Artimus Pyle, a musician from Louisville, Kentucky, born in July 1948, has a net worth of $3 million in 2023, as per celebritynetworth. He is most well-known for his work as the drummer for the band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Before joining the band, Pyle served in the United States Marine Corps. He was among the survivors of the 1977 plane crash that killed 3 members of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
They became known for their popular songs “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird,” and their debut studio album (Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd), released in 1973, was certified 2x Platinum. The band’s first two albums were also certified 2x Platinum.
Pyle continued his music career with the Artimus Pyle Band, releasing three albums and touring in 1982. He also participated in the Skynyrd Tribute tour and recorded it on the album Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991.
However, in 1993, Pyle was arrested and accused of attempted sexual battery and lewd assault on 2 female kids. He pleaded no contest and registered as a sex offender.
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Artimus Pyle’s Career
In 1974, Artimus Pyle took over as the drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, replacing Bob Burns. He made his musical debut on “Saturday Night Special,” a song featured on the band’s third album, “Nuthin’ Fancy.”
The album was released the following year in March and peaked at number nine on the US album chart.
Pyle played drums on the band’s fourth album, “Gimme Back My Bullets,” released in February 1976 and reached number twenty on the US Albums Chart.
He continued to contribute to the band’s following albums, including “One More from the Road,” “Street Survivors,” and “Southern By the Grace of God.”
Pyle survived the 1977 Convair CV-240 plane crash that claimed the lives of several members of the band.
Two years later, the surviving members reunited for Charlie Daniels’ fifth annual Volunteer Jam concert in Nashville.
Eventually, the remaining bandmates formed the Rossington Collins Band. However, Pyle was forced to leave due to a leg injury.
In 1982, he began recording and touring with the Artimus Pyle Band, featuring Darryl Otis Smith and Steve Brewington. The band released albums like “Nightcaller” in 1983 and “Life from Planet Earth” in 2000.
Recently, Pyle made a guest appearance on American singer Eli Cook’s album “Primitive Son.” He also planned to publish his book “Street Survivor: Keeping the Beat in Lynyrd Skynyrd” in 2017, but it was put on hold due to an ongoing lawsuit.
The Grand Opera Of Artimus Pyle
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s third album, “Nuthin’ Fancy,” marked the debut of Artimus Pyle as a drummer. It reached number nine on the US Albums Chart, making it the band’s first top-ten release.
The album featured popular tracks such as “Saturday Night Special,” “I’m a Country Boy,” “On the Hunt,” and “Railroad Song.”
Pyle also played on the band’s sixth studio album, “Street Survivors,” released in October 1977. The album was a big commercial success and performed well on the charts.
It included hit songs like “What’s Your Name,” “One More Time,” “You Got That Right,” “I Never Dreamed,” and “Ain’t No Good Life.”
Tragically, just three days after the album’s release, the band’s plane crashed, claiming the lives of several members, including the pilot.
Achievements
- In 2006, Artimus Pyle and his fellow Lynyrd Skynyrd band members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2008.
- Collaborating with notable musicians like Billy Powell, Gary Rossington, and Charlie Daniels.
- Appearing in the documentary film “Freebird: The Movie,” which chronicled Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legendary 1977 performance at the Oakland Coliseum.
- Continuing to perform with his band, the Artimus Pyle Band, and touring across the United States.
Artimus Pyle’s Tribute To Gary Rossington
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s drummer, Artimus Pyle, retrieved the last text messages exchanged with his former bandmate, guitarist Gary Rossington after Rossington passed away.
Pyle praised Rossington’s talents and credited the band’s success to the unique blend of playing styles that Rossington, Ed King, and Allen Collins contributed and Ronnie Van Zant’s visionary leadership.
Pyle is now the last surviving member of Skynyrd and seeks comfort in remembering the good times shared with his former bandmates.
Despite being involved in a lawsuit with Lynyrd Skynyrd members in 2017, Pyle wishes to let go of any hate and focus on the positive aspects of their shared history, particularly Rossington’s contributions to music history.
