Lynyrd Skynyrd Miffed At VH1 For 'Sensationalism'
Band Claims Channel Promised Positive Tone For Show
POSTED: 10:39 a.m. EDT September 3, 2002
The cable channel VH1 is not a No. 1 hit with classic Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
The band members wrote on their Web site that they're upset with the way the channel portrayed them in the program "The Uncivil War."
"It was presented by show's producers, that this would be a positive piece that would honor the 25th anniversary of the plane crash, the 15th anniversary of the band reuniting and a tribute to the band that continues to carry on despite tragedy," the band wrote on the site.
But instead, the band said the interviews -- which they believe were positive -- were taken out of context and VH1 decided to dig for dirt and focus on nay-sayers. "The show is full of non-truths, half-truths and journalistic sensationalism," said the band on the site.
The band was struck with tragedy in October 1977 when a plane crash in a Mississippi swamp killed frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and back-up vocalist Cassie Gaines.
Lynryd Skynyrd specifically complains about the part having to do with a proposed show at the site of the plane crash. The band had considered it this year but collectively decided against it -- it was never confirmed or canceled.
Also taking VH1 to task on the band's site was Ronnie Van Zant's widow, Judy Van Zant Jenness. "What was supposed to be a very special show honoring very special people, turned into an avenue for (former band members) Artimus Pyle, Gene Odom and Kent Griffith to run their mouths about the current band," she wrote.
VH1 was the first media outlet that Judy Van Zant Jenness granted first-time interview access to after the plane tragedy, according to the channel's Web site.
Representatives for VH1 were not available for comment.
The band members wrote on their Web site that they're upset with the way the channel portrayed them in the program "The Uncivil War."
"It was presented by show's producers, that this would be a positive piece that would honor the 25th anniversary of the plane crash, the 15th anniversary of the band reuniting and a tribute to the band that continues to carry on despite tragedy," the band wrote on the site.
But instead, the band said the interviews -- which they believe were positive -- were taken out of context and VH1 decided to dig for dirt and focus on nay-sayers. "The show is full of non-truths, half-truths and journalistic sensationalism," said the band on the site.
The band was struck with tragedy in October 1977 when a plane crash in a Mississippi swamp killed frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and back-up vocalist Cassie Gaines.
Lynryd Skynyrd specifically complains about the part having to do with a proposed show at the site of the plane crash. The band had considered it this year but collectively decided against it -- it was never confirmed or canceled.
Also taking VH1 to task on the band's site was Ronnie Van Zant's widow, Judy Van Zant Jenness. "What was supposed to be a very special show honoring very special people, turned into an avenue for (former band members) Artimus Pyle, Gene Odom and Kent Griffith to run their mouths about the current band," she wrote.
VH1 was the first media outlet that Judy Van Zant Jenness granted first-time interview access to after the plane tragedy, according to the channel's Web site.
Representatives for VH1 were not available for comment.Copyright 2003 by Lifewhile.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
