Time Codes: 0:00 - Start 0:18 - Gene's early years 2:29 - Beginning of friendship with Ronnie Van Zant 5:13 - Fishing trips stories 6:19 - Music was not Ronnie's first choice? 8:50 - 1964 (Kidnapping people for the sake of music) 11:50 - Band was named after who? 15:38 - Hells Angels vs The Rolling Stones. What happened? 21:25 - To be or not to be (the band's security manager) 23:52 - Working for The Rolling Stones (1975) 25:00 - Gene's prank on comedian (went well, actually) 26:30 - Hell House and birth of the albums 28:37 - Gene's favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song 30:20 - Street Survivors tour (1977) 31:48 - Aerosmith supposed to have the plane, but changed their mind? 33:44 - First scary moment 38:52 - Getting ready for the last flight 41:23 - "You need to get on the plane, or you're fired" 42:38 - Gene's conversation with the pilots 46:16 - "Ronnie had no idea what was going on" 47:14 - "If he hadn't unsnapped the seat belt, he would still be alive" 47:32 - Waking up after the crash 48:38 - Gene's recovery 50:05 - Ex-wife and a girlfriend 52:02 - Gene was close to loosing his left arm 52:36 - Gene's burn-mask jokes 55:15 - Gene had no idea that Ronnie has passed away 56:30 - Flashbacks after the plane crash 57:05 - Gene's "I'll Never Forget You" book. Writing heals? 59:39 - To those who are struggling right now 1:02:06 - If Ronnie was here...
Gene Odom Man what can I say respect and love this man he tells it like it is the truth Artumis Pyle your movie was BS i’ve watched many documentaries from the rescuers that night and they don’t coincide with Artemis version of his movie if you want to watch the real deal watch I’ll never forget you Rip Ronnie Van Zant Dean Kilpatrick Steve Gaines Cassie Gaines JoJo Billingsley The real Lynyrd Skynyrd anything less is uncivilized
@@Neesie75 I don’t know what kind of information you read about a comment I made I knew damn well Jojo wasn’t on that plane because she was sent home by Ronnie and I know more information about this band than you’ll ever know yes that’s right the real LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND not this fake ass Johnny Van Zandt lead band that you probably waste your money on going to see so if you’re going to come at me come with something real
I lost touch with Randy Heron - If you can contact him - ask him to comment on my channel and I will be able to connect with him again . I worked with him at Southern Railroad . Thanks . I know You Ain't the One, but I bet you are Double Trouble - you know when a black cat cuts your trail - LORD they come in pairs of two ... Were you a Simple Man before Tuesday left ? You probably have a lot of Things Goin' On now that you are a Free Bird . Take care of that Mississippi Kid and stay away from the Poison Whiskey . If you can, please Gimme Three Steps for learning how to resist the temptations of going to the Jug and meeting up with Linda Lu . The Little Brown Jug was a bar, not far from the high school . Swamp Music - LYNYRD SKYNYRD . Hey - it's a simple song as far as lyrics but the band churns out the rhythm, bass and side riffs so busy and non-stop that it is very hard to concentrate on any part because there is so much goodness going on from each member . I promise if you listen to this song on headphones you will want to play it over and over at least 100 times . It is my favorite song of all time : The reason why I like this song so much is that every member of the band is steadily slamming out the jam during the entire song . I can taste strawberry, peach, apple, raspberry, grape, cinnamon, cherry, banana, pecan, watermelon, avocado, persimmon, and fried bream . ( with salt and black pepper ) I would very much like a ' Second Helping ' ( Their Second Album 1974 ) I just listened to it 5 times after making this comment . Make that 6 times . I went to the same high school they went to - 10 years after them . Robert E. Lee High School They named the band after their gym teacher who kept bugging them about their hair . ( Leonard Skinner ) I have about 8 thousand mp3 files of about 40 rock groups from the 70 ' s . That is the only song I play - over and over and over - sometimes more than 10 times in a row . In 1975 when I was in 12th grade - we skipped school and stayed on the bus . The bus driver - an older black man, Mr. McKenzie ( we thought of him as similar to Curtis Loew ) took us to his house and we installed an old 8 track tape player and speakers on the bus . Of course the first tape to play was Pronounced . ( don't tell anyone - but - he gave us a beer ) Another of my favorites of theirs is ' Railroad Song ' and ' Made In The Shade ' . I worked at the railroad in ' 78 and worked with an engineer named Randy Heron - he was friends will everyone in the band and their families . I got to meet Gene Odom ( Security and body guard for the band - survived the crash ) one evening at The Jug . Gene Odom - on working with Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones and Plane Crash/ HOWGO ua-cam.com/video/kFTLK0RP7DE/v-deo.html Another time, he introduced me to the singer of the Allen Collins band - ( Jimmy Dougherty ) Which reminds me of another of my favorites of his : Chapter One ua-cam.com/video/dayMpivPlCk/v-deo.html I have seen lyrics that show - ' sounds like ol' Son House singing the blues ... I think he says - sounds like oh some how singing the blues - when the hound dogs start howling - it sounds like they are singing the blues If you ever heard a hound dog howl - is sounds sad and lonely
I know why Ronnie liked Gene. He's no nonsense, and makes you feel comfortable, and at ease. He tells it like it is. Ronnie had more than a friend in Gene. That man was a brother. God bless you, Gene! Thanks for this video!
I love Gene Odom! An honest man! You saved Ronnies’ children and families. Gene has stated he relives that crash every night and I believe he does. God bless Gene Odom. A real man and a true friend.
I was 12 years old when that plane went down, and didn't really even know who Lynyrd Skynyrd was at the time. Afterwards I became a HUGE fan and fascinated with all thing Skynyrd (the original band). I have watched, read, and heard a lot of accounts of what happened that fateful October 20, but Gene's account, by far, seems the most accurate. Gene, I'm sure you probably won't read this, but if you do; thanks for sharing so candidly your time with this band. It's important to us fans and for historical sake.
