A fond farewell to The Allman Brothers Band


Well, this is it folks..... Tonight's concert at the beautiful Beacon Theater in New York City is the last performance by one of the best American rock bands to ever take the stage. Forty five years after we first heard the beautiful guitars of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, the rhythmic bass of Berry Oakley, the percussive interplay of Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny Johanson (Jaimoe), and the incredible soulful voice and organ wizardry of Gregg Allman, the band is finally and officially calling it quits. Bravo boys .... it's been an absolutely fabulous ride !

I first saw the Allman Brothers Band in 1971 at the old Philadelphia Spectrum, where they were the opening act for Johnny Winter. I was a tenth grader, and was immediately hypnotized by Duane and Dickey trading licks on "Whipping Post" and "Statesboro Blues," Gregg singing the blues on "Done Somebody Wrong" and "Stormy Monday," Berry pounding the bass line on "Revival," and Butch and Jai Johnny drumming up a storm on "Elizabeth Reed."

I have since seen them about a million times, through many line-ups. Always, always, always ..... a great show by incredible musicians. Thanks to Chuck, Lamar, Warren, Derek, Marc, Oteil, and many others for taking the stage after the passing of Duane and Berry, and the exit of Dickey. You guys have always shown the utmost talent and togetherness, and it's been a tremendous pleasure enjoying the music with you all these years. Happily, via the internet and a wealth of wonderful records and CD's, the legacy of the band will continue. The music goes on forever, even as the road comes to an end. Thank you boys, from the bottom of my heart, for forty five years of happiness.
The Allman Brothers Band ..... one of the best bands ever !
adam18
Nice comments Max ..... Very cool to hear about BHLT. That must have been a great evening. I agree with you about "High Falls" being a wonderful song and a terrific reference recording. Dickey Betts is a gifted songwriter and a very talented guitar player .... just too bad how he left the band under difficult circumstances. I saw the boys in one of the first shows after Berry died. Nassau Coliseum with the introduction of Lamar on bass and Chuck on piano. Dickey under the spotlights on center stage playing perhaps the best licks of his career, absolutely awesome with Chuck on piano doing one of the first performances of "Jessica", into "Southbound" and "Pony Boy." Wow, man, the band was really cooking that night !
Yep. Chuck can tickle the ivories. His work with Clapton, the Stones, and others is a testimony to that. His solo albums are worth checking out. I particularly like "Southscape".
I had not heard they were retiring. Huge bummer as they are one of my favorite bands but I have never seen them. Hawaii's concert scene is very limited and is skewed to pop. Hadn't heard Little Feat retired but understand Eagles also on their last tour. Clapton making similar noises. These guys are in their mid to late 60s or older and the stress of touring is rough.
Very saddened by this although the last few times that I saw them which was recently, the spark was just not there. I have seen them all over since the late 70's, including seeing them at The Beacon Theatre.....but to tell you the truth, they have not been the same since Dickey Betts got the boot in 94-95. Dereck Trucks is a fantastic guitar player but he just didn't have that sound Duane Allman / Allamn Brother sound. I sometimes found his guitar playing .....not appealing. I guess that I just missed Dickey in that band. Too bad as when they wanted to be good ...there were once of the best live bands ever. This will leave a huge hole as well as the ending of and really the alst bands from that era. I also think that endig the show in the early morning of 10/29/14 was also hopefully a final tribute to Duane who started the whole thing. I know I will see them individually when they come around ...but I will miss seeing themas a band. A lot of great memories for me