Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Artemis Pyle |
| Birth Name | Thomas Delmer Pyle |
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
| Occupation | Drummer, Songwriter, Band Leader |
| Genre | Southern Rock, Country Rock, Blues Rock |
| Years Active | 1971–present |
Early Life and Education
Born July 15, 1948, at St. Joseph Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, Artemis Pyle grew up in Kentucky and Ohio. He graduated from Eastmoor High School in Columbus, Ohio, in 1966, when his classmates called him “Artemis” for his boyish appearance. Pyle then attended Tennessee Technological University but joined the military in 1968. Marine Corps. From 1968 to 1971, he was an avionics mechanic and sergeant before being honorably discharged. His military training taught him discipline and work ethic that would eventually guide his touring and studio career.
Family and Personal Life
Artemis Pyle’s personal life has been marked by deep family ties and complex legal history:
| Relation | Name | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Mother | Mildred “Midge” Pyle | 1925–2008 |
| Father | Clarence “Del” Pyle | 1921–1971 |
| Sister | Marilyn Pyle | 1953–2016 |
| Marriages | 2 marriages | – |
| Children | 8 (5 publicly acknowledged) | – |
| Grandchildren | Several (some performing) | – |
- Parents: Mother Mildred “Midge” Williams was a homemaker; father Clarence “Del” Pyle was a WWII Purple Heart veteran.
- Siblings: One younger sister, Marilyn, who passed away in 2016.
- Marriages and Children: Pyle has married twice and had eight children—three sons and two daughters are officially acknowledged—along with several grandchildren, several of whom perform in PYLETRIBE.
- Living in Morganton, North Carolina, he is a vegetarian and a classic car, motorcycle, and horseback riding enthusiast.
- Legal History: Pyle entered a no-contest plea in 1993 to avoid a life sentence on sexual assault charges, getting probation and registering as a sex offender. He was cleared of failure-to-register charges in 2009.
Career Journey and Achievements
Artemis Pyle’s drumming career can be segmented into five key phases:
- Session Work and Early Breakthrough (1971–1975)
- Became a session drummer for southern performers like Charlie Daniels and Marshall Tucker.
- Gained attention at Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam.
- Lynyrd Skynyrd Tenure (1975–1977; 1987–1991)
Album Year Role Nuthin’ Fancy 1975 Drums, Percussion Gimme Back My Bullets 1976 Drums One More from the Road 1976 Live Drums Street Survivors 1977 Drums, Backing Vocals - Replaced original drummer Bob Burns in August 1975 and recorded four studio and live albums.
- Despite broken chest cartilage, survived the October 20, 1977 plane disaster and rescued bandmates.
- Rejoined the re-formed group in 1987 and performed through 1991.
- Diaspora Yeshiva and Israeli Sojourn (1978–1981)
- Joined the Diaspora Yeshiva Band in Jerusalem, fusing rock with Jewish liturgy.
- Co-founded the band Remez, performing across Europe and the Middle East.
- Artemis Pyle Band (A.P.B.) Formation (1982–present)
Release Year Notes A.P.B. 1981 Debut studio album Nightcaller 1983 Continued national touring Live from Planet Earth 2000 First live release, global distribution - Started his own band in 1982, releasing three albums and touring extensively to honor Lynyrd Skynyrd.
- Filmmaking and Documentary (2010–2020)
- Wrote, produced, and directed Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash, released in 2020 after lengthy legal battles.
Hall of Fame Recognition
- He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 for his role in Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legendary era.
Public Image and Influence
- He was known as the “Wild Man” for his aggressive double-bass drumming technique, which influenced generations of rock percussionists.
- Health Advocate: A vegetarian since the late 1970s, Pyle credits his longevity on tour to his diet and activity.
- As of 2025, he is the last living member of 1977 Skynyrd, reflecting on its bittersweet history.
Online Presence & Recent Activities
| Platform | Handle/Link | Followers/Likes |
|---|---|---|
| Official Website | apbmusic.com | n/a |
| @artemispyleband | 6.5K | |
| Artemis Pyle Band | 48K | |
| Upcoming Festival | Adirondack Vet Fest (Jul 19, 2025) | Headliner |
| Upcoming Tribute | Levoy Theatre, NJ (Aug 23, 2025) | Charity seating |
- On Instagram and Facebook, often posting tours, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with fans.
- Headlined Adirondack Vet Fest in Plattsburgh, NY, on July 19, 2025; planned for a tribute concert at the Levoy Theatre in Millville, NJ, on August 23, 2025.
- In late 2023, released a reworked rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama” with Ronnie Dunn to celebrate Fyfty’s 50th anniversary.
FAQ
Who is Artemis Pyle?
Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artemis Pyle is renowned for his double-bass prowess and contributions to the band’s iconic records.
What major event did he survive?
He survived the October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd jet crash with chest injuries and helped rescuers.
How many children does he have?
He has eight children and several grandchildren, some of whom perform in PYLETRIBE.
What is A.P.B.?
The 1982-formed Artemis Pyle Band has issued studio and live records and toured nationally.
Has he been recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted in 2006 as a member of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
What documentary did he produce?
He produced and directed 2020’s Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash.
Where does he currently reside?
In Morganton, North Carolina, he is vegetarian and has several hobbies.
What distinguishes his drumming style?
His driving double‑bass approach and energetic performances earned him the nickname “Wild Man.”
