ronnie van zant
STEVE GAINES
cassie gaines
leon wilkeson
allen collins
gary rossington
billy powell
artimus pyle
jo jo billingsley
leslie hawkins
ed king
bob burns
DEAN KILPATRICK

IT'S BEEN 26 YEARS AGO .... 
TRIBUTE TO LYNYRD SKYNYRD 
THAT WE LOST SOME OF THESE AWESOME PLAYERS

BUT THESE GUYS ARE THE BAND I REMEMBER THE BEST ROCK ON FELLAS AND SISTERS TILL WE MEET AGAIN

October is coming back again, and for all the southern rock fans, this month reminds us asome bad memories. As, 25 years ago, disappeared some of our heroes, some ones who gave a new dimension to the music we love. We wanted to pay respect and tribute to them, so, we asked most of the people we've been in contact with since the TRIBUTE was born to write down a few lines about this mytical band, LYNYRD SKYNYRD. 
A big thank you to those who took their precious time to write down a few lines. We appreciate. 



Bruce Brookshire [guitar player, singer and songwriter from Doc Holliday - USA] 


God Bless Lynyrd Skynyrd for keeping the Southern rock musical style alive all these years. 
The way Ronnie Van Zant could turn a phrase and say what was on the minds of so many people; his lyrics were honest opinions: simple, yet profound, sometimes arrogant, yet somehow they befriended the listener and brought them into his world. 
God Bless Gary Rossington for leading Lynyrd Skynyrd through some very tough times, and for having the courage to add Rickey Medlocke and Hughie Thomason to the band. They are without a doubt the three best guitarists in Southern rock. The potential the band has with those three is an untapped gold mine. I can't wait to hear more input from Rickey and Hughie added to the Lynyrd Skynyrd sound. 

The first time I saw Skynyrd at Richard's in Atlanta, Billy Powell was playing a little Wurlitzer electric piano, and honestly you couldn't hear him over the guitars. He is a large part of the band's sound now, a great piano player. You can always tell that it's Billy playing those keys. 

Johnny Van Zant is the only one who could have taken up where his brother Ronnie left off, with the possible exception of Donnie. 
I don't know how they decided who would do it, but they did and it's their family, so it's their business. 
Comparisons between Ronnie and Johnny are unfair. Ronnie is a legend. Unfortunately that's what happens when you die like that. Look at Buddy Holly and Otis Redding. Johnny respects his brother's legacy, but he is his own man and I enjoy what he brings to the band, as do all fans of Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

Leon's unique style of bass playing certainly contributed to the Lynyrd Skynyrd sound in the early days. He will always be missed, but we thank God that Leon is no longer in pain. 

My opinion on the "Civil Wars" thing? Forget it. Stay away from the soap operas and listen to the band play music. That's where the heart and soul is. 

God Bless You, Guys. 


Michael Buffalo Smith [Publisher/Editor, GRITZ Magazine & Recording Artist - USA] 


Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the greatest rock and roll bands ever, Southern or otherwise. The original band just ripped, and I was fortunate enough to see them live one time. Unfortunately, it was in October of 1977, here in Greenville, SC. I was at the final show, the night before the plane crash. I knew Artimus Pyle, who was from our area, and through him I got to meet Ronnie, who was a very nice guy. Down to earth, you know? Backstage that night was exciting. It was one of my first backstage experiences, and I was so nervous, but Ronnie and Steve and Allen especially made me feel so at ease. When we heard the next day that Ronnie, Steve and Cassie were dead, I was shocked. I had just lost a rock and roll hero in August (Elvis) and now my favorite band? Wow. I remain to this day a fan of Ronnie Van Zant, and while it can never ever be the same, I do enjoy the current version of Skynyrd as well. Still, I'd like to see Artimus in there with them, and Ed King. God bless Ronnie Van Zant. 



Rock on guys! 

Mike Estes [Former guitar player of LYNYRD SKYNYRD - USA] 


Regarding the anniversary of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash of October 20th 1977, there will be many tributes, glasses raised to honor and celebrate the lives and music of the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, especially those that are no longer here to create and perform the music that is loved by so many. I have sent you my personal tribute, thoughts and thanks to both past and current members of the Lynyrd Skynyrd band and crew that have, reflected from my personal experience and perspective as a former band member, greatly affected my life and influenced me as a person and musician. It's just a few words for each, merely what I would like to say those that are gone that I didn't know, the ones that are gone that I did know, and to the ones that I do know that are still here. 
Ronnie VanZant : You were and are still the best damn singer and songwriter I ever heard. Period. 

