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Post by JerseyGirl on Sept 24, 2022 9:50:33 GMT -5
FRIENDS REUNITED
September 24, 2022It’s always a pleasure to interview Artimus Pyle, and not only because he loves Scotland! I spoke with him this week – via Zoom – and to my delight, before me sat a man clearly at peace with himself and the world around him. He’s happy, positive and upbeat. But as the October anniversary of the plane crash draws closer, his thoughts are with his fallen bandmates. Those tragic memories that caused him years of pain linger. “It’s a hard date. I think about my friends every time I play the songs. For forty two years I carried that crash around with me and I was sad. I don’t want to be sad anymore, I want to be positive. For many years I was mad and then I got mean. I regret that, I regret being so mad at my brothers and sisters. I let it get the best of me. I said things that were hurtful and I regret doing that.” As our conversation flowed he disclosed that the Artimus Pyle Band (APB) has been recording a Ronnie Van Zant tribute LP in Nashville. This is good news on any day, but he placed a cherry on top by revealing that relations with Gary Rossington have improved and that they recently recorded together for the first time since Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1991 LP. It’s only one song, but a significant moment nonetheless. No release date has been set, but the project is progressing at pace. “APB is putting a modern polish on things and it’s all classic Skynyrd’, Artimus explains. “17 songs that APB has recorded are in the can. We have guest vocalists, some amazing icons. We might record more and do a double tribute album to Ronnie.” “Gary Rossington and I are playing together on this album”, Artimus announces with childlike glee. Through a mutual friend, he invited Gary to play slide on Freebird that is being sung by, as Artimus puts it, “a very special person”. At first, because of his own ongoing health issues, Rossington was unsure about getting involved in the project. However, when Artimus told him who was singing Freebird on the album, Gary immediately agreed to take part saying “you know what, I feel a lot better!” Artimus did not name the female singer, that’s top secret for the moment. “An icon”, was the only hint he offered. “Kent Wells, the album’s Nashville-based producer, sent the file and Gary put his part on it. When I heard Gary, with me on drums and my band, laying down the track I cried like a baby. It was so emotional. Gary texted direct to me a couple of weeks ago and said “Man, I just heard the track, it’s amazing, Ronnie would love it. You did such a great job.” Artimus replied saying he was so happy to have Gary’s blessing. “I love Gary”, Artimus tells me, almost tearful, raw emotion evident in his voice. “I miss Gary. We recently texted back and forth. We haven’t spoken. The last time I saw Gary was at Billy Powell’s funeral. He came across the parking lot to give me a hug and he whispered in my ear a couple of things, and I whispered back because it was not for anybody else. It was just between us.” Artimus gave me a run through of the impressive heavyweights from the music industry that he has, so far, recruited to perform on the LP. “Sammy Hagar is singing Simple Man and Ronnie Dunn from Brooks and Dunn is singing Sweet Home Alabama. Warren Haynes is singing Saturday Night Special and Billy Ray Cyrus did Call Me The Breeze. These vocals are phenomenal and the artists are putting their whole souls into these songs because it’s a tribute to Ronnie who was an influence on all of them.” Describing his own band, Artimus talks proudly about the the passion that underpins every live APB performance. The set list is exclusively classic Skynyrd tunes, he’s celebrating Ronnie Van Zant’s songwriting genius. “We are ferocious, we play this music with heart, accuracy and honor. We play the music with a great feel and everybody picks up on it.” Artimus confirmed that there was “talk” of him participating in Skynyrd’s Farewell Tour that kicked off in 2018, but he declined because it would not involve him playing with the band. He has also written a book that he says will definitely see the light of day in the future. Visit Artimus Pyle Band Thanks Skynyrd fan, please share this! skynyrdscotland.wordpress.com/2022/09/24/friends-reunited/
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Post by JerseyGirl on Sept 24, 2022 9:51:28 GMT -5
Dolly Parton is singing "Free Bird". It is in another thread.
