LYNYRD SKYNYRD Documentary 'I'll Never Forget You: The Last 72 Hours Of Lynyrd Skynyrd' Coming To DVD

October 8, 2019

At the height of its fame in 1977, southern rock band LYNYRD SKYNYRD was struck with tragedy — a plane crash that killed the band's founder and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant along with Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot William Gray. "I'll Never Forget You: The Last 72 Hours Of Lynyrd Skynyrd" chronicles the story of three survivors: security guard Gene Odom, lead backup singer Leslie Hawkins, and guitar tech Craig Reed. These survivors give their firsthand accounts of the wild times of the band, the 72 hours leading to the crash, the harrowing crash itself and its aftermath.

The documentary features original behind-the-scenes film footage of life with the band before the crash, dramatic reenactments illustrating key dramatic scenes, and high-end CG animations — including a simulation of the plane crash that matches the NTSB report. Rare interviews with four first responders were also captured, filmed on location at the crash site in Gillsburg, Mississippi. Based on Gene's book, "I'll Never Forget You", this documentary offers the fond remembrance of one man's journey with this legendary band, but more importantly, the loss of his dearest friend. Gene's unique perspective and down-to-earth sensibility grants unique access to the behind-the-scenes story, the celebration and the tragedy.

The film reveals stories of Gene and Ronnie's youth together, Gene's army service and how Ronnie implored Gene to join the band on the road as head of security when their wild behavior escalated. Gene was tasked with helping the band quit drugs and alcohol and keeping an eye on the business. Gene shares how his and Ronnie's plans to reshape the band's sobriety and business structure were cut short by the crash.

Craig shares his stories about serving as the band's fixer, providing access to drugs, alcohol and women. His tales of crazy parties and wrecked hotel rooms stand in contrast with Leslie's accounts of attempting to balance life as a mother and rock star. Gene, Craig and Leslie share their stories of recovery in the hospital, how they found out about the news of Ronnie's death and how they coped with the tragedy.

The film weaves the three survivors' stories together to paint a picture of what might have been and the web of tragic decisions leading to the plane crash that forever altered their lives — and LYNYRD SKYNYRD's place in history.

"I'll Never Forget You: The Last 72 Hours Of Lynyrd Skynyrd" will be released on DVD on December 13 via MVD Visual.

Find more on
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • reddit
  • email

Comments Disclaimer And Information

BLABBERMOUTH.NET uses the Facebook Comments plugin to let people comment on content on the site using their Facebook account. The comments reside on Facebook servers and are not stored on BLABBERMOUTH.NET. To comment on a BLABBERMOUTH.NET story or review, you must be logged in to an active personal account on Facebook. Once you're logged in, you will be able to comment. User comments or postings do not reflect the viewpoint of BLABBERMOUTH.NET and BLABBERMOUTH.NET does not endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of, any user comment. To report spam or any abusive, obscene, defamatory, racist, homophobic or threatening comments, or anything that may violate any applicable laws, use the "Report to Facebook" and "Mark as spam" links that appear next to the comments themselves. To do so, click the downward arrow on the top-right corner of the Facebook comment (the arrow is invisible until you roll over it) and select the appropriate action. You can also send an e-mail to blabbermouthinbox(@)gmail.com with pertinent details. BLABBERMOUTH.NET reserves the right to "hide" comments that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate and to "ban" users that violate the site's Terms Of Service. Hidden comments will still appear to the user and to the user's Facebook friends. If a new comment is published from a "banned" user or contains a blacklisted word, this comment will automatically have limited visibility (the "banned" user's comments will only be visible to the user and the user's Facebook friends).