Gene the Man. I feel he the most truthful & remembers the most of whole bunch. Story never changes & if he don't know? He say he don't know. This speaks a lot for his truthfulness within its self..
Great interview Gene! You and I met only briefly in 1980 though a mutual friend, Kathy. I worked on a t-shirt design for the Rossington Collins Band and I remember your incredible kindness & fortitude despite the many injuries you were still dealing with.
Mr, Gene, your recollections are golden and very much appreciated! I knew Ronnie well enough to know that if he liked a person, it's because he believed that person was a good person. He wouldnt mess with anything else. So i bet you are a great person! I trust Ronnie's instincts...and they were very keen instincts!
I was a smal part of those days. The first time I heard skynyrd's first album I was hooked, It was like a new experience for a 17 year old boy, guitar player learning, I learned every song on that album on guitar. I didn't learn all the leads note for note but learnt the songs. Great album for young interested players. A bit rock, a bit country. right in the middle there.
Gene tell a great story of the crash He probably was the only one on plane that had not drunk or smoked anything He remembers so much about the crash you know he is telling it like it happened Never be another band like them
@David Deaton Yes sir, that's exactly how I see it as well. Plus, I've been listening to and reading from Gene, for years, and years, and his account of that horrible airplane crash, and the events leading up to it, and just after it, do not change. Gene's accounting of things, has been the same, consistently throughout the decades. It grates my nerves, and pains me, to hear Delmer Pyle telling that bullshit he does. Have you ever read or heard any of his various and ever evolving tales of what he "says" happened? Literally disgusting. Ronnie up walking around, telling people goodbye, with the "hippie handshake" , he got shot by Johnny Mote, (Mote has always said he NEVER shot anyone, he fired straight up into the air once) he didn't get shot, his ribs were "sticking out of him" (there is a live interview with Pyle 4 days after the crash, and he himself says he had no broken ribs, no broken bones at all) and other various junk he says, and put in that fictional movie project of his. I completely agree with you David, if you want to hear or read what is likely the most accurate account of events, then sit down and listen to Gene Odom, and take in what he has to say.
"Hanging Out With Gene Odom." Young lady, you have such a sweet disposition and personality, and are such a pretty young lady, and such a good listener...I'm very sure Gene enjoys "hanging out" with you and reminiscing about Lynyrd Skynyrd, just as much as you (and we) enjoy hearing Skynyrd stories from "back in the day." Please continue these videos. Strong Work.
Thank you for sharing your life stories...I want to come hang out too! How blessed you were to have such an amazing best friend! LYNYRD SKYNYRD is the best band EVER!
Sounds like Gene and Ronnie we're the best best of friends . Ronnie was truly lucky to have such a loyal friend someone he could trust. Trust is a very fragile word if you ever lose it you can't get it back .Gene never lost the trust of Ronnie.
I read a book. It was called "Remembering the Freebirds". I cannot tell you how many times I read it. I was 3 when the accident happened, but I knew who Lynyrd Skynyrd was from, well, about that. (along with KISS, AC/DC, etc - my uncle is 11 years older than me so..😃). Today, I realize who wrote that book... Words are pitifully inadequate, but thank you for what all you have shared with us! ❤️🖤
@@thespiritof76.. something about a skin graft. thankfully, it's never been necessary. when I watch Westerns, sometimes I hear "I'll hide you! dammit".
but honestly, I've read about entertainers and plane crashes ,but how often do some of them survive these horrible things? gotta take my hat off to Gene and these true survivors. just amazing. God bless Ronnie and the other band victims.
I hope gene is doing awesome and God bless that man. I cant even, nor do i want to imagine the hell he went through. Hope the rest of his life are the best years he's ever had. He sure deserves it
Thank you so much gene. I’m 16 and been raised up on skynyrd so it’s cool to hear the “behind the scenes” of things. Do you have any stories of Allen? He’s one of my favorites since I play guitar
@Maddox Melton, Hi Maddox. Check out a couple videos on UA-cam, from a podcast called "The Stoned Roadie Show" , with Craig Reed and Griff Martin, and others. There is a guy named Steve Reynolds, that was a very close friend of Allen's, and he has told lots of really good and interesting stories involving Allen.
I guess I'm just a simple Texas country boy......but the image of those fishing poles on the dock with the crickets in the background and then the sounds of the frogs along with "Rest In Peace Ronnie Van Zant 1948-1977" brings tears to my eyes. 😢
I love you with all my heart &soul Gene straight through all the highs and lows but I gotta tell ya buddy , Gary did pick up a few pop bottles when mama was pissed lol ! Great story's brother and thank you for putting it out there just exactly like it was . Also I'm so proud of you for all you have tolerated from negative people over the years . God bless ya brother! 🙏
I wish I could like these videos 100 times. It is an honor to be able to listen to Gene speak of his experiences. Also, respect to the interviewer for a very relaxed, comfortable & respectful environment or Gene to speak. I would love to know more about her & her work. Thank you
1964 was the birth of Skynyrd... i was 4 years old.. imagine i would be 17 years old when i and all my friends were istening to them in southern ontario. All bands played their music. .. 13 plus years later. Amazing.. longer than most bands. What the beatles lasted only about 4 or 5 years... this is how you can tell they were not only close band members but family.
