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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

Showing 1 response by bigkidz

bigkidz
3,311 posts
 
Garebear

"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."

Could not agree with you more. I grew up playing guitar and can play every lick of any Allman Bros songs. I found Trucks guitar playing too much almost trying to do too much where Duane was just more sweet sounding. Glad someone else has my same opinion. I was out the Filmore concerts (man am I old - CRAP!) then I purchased my first Les Paul guitar. I did see them for many years at the Beacon with Dickey and Warren and they had some great moments but when Betts was booted, I did not feel the band had that magic.

I hope Betts still comes around. It's all my fault, I must have done somebody wrong!

Happy Listening.
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