Artimus Pyle unveils track collaborating with Sammy Hagar
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – 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.
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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.
‘Anthems – Honoring The Music Of Lynyrd Skynyrd’ Track Listing:
I Know A Little – Micheal Ray
Sweet Home Alabama – Ronnie Dunn
Simple Man – Sammy Hagar
Needle And The Spoon – Lindsey Ell
The Ballad Of Curtis Loew – Chris Janson
Workin’ For MCA – Lee Brice
That Smell – Jerrod Niemann
Gimme Three Steps – Marty Raybon
Call Me The Breeze – Billy Ray Cyrus
Saturday Night Special – Warren Haynes
The Hunt – Artimus Pyle Band
What’s Your Name – LOCASH
Freebird – Dolly Parton
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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’ Fancy, Gimme Back My Bullets, Street 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.
In 1979, the band began to reunite, first for the 5th Annual Charlie Daniel’s Volunteer Jam, and eventually, as the Rossington Collins Band (which included all the remaining band members and Pyle, plus Dale Krantz on lead vocals and Barry Lee Harwood on guitar). However, shortly after that, Pyle was in a car accident that broke his leg in 21 places and shattered his hopes of remaining with the group. Pyle spent the next three years healing, both physically and emotionally, before returning to the States and establishing the Artimus Pyle Band (A.P.B.) to honor the music and legacy of Ronnie Van Zant.
In 1987, Pyle rejoined his former bandmates to tour and eventually record as Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991, but the experience left him flat. While he deeply loved them, he no longer felt the magic he once did with Van Zant at the helm, nor was he interested in returning to the party lifestyle for which the band was known and stepped away from the group permanently, only to return in 2006 during Lynyrd Skynyrd’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (where he played alongside Bob Burns).
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).