Allen Collins : You have been my six string inspiration since I can remember.Thanks for everything you ever showed me, for letting me hang out when I was being a pest, and some of the best memories of my life. Keep an eye out for the jalepenos. I miss you, buddy. 

Steve Gaines : I wish I could have met you. Your unbelievable guitar playing continues to confound and confuse me to this day, and probably will for the rest of my life!!!!!!! 

Leon Wilkeson : The owner of the Skynyrd groove.Thanks so much for all the fun we had on stage (PLEASE turn those glasses OFF!) as well as off stage.You were a great friend to me, and to all that knew you. There ain't another Leon, as a a guy or as a picker. Thanks for your words in our last conversation, and for the biggest compliment I've ever been paid in my life. I'll never forget that. Or you. 

Ed King : The tone and soul of Skynyrd. For once in my life, I'm short on words. I can never repay you for your friendship and all you have done for me. You are the BEST. Thanks for pushing me hard. Call me, would ya? I mean, What Are Buddies For? 

Artimus Pyle : You put the fire under Skynyrd. I STILL think you wrote Crossroads. Thanks for letting me share in the fun in that OUT-FIT of yours. When is the gig in Harlan? What time do we leave? Does the hotel suck? Is it near Crummy's Creek, or is it closer to Mary Helen's? 

Craig Reed : One of the most loyal, golden eared people that I know. You have been my dad, my brother, and my much older sister. Some of the best times in my life I've had with you. Thanks for believing in me before, then, and now. You have driven me to be my best, and I can't thank you enough. You're too cool, Judson. 

Billy Powell : Your talent continues to awe and inspire me, and so many others. You and I have had more fun on the road than the law should, and does, allow. And that was before I even joined the band! Watch out for Jimmy, and keep your hands off my TV remote! 

Johnny VanZant : I hope someday we can see where writing would take us. You have been a great friend to me and the fam, and I appreciate your kindness and friendship more than you know. Take care out there. 

Gary Rossington : Thank you for the opportunity to play guitar and write with the best band that ever was, Lynyrd Skynyrd. I appreciate it, and I always will. Be a good second baseman. 


Marley Brant [Writer - USA] 


"When Skynyrd's plane crashed on October 20, 1977, the casualties were not all on board the airplane. So many of us mourned the loss of close friends and musical heroes, agonized over the horrific injuries of those who had been spared and examined our own lives and mortality. Skynyrd was at its peak, with much more music waiting to be created and performed. It seemed that at last they were receiving the recognition from the music world that they had worked so long and hard to make a reality and that they so richly deserved. After the crash, it seemed the music had died. 
Although we continue to miss Ronnie, Dean, Cassie and Steve, we were wrong about one thing. The music has not died with them. Skynyrd music is eternal. It is in the hearts, minds and blood of all of us who have ever been exposed to it. Historic songs, records and performances will live on with each of us who appreciate them and the new music and performances will bring to our ranks countless numbers of new fans, new Skynyrd family members. 
To remember Ronnie, Dean, Steve and Cassie, all we need do is keep them, and their talents, forever in our hearts. The music, past and present, will do the rest. 
God bless you Dean, Ronnie, Steve and Cassie. We love you and we will always miss you. But we will never forget you. God bless the survivors. May you feel the comfort of the love you shared with each of them. And God bless the fans for not allowing that dreadful swamp to put an end to something so powerful, so important: the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd. 






Kurt Custer [Former drummer of LYNYRD SKYNYRD - USA] 


Hey Man, that's great. If any band deserves it, it's Skynyrd. 
I just want to say that in the midst of all the soap opera bullshit going on with Artimus and the band : STOP broadcasting it!! It's making them look stupid. I recently saw the Lynyrd Skynyrd special "Uncivil War", and it was ridiculous!! Never mind they didn't even mention me, who helped them attain a deal with Atlantic records back in 1990, and played a BIG part in arranging the songs and coming up with guitar parts, etc.....I was never short on ideas! They hardly mentioned Leon or Allen. What the hell is up with that?? Leon Wilkeson was the BEST bass player I ever played with. Period. He was inherently gifted. Couldn't play a scale, but he could kick ass with the best of them. He was the most fluid player as well. He really was the glue.I very much miss him and always think about the way he played bass on my arm, in the bus on long trips. We would listen to great music and Lee would mimick the bass part on my arm. He was a sweet soul. Very vulnerable. Talented. That's why he was great. 