@Mark Magoo it’s a compliment dip shit... take it how you want.. I have no interest in her sexually.. you are the one with the problem.., I’m totally happy with my wife of 40 years😎
Thanks for telling your story Gene.....watched the whole thing. I feel that I should pray for all of you involved in that bad deal. Never been in a plane crash, but been in two big truck wrecks, and I can tell you that the mind is an awful big place when you're basically in a big clothes dryer, getting slung and flung around. I sure hope that someday you all can become friends again. I can't directly recall, but, back when I was very-very young, around 6 years old, I distinctly remember hearing of Elvis's death on the radio as I was about to go to sleep. A few weeks ( actually months ) later, I believe it was this plane wreck, because my brother listened to that disco station, and it was his turn to get to pick the radio station. The DJ said; " I can't play their songs on here, but here's a Fifth of Beethoven". I was terrified, lol. So, I learned awful young about death, and I don't believe I listened to the radio again as I fell asleep till I was around 12 . My favorite song back then was the Train Song. Honestly, I really, really hope you all can be fryndz again.
@@hangingoutwithgeneodom3699 I think about all of you guys, often, and have been thinking and praying for all of you survivors of that bad deal. I was very-very young, but a remember singing that Chooooo - Chooo train song and also that Ram Jam Betty song too back then. Take care !
Around 1990 I was talking to a musician and friend of mine named Lonnie Mack who had played with lots of greats from Chuck Berry to Dickey Betts to Stevie Ray Vaughn . Lonnie was a fantastic guitarist and singer . He told me and my brother that Steve Gaines was writing and playing material that could have eventually got him success even if he hadn't joined LS. He thought as good as they already were, they were still lucky to get Steve rather than vice versa.
Man how in the world can two pilots be so selfish and unaware that a plane on its last legs could be fixed later on instead of grounding and repairing it immediately? I know its been almost 43 years now since it happened but it still pisses me off to this day that the two idiots who were responsible for the junkyard plane could be so arrogant to Gene and everyone and then finally realize at the last minute there was a problem all along. That's pure cowardice and negligence right there that will never be forgiven and forgotten.
More than likely it was there Pilots jobs on the line to if they didn't tow the official company policy. Time period a little different. I know for sure FAA saw that contract. They was major rule changes. FAA about had a cow over that stupid contract. But today no contract ever will be wrote like that one ever again. That crash made charter flying lot safer for everybody body else. Don't know how many people realize that about this crash. That APU Gene called 8 hp engine used fuel but nothing like running main engines. Bottom line as a professional pilots they should been totally responsible for safe transport of there passengers. Running out of fuel was just a unacceptable excuse. Poor guys paid with there life's over that mistake & killed and hurt many people that affected countless peoples whole life's. Can't blame only 1 pilot as Delmar movie do. It both there responsibly together as a team. I feel in last few seconds they deeply wish that never happen. Been very close if not set on tarmac long as they did running APU . But still yet you never run fuel that close. Can't pull beside road work on it flying in air.
@@Houndini Bingo. The Pilots were just employees. If they kicked up a stink they'd be fired and replaced. You could actually fire people on the spot in the 70s.
Yep. Threatening to stop him flying on the plane if he didnt stop telling the truth that it should have been repaired there and then on the day off. Disgusting. All for money. Humans never learn that money is the root of all evil unfortunately
I turned 15 the day Street Survivors was released. Then, 3 days later I just couldn't understand why this happened to our Southern Rock God. God Bless Gene. You are the only one that tells the truth. Artimus is a liberal hack job. RVZ was a musical genius. I still miss him today.
WOW I LOVE GENE ODOM. I JUST LEARNED ABOUT HIM. BEING I GREW UP IN THE SOUTH HE MAKES LOTS OF SENSE. PEOPLE WERE CLOSE TO EACH OTHER THROUGH THE 90'S MAYBE A LITTLE LATTER. YES AND SOME PLACES PEOPLE STILL GROW UP CLOSE IN THE SOUTH.
Awesome, thank you both for doing this and posting this online, Gene you have amazing life experiences and amazing stories ! Many details in this interview I have never heard before, and I've read and listened to just about everything ever about LS !
I am from Finland (northern europe, russia is a border neighbor), very far from Jacksonville. First time I heard Lynyrd Skynyrd in the early 80s. Since then, I have been an ultrafan. The band means to me genuine feeling and genius. Ronnie's lyrics are bigger than life. The stories of Gene Odom are like reading a history book. Long life to you and thank you for all the video & books. God bless.
This guy is literally the salt of the earth! All of us have known people like him in our lives regardless of our ages. He's a tough guy who can be kind and can make us cry with his stories. God bless Gene!
One of Gene's best interviews. So interesting to hear that JoJo was fired and Ronnie had been up late dealing with her begging to be hired back. So grateful to Gene for his willingness to share his life and the L.S life with us.
Shout out from North Carolina !!This is a Great Video !! Gene, I could listen to your stories for hours. Thank you for sharing and keep them coming. God Bless You & Your Family.
OMG I’m in tears. Such a senseless waste of life. Gene did everything in his power to protect Ronnie but fate had other plans. God bless you Gene you’re a good man.
Thank you gene ! Because of you we can all hear the real truth about what happened. Such a sad chain of events that lead up to the crash ! The last 72 hrs. You could just see what the outcome was going to be ! Between the desire to make money and egos ! Just so so so sad !
Interviewer she trying her very best. God bless her. Hard understand her over east coast different dialects & her dialect. Way down south they can't understand myself from VA-WV border area. Way it is. Really good interviewer because her basic unknown Very simple questions. Gene getting pretty old with mt. Of knowledge on this subject that really need be preserved for history. I trust his word out whole bunch. She called a high school or below teacher a Professor. LMAO. Nobody call any teacher a Professor in our area except maybe a collage Professor if not worst name on that. I roll floor laughing. She funny listen to if I can understand her.
I don't know... Gene seems very comfortable with her & opens up & expands on her questions. I thought she did fine & showed a lot of empathy. As a former Southern Rocker who opened shows for The Outlaws, Gregg Allman Band, The Henry Paul Band, Johnny Van Vant Band, Blackfoot, Molly Hatchett, etc... I enjoyed it very much. BTW... If you don't believe me I have proof.
