Looks like the Allman Brothers Band has played its last show

quote:

---

The only note of sentiment during the Allman Brothers Band's October 28th concert at New York's Beacon Theatre – their last at that venue and anywhere else, at least for the foreseeable future – came after more than four hours of music: three sets and an inevitable encore, "Whipping Post." The seven members of the group – the surviving trio of founders, singer-organist Gregg Allman and drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe; the long-serving guitar team of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks; and often overlooked veterans Oteil Burbridge on bass and percussionist Marc Quinones – lined up onstage and took a bow: a first at any Allmans-Beacon show I'd ever attended.

Then Gregg, pressed forward by the others, gave a short speech, another first, recalling the day 45 years ago that he first sang with the original Allmans lineup – led by his late brother, guitarist Duane Allman, and including guitarist Dickey Betts and the late bassist Berry Oakley – at a jam session in Jacksonville, Florida. Gregg cited the precise date, March, 26th, 1969, then said, in a low, worn voice, "Never did I have any idea it could come to this." He gazed gratefully at the crowd, still on its feet, clapping and cheering, at nearly 1:30 a.m. "Now," Gregg added, "We're gonna do the first song we ever played."

The Allmans got back in position and tore into "Trouble No More," the Muddy Waters rumble from Side One of the group's 1969 debut album, The Allman Brothers Band. It sounded nothing like goodbye: tight and gnarly, Derek and Haynes riding the triple-drum-kit surf with avenging poise. But it was.

---