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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2015 12:28:54 GMT -5
There seems to be two sides to the Artimus Pyle equation. Those who love him and those who want to. I like Artimus. I don't always like what he has to say. At first, it didn't bother me. Then one day, after the umpteenth interview, I did. When he speaks you not only hear the anger in his voice you feel it. When I listen to him I wonder if he will ever move on and learn to forgive those he feels has wronged him. There is no doubt Artimus is a lucky man. Does he even realize that? Rather than dwelling on the negative maybe he should look for the positive. Artimus has survived quite a few serious accidents. How many can live to tell the tale of surviving a plane crash? It truly was a miracle. He is not a young man anymore. It's sad to think he may take this anger and bitterness to his grave. Is Artimus venomous? He sure sounds like he is.
Artimus Pyle Discusses Split From Lynyrd Skynyrd 11/7/2013 1:36 PM ET
Artimus Pyle, former drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, recently opened up on his split from the band over 20 years ago. Pyle joined the group in 1975 and left abruptly in 1991, after feuding with Ronnie van Zant's wife Judy.
Pyle was involved in the band's 1977 plane crash which killed Ronnie. Pyle survived, reforming the band in 1987 with Ronnie's brother Johnny in the lead role.
"Judy . . . sued us while we were on the [1991] tribute tour," he said in an interview with Lucas H. Gordon.
"We were on the road making money for Judy and her children — doing what we should do — but Judy sued us the whole time, wanting control of the name, which she didn't deserve. So she got a bunch of sinister, crooked lawyers . . . and she got the name."
"Now there's one member," Pyle concluded. "And 10 people they hired yesterday, and they charge $100,000 and call it Lynyrd Skynyrd, It's fraud . . . but Judy doesn't care if a bunch of monkeys go out onstage."
www.rttnews.com/2219570/artimus-pyle-discusses-split-from-lynyrd-skynyrd.aspx
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MorrisAutoParts
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Post by MorrisAutoParts on Nov 3, 2015 23:49:31 GMT -5
No doubt there are two sides to Artimus maybe more than that. I think most people are multi faceted individuals. We act one way for our job, one way with our parents, one way with our friends, one way with our spouse, one way with our dog. We are complex. So one part of Artimus' life is the media interview, where he answers questions about what he thinks of the new LS, what he thinks of JVZ, Gary, Judy. So he gives his opinion. I doubt he lives with this burning hatred that comes across in interviews. He honestly believes JVZ and Gary and all are hurting the legacy of Skynyrd, and also stole millions of dollars from him in his opinion. I know if I thought someone stole millions of dollars from me I wouldn't remember them fondly and tell funny stories about our time together. It would be the same as if someone asked you about a job you were fired at 10 years ago, you would remember and vent, but you don't live that memory every hour of the day.
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Post by MDfan aka The MD Well Man on Nov 4, 2015 5:15:49 GMT -5
I think Gary Rossington has the right to play Skynyrd songs and be Lynyrd Skynyrd but a judge did say the rule of 3 . When ever a judge give me a court order this old boy followed it. O K lets play dumb for a second or 2 and say a stupid ass judge said alright Slick Rick First and Last counts it is an album recorded before the plane crash. Lets count off to three 1. Gary Rossington 2. Rickey Medlocke 3. The rule of three reminds me of a Tottsie Pop add
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Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2015 21:14:10 GMT -5
No doubt there are two sides to Artimus maybe more than that. I think most people are multi faceted individuals. We act one way for our job, one way with our parents, one way with our friends, one way with our spouse, one way with our dog. We are complex. So one part of Artimus' life is the media interview, where he answers questions about what he thinks of the new LS, what he thinks of JVZ, Gary, Judy. So he gives his opinion. I doubt he lives with this burning hatred that comes across in interviews. He honestly believes JVZ and Gary and all are hurting the legacy of Skynyrd, and also stole millions of dollars from him in his opinion. I know if I thought someone stole millions of dollars from me I wouldn't remember them fondly and tell funny stories about our time together. It would be the same as if someone asked you about a job you were fired at 10 years ago, you would remember and vent, but you don't live that memory every hour of the day. When people share tragedy one of two things happen: they become closer or they implode. It's obvious what has happened here. Nothing positive came out of the plane crash even though there were more survivors than deaths. It became one dysfunctional relationship after another. Call me kooky. Call me crazy. But I just don't get it. Maybe Artimus doesn't live with burning hatred but maybe he does. Gary and Johnny are not the only ones in his sight. He seems to be aiming for most anyone in or connected to the band. People who were once close are now mortal enemies.