Sir you may not have any high school education, but you have a doctrine in common sense. GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER for telling as you saw it. You are a good man who doesn't forget his old fishing buddy.
I saw an interview where she said that she wouldn't get on the plane because she had a dream that it was going to crash, so she told Ronnie that she would meet them in BR. So you're right. But she didn't say that she was ever fired. Do you know why? I'm really curious.
@@lilflower25Gene’s interview is the first time I ever heard she was actually fired. I have never seen where she had said that, though. I think we’re talking about the same interview..
@Brodoc Betty. So so sad, that they wouldn't listen. That crash truly could have been prevented. Like so many other hard lessons, learned in blood, so so unfortunate.
LOVE YOUR STORIES ABOUT RONNIE AN THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT EVERYTHING YOUR SHARING I WOULD LOVE A DAY OUT FISHING WITH YOU JUST TO MEET YOU AN TALK KEEP BEING THAT SIMPLE MAN
My first 3 albums were one more from the road ,street survivors and ZZ Top fandango! Drove my mom crazy! I played one more from the road over and over I loved that live music! Those guys were tight 6 piece band and you could tell from the sound that they put the work in ! When saw a show you didn’t get short changed for damn sure !
I want to hear more about the honkettes.How many of them slept with various band members?I think Jojo had a fling with both Allen and Ronnie,but haven't heard anything about the other two girls.
Back around 1982 I ran into Johnny VZ in Amelia Island Florida. Beach area near Jax. Anyway he was driving a small red classic convertible Mercedes. Does anyone know if that car was once Ronnies?
The story I've most often heard is that Gary, Bob and Larry were the original core of the band and Ronnie joined after he bopped Bob upside the head with the baseball then they went after Allen...
You got me on the fishing part. I would of loved to fish with you and Ronnie and I would of been dancing in the boat with you both! Lol. 11 lb bass is a pig.
I don't know if anybody knows this but that plane it had a bad reputation before they used it not the particular plane but that particular brand of plane a lot of people died in those planes over the years
As an astrologer I want to know everything you can about the birthdays.. and I know everything about all the band except for this guy Gene. He was born in 48. But I can't find his birthday anywhere I'm guessing Gemini
I remember like it was yesterday a girl in front of me in school passed me a note that said Lynyrd Skynyrd died in a plane crash last night I was 16 years old. I did see them in 1987 on their tribute tour in Ohio it was an outdoor concert it was great. But watching all the interviews and the documentaries Gene Odom is the only one that has the same story. Gary rossington, Artimus Pyle, and Billy Powell have all had different stories when they tell the story. I'm glad Gene Odom is around to set the story straight!
Time Codes:
0:00 - Start
0:18 - Gene's early years
2:29 - Beginning of friendship with Ronnie Van Zant
5:13 - Fishing trips stories
6:19 - Music was not Ronnie's first choice?
8:50 - 1964 (Kidnapping people for the sake of music)
11:50 - Band was named after who?
15:38 - Hells Angels vs The Rolling Stones. What happened?
21:25 - To be or not to be (the band's security manager)
23:52 - Working for The Rolling Stones (1975)
25:00 - Gene's prank on comedian (went well, actually)
26:30 - Hell House and birth of the albums
28:37 - Gene's favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song
30:20 - Street Survivors tour (1977)
31:48 - Aerosmith supposed to have the plane, but changed their mind?
33:44 - First scary moment
38:52 - Getting ready for the last flight
41:23 - "You need to get on the plane, or you're fired"
42:38 - Gene's conversation with the pilots
46:16 - "Ronnie had no idea what was going on"
47:14 - "If he hadn't unsnapped the seat belt, he would still be alive"
47:32 - Waking up after the crash
48:38 - Gene's recovery
50:05 - Ex-wife and a girlfriend
52:02 - Gene was close to loosing his left arm
52:36 - Gene's burn-mask jokes
55:15 - Gene had no idea that Ronnie has passed away
56:30 - Flashbacks after the plane crash
57:05 - Gene's "I'll Never Forget You" book. Writing heals?
59:39 - To those who are struggling right now
1:02:06 - If Ronnie was here...
Gene Odom Man what can I say respect and love this man he tells it like it is the truth Artumis Pyle your movie was BS i’ve watched many documentaries from the rescuers that night and they don’t coincide with Artemis version of his movie if you want to watch the real deal watch I’ll never forget you Rip Ronnie Van Zant Dean Kilpatrick Steve Gaines Cassie Gaines JoJo Billingsley The real Lynyrd Skynyrd anything less is uncivilized
Gene, have you ever had any weird experiences like ghosts of Ronnie or interesting dreams? I ask because of the last question of the video.
@@edwardhenry3158 jojo was not on the plane.
@@Neesie75 I don’t know what kind of information you read about a comment I made I knew damn well Jojo wasn’t on that plane because she was sent home by Ronnie and I know more information about this band than you’ll ever know yes that’s right the real LYNYRD SKYNYRD BAND not this fake ass Johnny Van Zandt lead band that you probably waste your money on going to see so if you’re going to come at me come with something real
I lost touch with Randy Heron - If you can contact him - ask him to comment on my channel and I will be able to connect with him again . I worked with him at Southern Railroad . Thanks .
I know You Ain't the One, but I bet you are Double Trouble - you know when a black cat cuts your trail - LORD they come in pairs of two ...
Were you a Simple Man before Tuesday left ? You probably have a lot of Things Goin' On now that you are a Free Bird .
Take care of that Mississippi Kid and stay away from the Poison Whiskey .
If you can, please Gimme Three Steps for learning how to resist the temptations of going to the Jug and meeting up with Linda Lu .
The Little Brown Jug was a bar, not far from the high school .
Swamp Music - LYNYRD SKYNYRD .