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trents
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Post by trents on Sept 24, 2022 19:52:15 GMT -5
I think it's great Gary and Artimus are talking, maybe they can at least remain friendly from here on out since neither of them are getting any younger.
As far as his statement about his book, I won't hold my breath on it ever seeing daylight, unless they release it and Ed's book as a 2 volume set spring of 2053.
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LittleRedRooster
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Post by LittleRedRooster on Sept 28, 2022 19:14:09 GMT -5
And who is the "Mutual" friend? Hint !!! Forum Member...
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LittleRedRooster
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Post by LittleRedRooster on Sept 28, 2022 20:06:30 GMT -5
Couple of Thangs.... Artimes has a new Manager and Representation Team. Out of TX... Artie's new manager is booking the APB in better venues, than the APB has ever played. The APB is a very solid band, I was told today by a very accomplished Nashville Producer. I was actually passing a message back n forth, from Mr. Rossington. We ended up talking for a while. Artimes has put together quite a solid Tribute Album of Lynyrd Skynyrd Music. Big Time vocals on it.
Gary and Artimes will play together on a Tribute Recording to Ronnie and the LSB. And yes, the vocalist, and the event to honor it, is none better than, The Best!!! I don't have words to express how proud I am, that that was agreed too.
And Artimes is doing a little better these days, $$$. So, like a good friend, asked me to see what a good cross country traveling van would cost... I sent Art some ideas on expense. I am really proud of Gary and Artimes.
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Post by MDfan aka The MD Well Man on Sept 29, 2022 2:18:34 GMT -5
Rooster may I suggest a Nissan 200 Mini Cargo for Pyle and the gang to pile into. I have one with 30000.0 miles on it. I will let it go for 20000.00. only one year old
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SkynyrdFrynd
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Post by SkynyrdFrynd on Sept 29, 2022 7:51:01 GMT -5
I wonder if there’s any legal risk in this project? Seems any time Artimus makes the slightest mention of Skynyrd he gets sued.
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LittleRedRooster
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Post by LittleRedRooster on Sept 29, 2022 11:35:40 GMT -5
I wonder if there’s any legal risk in this project? Seems any time Artimus makes the slightest mention of Skynyrd he gets sued. Not in this case. The event's tribute outweighs the other matters. Art and Gary are the only 2 that are left from the real Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. True, Artimus is not an original member. And he has never stated such. But he was a real member of Lynyrd Skynyrd in real time. |
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LittleRedRooster
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Post by LittleRedRooster on Sept 29, 2022 11:37:24 GMT -5
Rooster may I suggest a Nissan 200 Mini Cargo for Pyle and the gang to pile into. I have one with 30000.0 miles on it. I will let it go for 20000.00. only one year old No Sir. You may not. |
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SkynyrdFrynd
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Post by SkynyrdFrynd on Sept 29, 2022 11:57:07 GMT -5
I wonder if there’s any legal risk in this project? Seems any time Artimus makes the slightest mention of Skynyrd he gets sued. Not in this case. The event's tribute outweighs the other matters. Art and Gary are the only 2 that are left from the real Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. True, Artimus is not an original member. And he has never stated such. But he was a real member of Lynyrd Skynyrd in real time. I guess with Gary participating he won’t have to worry about the others like Judy trying to block him from licensing the Skynyrd songs. |
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LittleRedRooster
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Post by LittleRedRooster on Sept 29, 2022 17:06:06 GMT -5
Not in this case. The event's tribute outweighs the other matters. Art and Gary are the only 2 that are left from the real Lynyrd Skynyrd Band. True, Artimus is not an original member. And he has never stated such. But he was a real member of Lynyrd Skynyrd in real time. I guess with Gary participating he won’t have to worry about the others like Judy trying to block him from licensing the Skynyrd songs. Gary and Artimus are on 1 song. As long as they pay copyright, I doubt anyone will care.. |
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SkynyrdFrynd
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Post by SkynyrdFrynd on Sept 29, 2022 17:08:52 GMT -5
I guess with Gary participating he won’t have to worry about the others like Judy trying to block him from licensing the Skynyrd songs. Gary and Artimus are on 1 song. As long as they pay copyright, I doubt anyone will care.. Judy refused to license Skynyrd music to Artimus for his movie. Not sure if it works the same way when you do covers. |
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LittleRedRooster
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Post by LittleRedRooster on Sept 29, 2022 17:12:37 GMT -5
This Tribute Album has the biggest names ever in the business. Not just 1 but on every song. A real dummie would only block it.
