Artimus Pyle is a well-known American drummer most recognized for his work with the band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was commonly referred to as the group’s “Wild Man.” Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he spent several years in the United States Marine Corps before beginning his musical career. He served as an avionics mechanic at several military locations during this time. A few years after being dismissed from the military with distinction, he joined the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He debuted on ‘Saturday Night Special,’ a track from the band’s third album, Nuthin’ Fancy. He contributed to a number of the band’s albums, including “Gimme Back My Bullets,” “Street Survivors,” and “Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991.” ‘Railroad Song,’ a song from the album Nuthin’ Fancy,’ and ‘That Smell,’ from ‘Street Survivors,’ are among his most notable works. He also began recording and traveling with the Artimus Pyle Band at a later date. In 2006, he and his colleagues from Lynyrd Skynyrd were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Youth and Early Life
Thomas Delmer “Artimus” Pyle was born in Louisville, Kentucky on 15 July 1948. His father, Clarence Pyle, was a construction foreman, whereas his mother was a housewife. His father also served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Marilyn was the younger sister of Artimus.
As a child, he was influenced by Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, and Patti Page, among others. He learned to play the drums by listening to the radio and imitating drummers like Ringo Starr and Joe Morello.
Pyle attended Columbus, Ohio’s Eastmoor High School, from which he graduated in 1966. Later, he also attended Tennessee Technological University for a period. Due to his boyish appearance, he was given the name “Artimus” during this time.
He joined the US Marine Corps in 1968 and was quickly promoted to private first class. He worked mostly as an avionics mechanic at multiple military stations. Eventually, he was promoted to sergeant. After his father died in an accident in 1971, he received an honorable discharge.
Artimus Pyle’s Career
Artimus Pyle began his musical career in 1974 when he replaced Bob Burns as the drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd. He made his music debut on “Saturday Night Special,” a song from the band’s third album, “Nuthin’ Fancy.” The album was released the next year in March. It was ranked ninth on the U.S. album chart.
Pyle performed drums on the band’s fourth studio album, entitled “Gimme Back My Bullets.” The record was issued in February 1976. It was successful and peaked at number twenty on the US Albums Chart. In the years that followed, he also contributed to the albums ‘One More from the Road,’ ‘Street Survivors,’ and ‘Southern By the Grace of God.’
He survived the 1977 Convair CV-240 tragedy that killed several members of his band. After two years, the surviving members of the band reunited for Charlie Daniels’ fifth annual Volunteer Jam concert in Nashville.
Eventually, the surviving bandmates created the Rossington Collins Band. Nevertheless, Pyle was forced to withdraw due to a leg injury. He began recording and touring with the Artimus Pyle Band, alongside Darryl Otis Smith and Steve Brewington, later in 1982. 1983’s ‘Nightcaller’ and ‘Life from Planet Earth’ are among the band’s albums (2000).
Recent works by Pyle include a guest appearance on the CD ‘Primitive Son’ by American singer Eli Cook. Street Survivor: Keeping the Beat in Lynyrd Skynyrd was scheduled for publication in 2017. However, he has been prevented from publishing it due to a pending lawsuit.
Artimus Pyle’s Major Opera
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s third album, ‘Nuthin Fancy,’ was the first record on which Artimus Pyle played. The album peaked at number nine on the US Albums Chart, becoming the group’s first release to crack the top ten. The CD contained the songs “Saturday Night Special,” “I’m a Country Boy,” “On the Hunt,” and “Railroad Song.”
Pyle also contributed to the band’s sixth studio album, Street Survivors. The publication date was October 1977. The record was a tremendous commercial success and charted pretty well. Included on the album were the songs “What’s Your Name,” “One More Time,” “You Got That Right,” “I Never Dreamed,” and “Ain’t No Good Life.” Unfortunately, just three days after the album’s release, the band’s jet crashed, taking the lives of the pilot and several members.
Awards & Achievements
Artimus Pyle, along with his Lynyrd Skynyrd comrades, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Personal Life of Artimus Pyle
Artimus Pyle has had two marriages. Three sons, two daughters, and two grandchildren comprise his family.
Christopher Chapel Pyle, his oldest son, plays the trumpet, flute, guitar, and drums. Marshall Daniel Pyle, his second son, is a drummer, a guitarist, a singer, and a songwriter.
In 1993, Artimus Pyle was accused of attempting a sexual assault on two girls. However, he vehemently disputed the allegations and said they were intended to extract money from the Lynyrd Skynyrd organization.
Estimated Net Worth
American musician Artimus Pyle has a net worth of $3 million. In July 1948, Artimus Pyle was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He is primarily recognized as the drummer for the band Lynyrd Skynyrd. Pyle served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the band.