Hey - it's a simple song as far as lyrics but the band churns out the rhythm, bass and side riffs so busy and non-stop that it is very hard to concentrate on any part because there is so much goodness going on from each member . I promise if you listen to this song on headphones you will want to play it over and over at least 100 times .
It is my favorite song of all time :
The reason why I like this song so much is that every member of the band is steadily slamming out the jam during the entire song . I can taste strawberry, peach, apple, raspberry, grape, cinnamon, cherry, banana, pecan, watermelon, avocado, persimmon, and fried bream . ( with salt and black pepper )
I would very much like a ' Second Helping ' ( Their Second Album 1974 )
I just listened to it 5 times after making this comment .
Make that 6 times .
I went to the same high school they went to - 10 years after them .
Robert E. Lee High School
They named the band after their gym teacher who kept bugging them about their hair . ( Leonard Skinner )
I have about 8 thousand mp3 files of about 40 rock groups from the 70 ' s .
That is the only song I play - over and over and over - sometimes more than 10 times in a row .
In 1975 when I was in 12th grade - we skipped school and stayed on the bus . The bus driver - an older black man, Mr. McKenzie ( we thought of him as similar to Curtis Loew ) took us to his house and we installed an old 8 track tape player and speakers on the bus . Of course the first tape to play was Pronounced . ( don't tell anyone - but - he gave us a beer )
Another of my favorites of theirs is ' Railroad Song ' and ' Made In The Shade ' .
I worked at the railroad in ' 78 and worked with an engineer named Randy Heron - he was friends will everyone in the band and their families . I got to meet Gene Odom ( Security and body guard for the band - survived the crash ) one evening at The Jug .
Gene Odom - on working with Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones and Plane Crash/ HOWGO
ua-cam.com/video/kFTLK0RP7DE/v-deo.html
Another time, he introduced me to the singer of the Allen Collins band - ( Jimmy Dougherty )
Which reminds me of another of my favorites of his :
Chapter One
ua-cam.com/video/dayMpivPlCk/v-deo.html
I have seen lyrics that show - ' sounds like ol' Son House singing the blues ...
I think he says - sounds like oh some how singing the blues - when the hound dogs start howling - it sounds like they are singing the blues
If you ever heard a hound dog howl - is sounds sad and lonely
I know why Ronnie liked Gene. He's no nonsense, and makes you feel comfortable, and at ease. He tells it like it is. Ronnie had more than a friend in Gene. That man was a brother. God bless you, Gene! Thanks for this video!
Very well said
Gene Is not brain dead in anyway, he is the smart one of these guys, God Bless Gene Odom 🎵❤️🎶🎶🎶❤️🎵
I agree, God Bless Gene, he is awesome!
he does change his story from interview to interview.
I love Gene Odom! An honest man! You saved Ronnies’ children and families. Gene has stated he relives that crash every night and I believe he does. God bless Gene Odom. A real man and a true friend.
I've heard he goes to the crash site very often
I was 12 years old when that plane went down, and didn't really even know who Lynyrd Skynyrd was at the time. Afterwards I became a HUGE fan and fascinated with all thing Skynyrd (the original band). I have watched, read, and heard a lot of accounts of what happened that fateful October 20, but Gene's account, by far, seems the most accurate. Gene, I'm sure you probably won't read this, but if you do; thanks for sharing so candidly your time with this band. It's important to us fans and for historical sake.
His account is most likely the most accurate being he was the only one on the plane that didn't do drugs
I really like the interviewer, especially the way she listens without interrupting, and without constantly chiming in.
she is very professional.
omg,she was irritating as hell
@@foxgloved1 I agree. Her accent I think.
@@douglasfark169 how dare she have a accent. That just ain't right 🙄
Excellent job Gene. Thank you for sharing your stories about Ronnie and the band. I've learned a lot through you.
Gene the Man. I feel he the most truthful & remembers the most of whole bunch. Story never changes & if he don't know? He say he don't know. This speaks a lot for his truthfulness within its self..
Great interview Gene! You and I met only briefly in 1980 though a mutual friend, Kathy. I worked on a t-shirt design for the Rossington Collins Band and I remember your incredible kindness & fortitude despite the many injuries you were still dealing with.
Mr, Gene, your recollections are golden and very much appreciated! I knew Ronnie well enough to know that if he liked a person, it's because he believed that person was a good person. He wouldnt mess with anything else. So i bet you are a great person! I trust Ronnie's instincts...and they were very keen instincts!
Thank you very much!
Everyone elses story is different. Nobody saw you running around the plane.
I was a smal part of those days. The first time I heard skynyrd's first album I was hooked, It was like a new experience for a 17 year old boy, guitar player learning, I learned every song on that album on guitar. I didn't learn all the leads note for note but learnt the songs. Great album for young interested players. A bit rock, a bit country. right in the middle there.
Did you know anyone from Skynard may I ask?
Gene tell a great story of the crash He probably was the only one on plane that had not drunk or smoked anything He remembers so much about the crash you know he is telling it like it happened Never be another band like them
@David Deaton Yes sir, that's exactly how I see it as well. Plus, I've been listening to and reading from Gene, for years, and years, and his account of that horrible airplane crash, and the events leading up to it, and just after it, do not change. Gene's accounting of things, has been the same, consistently throughout the decades. It grates my nerves, and pains me, to hear Delmer Pyle telling that bullshit he does. Have you ever read or heard any of his various and ever evolving tales of what he "says" happened? Literally disgusting. Ronnie up walking around, telling people goodbye, with the "hippie handshake" , he got shot by Johnny Mote, (Mote has always said he NEVER shot anyone, he fired straight up into the air once) he didn't get shot, his ribs were "sticking out of him" (there is a live interview with Pyle 4 days after the crash, and he himself says he had no broken ribs, no broken bones at all) and other various junk he says, and put in that fictional movie project of his. I completely agree with you David, if you want to hear or read what is likely the most accurate account of events, then sit down and listen to Gene Odom, and take in what he has to say.