I don't know how Artimus is owed millions. He wasn't a songwriter. Just a drummer. I also don't believe Gary stole monies from anyone. It's easier to point the finger and accuse someone then admit your wrong. All this he said she head has my head spinning. Let's face it. We will never know the whole truth. At least, not in this lifetime. I will bet the family farm if Gary called Artimus tomorrow and asked him to come back he would be a runnin'. There is love and respect there somewhere. Maybe it's not for all to see. Maybe it's buried deep down inside. Maybe it will never see the light of day. I'm convinced it's there. Somewhere. How 'bout a little less venting and a lot more loving. At least it's a start.
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Post by fstbck2000 on Nov 4, 2015 21:41:18 GMT -5
I don't think the rule of three is a court order it's an agreement that Judy made Gary sign so he could use the Skynyrd name. It's up to Judy when she pulls the plug. But as long as Johnny and Ricky keep pumping out those great songs she'll probably let 'em play.
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MorrisAutoParts
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Post by MorrisAutoParts on Nov 5, 2015 2:02:18 GMT -5
It is true it was the grieving widow that made the boys sign the agreement, I am sure she can dissolve it. She has. For the bags of dough. Artimus is upset about that, and really I am too. I don't know Artimus is owed money, who knows, I don't know if Gary stole money, I doubt it. But I do know Gary Rossington said HE could be replaced. He said Allen could be replaced. Skynyrd could go on. Gary then said However if Ronnie was gone that would be the end of the band. HE CANNOT BE REPLACED. After the plane crash, the men were of the same opinion, the band will not be the same without the founder,writer,frontman,leader,and singer. They signed an agreement to not be a nostalgia act after so much time and deaths had passed. Now Judy and Gary have reneged on that. I guess the green changed their minds.
So let's say for just one second Artimus bought that original line of thought, and today he says he did, and the signatures were notarized and it was a done deal, wouldn't your allegiance and honor and loyalty to your buddies be important? Obviously it does for Artimus, he dislikes Johnny singing the songs and the band full of people who were not on the plane. A lot of people feel the same, others feel different. It will be interesting if it goes on for another 40 years and the kids and grandkids license the Skynyrd name like a dominoes pizza franchise. The highest bidder gets to be Skynyrd.
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Post by fstbck2000 on Nov 5, 2015 9:35:31 GMT -5
Artimus's opinion must have changed after they fired him.
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Forum Lord
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Post by Forum Lord on Nov 5, 2015 10:52:29 GMT -5
Artimus actually quit before the band officially fired him on paper months later...
And Gary Rossington did hire a sharp west coast accountant named Gary Haber to cook the books so Gary would not have to pay as much to the estates. I was told by those estates that Gary's accountant was writing a lot of it off as touring expenses. Expenses that may not have even existed, but expenses the estates could not prove did not exist and therefore were virtually powerless to fight in court.
So the estates eventually resigned themselves to accepting the income earned in other ways and let Gary have his touring income without accountability.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 13:04:54 GMT -5
Now about this three pact...
As much as I respect Gary, I sometimes wish they had stuck to the three rule. It makes perfect sense. To say money was not a motivating factor would be saying the Pope isn't catholic. Money is a driving force. Can't live without it unless you part of an Aborigine tribe and that's even questionable. We all know it wasn't only Gary's decision. He had a little help from the widow Van Zant. If Gary is trying to horde money it's probably because someone is trying to take it. I would do the same thing especially if parties involved don't deserve it. Since he decides to carry on, I will continue to support him but when Gary's time is up. It's done. We don't need another Domino franchise.
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Forum Lord
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Post by Forum Lord on Nov 5, 2015 13:15:34 GMT -5
If Gary is trying to horde money it's probably because someone is trying to take it. I would do the same thing especially if parties involved don't deserve it. Gary was sued in 1988 and decided to settle out of court before losing control over the name. In the settlement Gary made certain agreements he is bound to by contract with his signature on it. Hiring Gary Haber was Gary's way of negating his legal obligations to the estates by using a sharp west coast accountant to hide income and cook the books. So to say the estates don't deserve it is not correct in my opinion. Gary agreed to pay and then went out of his way to not pay. He wanted the name of Lynyrd Skynyrd on its own in his control and he was allowed to have it with certain costs involved that he is not willing to honor.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 14:28:42 GMT -5
Actually the 'parties' I was referring to was Ms. Judy. Do I think Judy deserves what she has? No. Like Artimus said, she hit pay dirt the day Ronnie was killed. Now that I agree on. Do I think his children deserve their share? Absolutely. I don't know any of the parties involved so this is pure speculation on my part. Since Gary so obviously dislikes Judy, he doesn't feel she is entitled to anything which is why he put up a fight. At least, that is the way I see it. As far as Allen goes he deserved, an still does, everything Gary has. As for the rest of the band they certainly aren't owed a lions share. I think we can all agree who the three key members are and were. Without either one of them there wouldn't be a band called Lynyrd Skynyrd. I have a legal document somewhere Van Zant-Jenness vs Rossington. It was also posted on this site. I glanced over it and it wasn't pretty. As I recall, it was Judy suing Gary over the band name and control? Every band has its issues but this band tops them all. It has gotten to the point where the music has taken a back seat and money is now in the front seat. If was all about the fans at one time but now I am not too sure.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 19:54:23 GMT -5
