Lynyrd Skynyrd – Security For Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Artimus Pyle Held Onstage By Gene Odom

I traveled with the band off and on for a couple of years because I’d get tired of the road and want to come back home to work. Then, in late 1976, I decided to stay with the band full-time to try to stop their drinking and fighting habits. I was the only person that could say jump and they would say how high. This was because they knew I had never smoked or drank in my life and never will and because of this Ronnie Van Zant trusted me more than anyone in the world.

I told him that I could see what drinking before a gig was doing to their performance, so I started taking the first limo to the auditorium. I’d take one bottle of Jack Daniels, two bottles of champagne, and give them away or pour them out, leaving one bottle of Jack Daniels and one bottle of champagne for the band when they arrived. They never knew what I was doing until it was too late and then they’d have to go out and play, sober as judges.

I knew my help was appreciated when Ronnie, Allen, and Gary came up to me one night and said, “We never thought we could play in front of 15,000 people sober. We appreciate what you’ve done for us.”

I finally did away with all the whiskey and champagne. The only alcohol left in the dressing room when they arrived was a six-pack of beer and part of it was left when they went on stage. It made me feel great to see Lynyrd Skynyrd play and perform the way I knew they could. When the accident occurred, all of the members of the band were sober and going to stay that way; I know because I was there. The rough and rowdy band that everyone knew, left when I came. The most expensive thing they broke while I was with them was a lamp and it was broken by accident.

I probably cared for Lynyrd Skynyrd more than anyone. I didn’t work for the money. I did what I did for my friends because a friend is worth more than money. He is worth a lifetime.

Thanks,
Gene Odom

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