"Hanging Out With Gene Odom."
Young lady, you have such a sweet disposition and personality, and are such a pretty young lady, and such a good listener...I'm very sure Gene enjoys "hanging out" with you and reminiscing about Lynyrd Skynyrd, just as much as you (and we) enjoy hearing Skynyrd stories from "back in the day."
Please continue these videos. Strong Work.
Thank you for sharing your life stories...I want to come hang out too! How blessed you were to have such an amazing best friend! LYNYRD SKYNYRD is the best band EVER!
Wow! Gene Odom is a wealth of knowledge!
Someone get this dude a book deal! He truly lived it. Thank you Mr. Odom for sharing your memories.
Gene's written a book or two. I used to have one that he signed for me but lost it over the years.
Gene's a gentleman. Love this guy.
Sounds like Gene and Ronnie we're the best best of friends . Ronnie was truly lucky to have such a loyal friend someone he could trust. Trust is a very fragile word if you ever lose it you can't get it back .Gene never lost the trust of Ronnie.
I read a book. It was called "Remembering the Freebirds". I cannot tell you how many times I read it. I was 3 when the accident happened, but I knew who Lynyrd Skynyrd was from, well, about that. (along with KISS, AC/DC, etc - my uncle is 11 years older than me so..😃).
Today, I realize who wrote that book... Words are pitifully inadequate, but thank you for what all you have shared with us! ❤️🖤
What a great interview 💜 my dad was head neurologist at UMC in Jackson at that time so I’m sure he saw all the survivors.
Gene Odom is the MAN
took some "hide'' off of my leg. that's the way they talk in the south. grisly. damn. I saw them open for theWHO. God bless you, Gene.
Hell Tony, what y'all say up north when the meat gets tore off your leg?
@@thespiritof76.. something about a skin graft. thankfully, it's never been necessary. when I watch Westerns, sometimes I hear "I'll hide you! dammit".
but honestly, I've read about entertainers and plane crashes ,but how often do some of them survive these horrible things? gotta take my hat off to Gene and these true survivors. just amazing. God bless Ronnie and the other band victims.
and the first responders!!
I hope gene is doing awesome and God bless that man. I cant even, nor do i want to imagine the hell he went through. Hope the rest of his life are the best years he's ever had. He sure deserves it
I can listen to gene talk all day long
Thank you so much gene. I’m 16 and been raised up on skynyrd so it’s cool to hear the “behind the scenes” of things. Do you have any stories of Allen? He’s one of my favorites since I play guitar
@Maddox Melton, Hi Maddox. Check out a couple videos on UA-cam, from a podcast called "The Stoned Roadie Show" , with Craig Reed and Griff Martin, and others. There is a guy named Steve Reynolds, that was a very close friend of Allen's, and he has told lots of really good and interesting stories involving Allen.
I guess I'm just a simple Texas country boy......but the image of those fishing poles on the dock with the crickets in the background and then the sounds of the frogs along with "Rest In Peace Ronnie Van Zant 1948-1977" brings tears to my eyes. 😢
I love you with all my heart &soul Gene straight through all the highs and lows but I gotta tell ya buddy , Gary did pick up a few pop bottles when mama was pissed lol ! Great story's brother and thank you for putting it out there just exactly like it was . Also I'm so proud of you for all you have tolerated from negative people over the years . God bless ya brother! 🙏
Thanks so much, Gene, for sharing your new channel. Best wishes to you, ole friend!
I wish I could like these videos 100 times. It is an honor to be able to listen to Gene speak of his experiences. Also, respect to the interviewer for a very relaxed, comfortable & respectful environment or Gene to speak. I would love to know more about her & her work. Thank you
Great job! Thank you for sharing Gene!
Gene comes across as a cool, real, guy! Hard to meet people like him nowadays!
1964 was the birth of Skynyrd... i was 4 years old.. imagine i would be 17 years old when i and all my friends were istening to them in southern ontario. All bands played their music. .. 13 plus years later. Amazing.. longer than most bands. What the beatles lasted only about 4 or 5 years... this is how you can tell they were not only close band members but family.
They were my band in the 70s .. the crash was crushing.. the interviewer is very attractive 😏
@Mark Magoo it’s a compliment dip shit... take it how you want.. I have no interest in her sexually.. you are the one with the problem.., I’m totally happy with my wife of 40 years😎
Thanks for telling your story Gene.....watched the whole thing. I feel that I should pray for all of you involved in that bad deal. Never been in a plane crash, but been in two big truck wrecks, and I can tell you that the mind is an awful big place when you're basically in a big clothes dryer, getting slung and flung around. I sure hope that someday you all can become friends again. I can't directly recall, but, back when I was very-very young, around 6 years old, I distinctly remember hearing of Elvis's death on the radio as I was about to go to sleep. A few weeks ( actually months ) later, I believe it was this plane wreck, because my brother listened to that disco station, and it was his turn to get to pick the radio station. The DJ said; " I can't play their songs on here, but here's a Fifth of Beethoven". I was terrified, lol. So, I learned awful young about death, and I don't believe I listened to the radio again as I fell asleep till I was around 12 . My favorite song back then was the Train Song. Honestly, I really, really hope you all can be fryndz again.
Wow, great story. Thank you for your kind words
@@hangingoutwithgeneodom3699 I think about all of you guys, often, and have been thinking and praying for all of you survivors of that bad deal. I was very-very young, but a remember singing that Chooooo - Chooo train song and also that Ram Jam Betty song too back then. Take care !
Gene Odom is as good as the come. A fine American and the only trustworthy source for all things Skynyrd. I'd give anything to meet him.