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SkynyrdFrynd
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Post by SkynyrdFrynd on Sept 30, 2022 7:34:17 GMT -5
This Tribute Album has the biggest names ever in the business. Not just 1 but on every song. A real dummie would only block it. I'm looking forward to it myself. Sammy Hagar singing Skynyrd will be a real treat. |
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Post by MDfan aka The MD Well Man on Oct 1, 2022 2:30:17 GMT -5
Now you guys get so bent out of shape about Gary Johnny and Rickey paying tribute to Ronnie every concert, but get excited about another Skynyrd tribute album. It has all ready been done and they are doing the same old same old.
Get Carlisi and Barnes to do 4-Walls of Raiford and that would get me excited not Dolly Parton doing Free Bird I think that is not COOL! Free Bird is Ronnie's song. The Gary Rossington skinnerd group nailed it in the Farewell Shows by Having Ronnie sing the last verse
I do not like it but I will buy it and give an honest review
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LittleRedRooster
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Post by LittleRedRooster on Oct 1, 2022 9:38:09 GMT -5
For an Icon like Dolly Pardon to pay tribute to your music is an incredible honor. Paying tribute to yourself is just that...For Gary agreeing to play on FreeBird, along with Dolly, they are paying tribute (Honor) to each other's legacy. I can tell you straight up, Dolly and Gary are very humbled and grateful to be a part of this tribute.
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SkynyrdFrynd
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Post by SkynyrdFrynd on Oct 1, 2022 10:06:20 GMT -5
Yes I agree, it’s a pretty big deal. Dolly is one of the most respected artists in music history.
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Cagey
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Post by Cagey on Oct 1, 2022 12:51:19 GMT -5
Yes I agree, it’s a pretty big deal. Dolly is one of the most respected artists in music history. Orlando thinks otherwise... Dolly put over 300 people into the unemployment line unannounced while she walked off with a fat check for millions. Nope. Orlando has a grudge against Dolly Parton now and forever. Over 300 people and their families locked out without a paycheck or any way to pay their bills while Dolly Parton made millions in profits and walked away from the harm she caused hundreds of people.
But putting that aside, I am kind of with MDfan on this one. Not too sure I want to hear Dolly sing FreeBird. Hope the band can save it.
When Ronnie sang it he had this flow of his words and phrasing kind of like an intro for guitar. I doubt if Dolly would sing it that way. She will put her country spin on it and the band will not be as meshed in with her as Ronnie was. It will be interesting to hear...
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Parton sells, closes Orlando attraction
By Christopher Boyd and Sentinel Staff Writer
Orlando Sentinel
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Jan 08, 2008 at 12:00 am
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede closed abruptly Monday afternoon when its owners told the staff of the giant dinner theater that they had sold the attraction's 13-acre site east of Walt Disney World to an undisclosed buyer.
Although rumors of a sale and layoffs had circulated among employees for the past week, the company had adamantly denied as recently as Monday morning that a shutdown was in the works.
The attraction's namesake and part owner, country singer and actress Dolly Parton, issued a statement saying the property's new owner had made a compelling offer. No sales price was announced, and the buyer was not identified.
The attraction's owners, who operate three other locations in the South, said they hoped to open elsewhere in the Orlando area but had not found a new location yet. In the meantime, they filed notice with the state that they were laying off 162 people starting immediately.