Actually the 'parties' I was referring to was Ms. Judy. Do I think Judy deserves what she has? No. Like Artimus said, she hit pay dirt the day Ronnie was killed. Now that I agree on. Do I think his children deserve their share? Absolutely. I don't know any of the parties involved so this is pure speculation on my part. Since Gary so obviously dislikes Judy, he doesn't feel she is entitled to anything which is why he put up a fight. At least, that is the way I see it. As far as Allen goes he deserved, an still does, everything Gary has. As for the rest of the band they certainly aren't owed a lions share. I think we can all agree who the three key members are and were. Without either one of them there wouldn't be a band called Lynyrd Skynyrd. I have a legal document somewhere Van Zant-Jenness vs Rossington. It was also posted on this site. I glanced over it and it wasn't pretty. As I recall, it was Judy suing Gary over the band name and control? Every band has its issues but this band tops them all. It has gotten to the point where the music has taken a back seat and money is now in the front seat. If was all about the fans at one time but now I am not too sure. Judy is the Perla Ferrar(Slash of Guns N Roses/Velvet Revolver fame ex wife ) of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Judy like Perla used their husbands name and successs to dived the band members and earn money she DOES NOT DESERVE. She has no right to the band name. Perla has destroyed any chances of a Velvet Revolver reunion like Judy has with Artiimus, Gary and ED. The Lynyrd Skynyrd name belongs to Gary Rossington, Ed King, Artimus Pyle and to the children of Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkenson, Steve Gaines and Bob Burns.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 19:55:53 GMT -5
The entire law suit is posted here.
www.leagle.com/decision/1988890690FSupp200_1855/GRONDIN%20v.%20ROSSINGTON
GRONDIN v. ROSSINGTON
No. 88 Civ. 3192 (RWS).
690 F.Supp. 200 (1988)
Judith Van Zant GRONDIN, as personal representative of the Estate of Ronald Van Zant, Deceased, Plaintiff, v. Gary R. ROSSINGTON, Leon R. Wilkeson, William N. Powell, Artimus Pyle, Ed King, Randall Hall, Johnny Van Zant, Charlie Brusco, and MCA Records, Inc., Defendants.
Notice how the only member not being sued is Allen. My guess if he was not in that fatefull car crash and on this tour he would be in Randall Halls place.
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Forum Lord
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Post by Forum Lord on Nov 5, 2015 21:13:57 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 21:35:18 GMT -5
Notice Judy did not sue Allen Collins! Now that would have been too low even for Judy.
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Post by BlueMonday on Nov 5, 2015 21:50:55 GMT -5
The Lynyrd Skynyrd name belongs to Gary Rossington, Ed King, Artimus Pyle and to the children of Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkenson, Steve Gaines and Bob Burns. Legally, the Skynyrd name belongs to Ronnie's estate (meaning Judy), Gary, and Allen's estate (meaning his two daughters). AFAIK, that's it, that's all.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 21:56:24 GMT -5
The Lynyrd Skynyrd name belongs to Gary Rossington, Ed King, Artimus Pyle and to the children of Ronnie Van Zant, Allen Collins, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkenson, Steve Gaines and Bob Burns. Legally, the Skynyrd name belongs to Ronnie's estate (meaning Judy), Gary, and Allen's estate (meaning his two daughters). AFAIK, that's it, that's all. Sorry blue I get very fierce when I rant. But the Judy should have no control over the name. Gary since he is the only member of that big three alive. should do what he does best and play Skynyrd music and continue to make new music for the world because it is his band as much as the estates of Ronnie and Allen. Did Judy start the band or go onstage every night no. So why should she get any money or control the name She has her own business with Freebird Live and has remarried,. The money that Ronnie made should go to his children Tammy and Melody.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 22:03:27 GMT -5
Boy the music business is cruel.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2015 22:04:36 GMT -5
Notice Judy did not sue Allen Collins! Now that would have been too low even for Judy.
Tell me about it. Cagey I think I wrote about Judy not suing Allen in my above post.
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Post by BlueMonday on Nov 5, 2015 22:07:16 GMT -5
Judy should have no control over the name. Since Ronnie died intestate, by law everything he owned, including his rights in the band's name, went to his widow. It doesn't matter that he was going to divorce her at the end of the tour. It doesn't matter if he was going to divorce her an hour later. That's the law. If Ronnie wanted his possessions to go to other people (most likely his daughters), then he should have left a will. But of course, 29-year-old people don't usually have wills because they don't expect to die shortly. Gary since he is the only member of that big three alive. should do what he does best and play Skynyrd music and continue to make new music for the world because it is his band as much as the estates of Ronnie and Allen. Looks to me like Gary is already doing that
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