Around 1990 I was talking to a musician and friend of mine named Lonnie Mack who had played with lots of greats from Chuck Berry to Dickey Betts to Stevie Ray Vaughn . Lonnie was a fantastic guitarist and singer . He told me and my brother that Steve Gaines was writing and playing material that could have eventually got him success even if he hadn't joined LS. He thought as good as they already were, they were still lucky to get Steve rather than vice versa.
I'd give anything to meet Gene. Fascinating man
Man how in the world can two pilots be so selfish and unaware that a plane on its last legs could be fixed later on instead of grounding and repairing it immediately? I know its been almost 43 years now since it happened but it still pisses me off to this day that the two idiots who were responsible for the junkyard plane could be so arrogant to Gene and everyone and then finally realize at the last minute there was a problem all along. That's pure cowardice and negligence right there that will never be forgiven and forgotten.
They paid their dues with their lives,there square with the lord again.
You ask how can the pilots be so selfish? That's an easy one. M-O-N-E-Y!
More than likely it was there Pilots jobs on the line to if they didn't tow the official company policy. Time period a little different. I know for sure FAA saw that contract. They was major rule changes. FAA about had a cow over that stupid contract. But today no contract ever will be wrote like that one ever again. That crash made charter flying lot safer for everybody body else. Don't know how many people realize that about this crash. That APU Gene called 8 hp engine used fuel but nothing like running main engines. Bottom line as a professional pilots they should been totally responsible for safe transport of there passengers. Running out of fuel was just a unacceptable excuse. Poor guys paid with there life's over that mistake & killed and hurt many people that affected countless peoples whole life's. Can't blame only 1 pilot as Delmar movie do. It both there responsibly together as a team. I feel in last few seconds they deeply wish that never happen. Been very close if not set on tarmac long as they did running APU . But still yet you never run fuel that close. Can't pull beside road work on it flying in air.
@@Houndini Bingo. The Pilots were just employees. If they kicked up a stink they'd be fired and replaced. You could actually fire people on the spot in the 70s.
Yep. Threatening to stop him flying on the plane if he didnt stop telling the truth that it should have been repaired there and then on the day off. Disgusting.
All for money.
Humans never learn that money is the root of all evil unfortunately
I turned 15 the day Street Survivors was released. Then, 3 days later I just couldn't understand why this happened to our Southern Rock God. God Bless Gene. You are the only one that tells the truth. Artimus is a liberal hack job. RVZ was a musical genius. I still miss him today.
Ah hell, Arty has just been too close to death too many times... He knows judgment is coming
WOW I LOVE GENE ODOM. I JUST LEARNED ABOUT HIM. BEING I GREW UP IN THE SOUTH HE MAKES LOTS OF SENSE. PEOPLE WERE CLOSE TO EACH OTHER THROUGH THE 90'S MAYBE A LITTLE LATTER. YES AND SOME PLACES PEOPLE STILL GROW UP CLOSE IN THE SOUTH.
I love this Band, I love lesson to them all the time I want to thank you for telling us your story the truth,
Awesome, thank you both for doing this and posting this online, Gene you have amazing life experiences and amazing stories ! Many details in this interview I have never heard before, and I've read and listened to just about everything ever about LS !
Awesome Interview some stuff i never knew on Ronnie, my all time hero, thanks Gene. you guys are Legends.Gene was like another Brother To Ronnie.
I am from Finland (northern europe, russia is a border neighbor), very far from Jacksonville. First time I heard Lynyrd Skynyrd in the early 80s. Since then, I have been an ultrafan. The band means to me genuine feeling and genius. Ronnie's lyrics are bigger than life. The stories of Gene Odom are like reading a history book. Long life to you and thank you for all the video & books. God bless.
This guy is literally the salt of the earth!
All of us have known people like him in our lives regardless of our ages.
He's a tough guy who can be kind and can make us cry with his stories.
God bless Gene!
Gene will not lie
He will certainly never lie and he'll tell you right in front of who ever it doesn't matter her will not lie
That lady can come interview me anytime she wants. (LOL) Never get tired of hearing Gene talking about Ronnie.
One of Gene's best interviews. So interesting to hear that JoJo was fired and Ronnie had been up late dealing with her begging to be hired back. So grateful to Gene for his willingness to share his life and the L.S life with us.
Gene you seem like you’re living a Simple Man’s life. God bless you brother ✌🏽❤️
Thank you Gene for being a truthful Man God bless you and keep you safe. I love you brother.
Shout out from North Carolina !!This is a Great Video !!
Gene, I could listen to your stories for hours. Thank you for sharing and keep them coming. God Bless You & Your Family.
Thank you very much!
Me too! I've actually been binge watching these for past few days....
I could listen to Gene talk all day
Great interview
Saw you on Daze with Jordan the Lion! I had to come and subscribe to your channel! YOU ROCK GENE!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the greatest men you will ever see he's the real deal
Why would you say that
He's been nothing but a honest person, so we would you say that
Iam so glad you have these wonderful memories of Ronnie
Very interesting interview. Thanks!
Love gene man great guy gene thanks
OMG I’m in tears. Such a senseless waste of life. Gene did everything in his power to protect Ronnie but fate had other plans. God bless you Gene you’re a good man.
Thank You for Sharing! Looking forward to your future videos...💙🦅
Gene thank you for sharing your memories.
I love that guy long live skynyrd
Time Passes but memories don’t … Thank-You …
Who is this lady. She is wonderful ,she asked all the right questions..
Wow, that picture of hell house signed, wow, priceless. I could only imagine that number. Rip ronnie
Bless you brother Odom..
Awesome Job Gene like to see more on how Ronnie got those nice hats and his U S
Navy bomber coat and the story behind them.thank you Gene
Will cover it in the upcoming video :)
Thank you gene ! Because of you we can all hear the real truth about what happened. Such a sad chain of events that lead up to the crash ! The last 72 hrs. You could just see what the outcome was going to be ! Between the desire to make money and egos ! Just so so so sad !
gene is a hero...........