"We at Dixie Stampede have been blessed, but I am a firm believer in timing and opportunity," Parton said. "This was an opportunity we could not pass up. We're exploring our options now and we will be back better than ever!"
Since opening in June 2003, the Central Florida Dixie Stampede has mixed down-home dining with shows featuring horses, pigs, ostriches and a human cast of make-believe Civil War soldiers, antebellum belles and old-time zanies.
Dixie Stampede spokesman Pete Owens said the attraction had just completed its best Christmas season. He said the decision to close had nothing to do with a lack of customer interest.
"The real-estate deal wasn't completed until today," Owens said Monday afternoon. "We really couldn't communicate about it until now."
The attraction closed after Saturday's show for a scheduled weeklong refurbishment. Most of those on the job Monday were office workers, but other staffers began arriving after the announcement to pick up their things.
The attraction's giant lighted sign, which for nearly five years had caught the eyes of countless drivers from its high-profile location alongside Interstate 4, was dark Monday, and the theater's parking lot was nearly empty. One worker said the closing was hard to believe.
"We felt something was going on, but we gave them the benefit of the doubt," part-time auditor Hope Alberdeston said as she walked across the parking lot. "Even on the last show day this weekend, we didn't know. It's not right to do business like this."
Dixie Stampede LLC, the Pigeon Forge, Tenn.-based company that operated the 1,086-capacity theater, also has Dixie Stampedes in Pigeon Forge; Branson, Mo.; and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Owens, the spokesman, said those who had purchased advanced tickets would be notified of the closing and would be offered refunds or help with making other dinner-theater plans.
The company plans to give most of the 150 to 200 employees severance packages with as much as 60 days of compensation. Some would be transferred to other locations, he said, and the attraction's livestock and horses would also be moved.
Sarah Flatt, a server who had worked at Dixie Stampede for eight months, arrived at about 4:30 p.m. to retrieve some personal items. She said she wasn't pleased with the way the closing was handled.
"A company this large could have at least held a meeting Saturday night to tell us what was going on," she said. "Some people have been here five years, and they aren't at all happy. I mean, all we know now is that we don't have jobs.
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When all was said and done, it turned out to be more than 330 employees who one day had a job and had a company telling them and everyone else we are NOT closing down! Your jobs are safe and secure! This is what they were told while Dolly Parton was making a behind closed door deal to sell it all for one fat check for tens of millions of dollars while instantly putting more that 330 people out of work. They come to work the following day to find doors locked. No advance notice.
And the BS about transferring people to other locations proved to be a lie.
They downplayed everything in the article. Even the numbers of people involved.
Even the Dolly Parton quote is a dam lie. We'll be back better than ever!" All lies. Dolly took the money and ran and could not have cared less about all the hundreds of people she hurt.
Dolly has lost a lot of respect from the citizens of Orlando who know she cannot be trusted. She is out for the buck and does not care who SHE HURTS! Orlando does not welcome Dolly. I don't think she has performed around here since. She would be boo'd off the stage and possibly have stuff thrown at her around here. Does that sound like the most respected? not to me. And she has no one to blame but herself. She made the decision. She took the money. She did it. She used and abused people for money. She has indeed hurt hundreds of people without a shred of guilt or accountability for the elite privileged multi-millionaire who can play with people's lives like they are worthless ants to be stepped on as needed.
Sorry Brandon, Dolly has me spitting mad for what she did. It will not be forgiven and it will not be forgotten.
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brettlowden
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Post by brettlowden on Oct 1, 2022 18:53:10 GMT -5
wow I didn't know about this Dolly stuff. sickening.
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Post by MDfan aka The MD Well Man on Oct 2, 2022 2:50:08 GMT -5
Sorry guys Dolly singing FREE BIRD is not that exciting to me, Get Jeff Carlisi to play Four Walls with Don Barnes would be a GREAT tribute to R V Z. He was frynds with these guys
Maybe Dolly should open a Whore House in Texas
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