Artimus Pyle celebrates his 71st birthday today (July 15th). The Lynyrd Skynyrd song “Don’t Ask Me No Questions” is an example of how Ronnie Van Zant wasn’t afraid to stand up and say what needed to be said. The first single off Second Helping didn’t chart — unlike the second, “Sweet Home Alabama,” which went Top 10. Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle says that while “Don’t Ask Me No Questions” didn’t become a hit like the band’s next single, “Sweet Home Alabama,” it still gets radio play today because singer Ronnie Van Zant never shied away from telling it like it is.
“Ronnie was not afraid. Ronnie Van Zant spoke his mind and stood up like a man at all times and I was very proud to be in a band with him. And I love Ronnie and I miss him, but his music lives on. He was very direct and somebody had to say it and so he did. It was just like ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ Somebody had to say, ‘Look, don’t blame me for something my great-grandfather was involved with.’ Somebody had to say, ‘Don’t ask me no questions — don’t ask me no stupid questions — and I won’t tell you no lies.’”
Photo Credit: Steve Solis/PR Photos