Interviewer she trying her very best. God bless her. Hard understand her over east coast different dialects & her dialect. Way down south they can't understand myself from VA-WV border area. Way it is. Really good interviewer because her basic unknown Very simple questions. Gene getting pretty old with mt. Of knowledge on this subject that really need be preserved for history. I trust his word out whole bunch. She called a high school or below teacher a Professor. LMAO. Nobody call any teacher a Professor in our area except maybe a collage Professor if not worst name on that. I roll floor laughing. She funny listen to if I can understand her.
I don't know... Gene seems very comfortable with her & opens up & expands on her questions. I thought she did fine & showed a lot of empathy. As a former Southern Rocker who opened shows for The Outlaws, Gregg Allman Band, The Henry Paul Band, Johnny Van Vant Band, Blackfoot, Molly Hatchett, etc... I enjoyed it very much. BTW... If you don't believe me I have proof.
Your a legend Gene. Mucho gracias
I love this whole wonderful video .it's great.
Hey Gene. James from Facebook. Love you Buddy
I've done my share of picking up pop bottles when I was young growing up in the 60s.
Sir you may not have any high school education, but you have a doctrine in common sense. GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER for telling as you saw it. You are a good man who doesn't forget his old fishing buddy.
In all the contrasting stories, if I gotta pick only one person to believe, I Pick Gene Odum. It's just that simple
I saw an interview with Jo Jo, where she said she had gotten her job back, and was supposed to meet the band in Baton Rouge.
I saw an interview where she said that she wouldn't get on the plane because she had a dream that it was going to crash, so she told Ronnie that she would meet them in BR. So you're right. But she didn't say that she was ever fired. Do you know why? I'm really curious.
@@lilflower25Gene’s interview is the first time I ever heard she was actually fired. I have never seen where she had said that, though.
I think we’re talking about the same interview..
Merry Christmas Mr Gene. Love from Indiana 12/25/2020
Gene you were absolutely correct to question the pilot's, Repair's should have been done on the ground in SC.
@Brodoc Betty. So so sad, that they wouldn't listen. That crash truly could have been prevented. Like so many other hard lessons, learned in blood, so so unfortunate.
25:00 His name was Jim Varney and he was great too.
LOVE YOUR STORIES ABOUT RONNIE AN THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT EVERYTHING YOUR SHARING I WOULD LOVE A DAY OUT FISHING WITH YOU JUST TO MEET YOU AN TALK KEEP BEING THAT SIMPLE MAN
Gene is a good guy, can't go wrong by listening to Gene.
Good on you Gene!!
I’ve met Gene, and he’s a good fella.
My first 3 albums were one more from the road ,street survivors and ZZ Top fandango! Drove my mom crazy! I played one more from the road over and over I loved that live music! Those guys were tight 6 piece band and you could tell from the sound that they put the work in ! When saw a show you didn’t get short changed for damn sure !
I want to hear more about the honkettes.How many of them slept with various band members?I think Jojo had a fling with both Allen and Ronnie,but haven't heard anything about the other two girls.
From what I have read and researched the only one was Jojo and apparently she did a No-No with Allen Collins
41:23 love the video but I wish you didn't interrupted him would of be awesome to hear him finish what he was about to say
We'll work on that :)
Back around 1982 I ran into Johnny VZ in Amelia Island Florida. Beach area near Jax. Anyway he was driving a small red classic convertible Mercedes. Does anyone know if that car was once Ronnies?
I dont know but ronnie owned a jeep then a ford shelby but his favorite the 55 chevy truck
You know gene, I would love to meet u.
Your talking about before lynard skynard.
I can recall the news cast on that October night.
I was 9 years old..
The story I've most often heard is that Gary, Bob and Larry were the original core of the band and Ronnie joined after he bopped Bob upside the head with the baseball then they went after Allen...
Oh wow!! Happy Birthday Gene!
Ronnie, was Lynyrd Skynyrd. There is no Lynyrd Skynyrd without Ronnie. Period!!!!!!
Collins and Rossington made Ronnie's vision of Skynyrd come to life thus creating their sound
Gene Odom,I have your autographed book I bought from you in Cocoa Beach at the Molly Hatchett concert atound 1987 89 or so 👍👍👍👍✌
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!
You got me on the fishing part. I would of loved to fish with you and Ronnie and I would of been dancing in the boat with you both! Lol. 11 lb bass is a pig.
I don't know if anybody knows this but that plane it had a bad reputation before they used it not the particular plane but that particular brand of plane a lot of people died in those planes over the years
As an astrologer I want to know everything you can about the birthdays.. and I know everything about all the band except for this guy Gene. He was born in 48. But I can't find his birthday anywhere I'm guessing Gemini
I remember like it was yesterday a girl in front of me in school passed me a note that said Lynyrd Skynyrd died in a plane crash last night I was 16 years old. I did see them in 1987 on their tribute tour in Ohio it was an outdoor concert it was great. But watching all the interviews and the documentaries Gene Odom is the only one that has the same story. Gary rossington, Artimus Pyle, and Billy Powell have all had different stories when they tell the story. I'm glad Gene Odom is around to set the story straight!
Good interview! The interviewer is pretty sweet also.
Thank y'all love gene , if watched alot of interviews with gene an he always tells the same story an you can tell
Very interesting, I wonder if Gene saw the new movie that Artemis made?
I mean Artumis
Not sure if he seen it but very opposed to it by the details that don't add up with what happened by his recollection Respect.
@@davidwade5807 thanks, I did notice that Artimus had a different recollection than Gene
Please watch the new episode: it is dedicated to that movie :) ua-cam.com/video/P-zA7KbyyOU/v-deo.html
He did not watch it