flat out GOT-IT! this stuff needs to be heard throughout the world. These two giutarists, are the best i've seen in a long time, and i'm not sure, if your going to see it from many more to come, the two drummers, make more noise than you know what to do with, and boy-o-boy, if that bass player wasn't like watching LEON, the entire band was AWESOME. I'm from Jersey and i'm so glad i went to the NEW YORK show, i know there from Florida, but you could have fooled me, last night, there hearts were with evryone in New York! Thanx guys, it means alot to all of us in the U.S.A. to be recognized for the recent tragadize of 9-11, but it was really special to those of us who are from the New York, New Jersey area. Oh, and Arty, thanx for hanging out after the show for the two hours you did, talking and meeting everyone, telling your storys, being heard, and also thanx for all the pictures and autographs, especially the drumstix you signed for my son, he loves them. One more thing from me to you, my brother, Thanks for keeping the spirit and the memory of the late great Ronny Van Sant alive, and also everyone else that was so unfotunate to leave us at such early ages, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, Leon Wilkeson, Allen Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Great Frank Zappa and everyone else. Arty,thanks again, keep the spirit of the FREEBIRD alive. one more thing, don't forget about us up here, ya'll come back now, ya hear!

Dan Brown

Arteemus and CO.
You guys rocked the heck outta NY last night. Great show! I have been listening to LS for almost 25 years now and it was great to see you and your great band playing classic songs that mean so much to me and having such a good time. Good luck with everything you do.

hey artimus and the rest of the boys in apb, had a great time at letchworth pines on saturday may 4th (with Marshall Tucker). we really enjoyed meeting and hanging out with  ya'll , I now have the only bowling pin autographed by artimus in the world, how cool is that!!!!  anyway, just wanted to drop you a note and say we will definitely catch ya on your next time around these parts. happy trails. Fred lennon

Mr. Pyle, on behalf of the Gemini Studios / Monster Sound Team; Gemini Jake,
Joe, Wayne and myself, I wanted to say thanks to APB for a truly amazing experience.  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to your entire organization for having had the opportunity to provide our services. Should your travels
bring you again to the Charleston area, we would be privileged to serve you. 
Be safe out there and rock on.....forever.
Carl D. Hedgepeth