Allen Collins : Well. What can you say about the madman. I didn't know him. But I feel like I did. Among the many dreams I had of him, he was always telling me to "Hit a home run". When you're on stage-you're a performer-a catalyst for other people's dreams. When the level of performance is greater than your normal, run-of-the-mill band, that's what seperates greatness from mediocrity. Allen Collins was one of the most gifted guitar players I've ever heard. I still sit around at night, trying to play like him. He was a true inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. He definitely had a wild side, which was endearing to me since I tend to be crazy, and had an inate sensibility for playing the right part!! Something lost nowadays. A truly wonderful person. 

Gary Rossington : My very dear friend. The biggest heart I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I learned SO MUCH from him when it came to crunch time. When the pressure was on, he always came through!! Whether it was writing a new riff or song-because we needed it - or rising to the occasion on stage, Gary always made me laugh and always treated me with respect. From one great musician to another. His famous words "Ok. Blues jam on 4. Ready?? I did it and then..........."You're hired". That I will never forget. Gary has a great knack of playing beautiful solo's. Memorable! It's a tribute to the kind of person he is. A REAL person. I'll play with you anywhere, anytime brother. 

Johnny Van Zant : Johnny is a great singer! I've never met anyone with the stamina of this guy. He can go night after night and sing his ass off. We would stay up some nights and talk about the old days. Mainly about Ronnie and how much he missed him. Johnny's tenure was meant to be. I know how hard it was for him to overcome the pressure and fill such big shoes. I think he's adapted well and is finally at peace with being the lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

Billy Powell : Well. What can I say about my buddy. Billy and I did a lot of hanging out together during the recording of "Last Rebel". Billy is a real nice guy. Sometimes too nice for his own good. Billy is a very deep individual. You can talk to him about your feelings and he'll respond with insight. I guess its that religious background, but he is the BEST piano player I've ever played with as well. Man, you have to understand that this guy is classically trained. People out there don't even know how talented this man is. He composes as well as comes up with good parts for songs. Also, has an inate ability to play the right part. A true musician. 


Rick Hirsch [Former guitar player of WET WILLIE - USA] 


Lynyrd and Willie performed on the same bill many more times than I can probably remember. And as such, we shared a good deal of time just hanging here and there in various hotels and backstage venues. There are a ton of anecdotes I can recall from those days, but I think I'll stick with one in particular, since it had interesting later perspectives. Ronnie Van Zant and I were shooting the breeze one night either before or after a show. He was telling me how he had listened to Wet Willie's Keep On Smilin' LP which had been released and was gaining momentum from the single (Keep On Smilin'). During this conversation, Ronnie brought up a song I had written on that album and noted that it was partially inspired by Neil Young's song, Southern Man, and further, that he had also written a song that was also the result of having heard Neil's tune. At that time, their LP hadn't been released quite yet, but would be soon. The name of the song I had penned was simply Alabama. The name of the song Ronnie had written, of course, the anthem, Sweet Home Alabama. We went on to discuss our similar takes on the Neil Young classic, which misunderstood and denegrated the South and Alabama, and how we had both taken offense, thus prompting the responsive songs we wrote. 

I would like to say that despite his bad boy image, Ronnie Van Zant was a very open, warm and friendly guy. I remember having several what I consider to be elevated conversations with him back then in those Seventies. Allen Collins was also someone I enjoyed talking with. He was really a super guy and a major hellion on his axe. Same with Leon, who I ran into years later (post the fatal plane crash) in a pub in London) and I understand has left us as well. 

God bless all of them. 

Rick

Lord i can't make any changes,all i can do is write em in a song
cause i can see the concrete slowly creepin,lord take me and mine
before that comes " ronnie van zant 1948-1977





INTERVIEWS BORROWED FROM THE ROAD TO JACKSONVILLE WEBZINE OWNER