Final Trip for Gregg Allman, The Midnight Rider
He helped create one of the most enduring bands in all of music history. He helped create two incredible music festivals which continue to endure and flourish. He wrote many iconic anthems for our scene. He was the first of the great Southern preacher/vocalists.
And now he is gone.
Gregg Allman passed away earlier today (Saturday, May 27th), having turned 69 last December 8th. In truth, many of us marvel that we got to bask in his soulshine this long, given his battles with alcoholism and drug addiction and with hepatitis C (starting in 2007).
Most of us of an age discovered Gregg when he and brother Duane emerged on the national scene with The Allman Brothers Band in 1969. Their debut album and Idlewild South remain two of rocks most iconic albums, but even those are overshadowed compared to the next two albums: Live at the Fillmore East and Eat a Peach. During that period, the band suffered the loss of Duane Allman after the live album and then bassist Berry Oakley after Peach.
Over the years, the band would break up and reform, but Gregg continued to produced great solo work, with the much-loved Laid Back first. The Allman Brothers began a resurgence in 1989 and had a number of changes before it reached its most recent lineup, which lasted from 2001 to the band’s finale at the Beacon Theatre in NYC in 2014. That band featured original drummers Jaimoe Johanson and Butch Trucks; Trucks passed away unexpectedly in January. Also in that final edition were guitarists Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, Oteil Burbridge on bass, and Marc Quiñones on percussion.
There is no other band who could sell out a run of ten to 15 nights at the Beacon — instantly — from 1989 through 2014. And Gregg was at the forefront. Somewhere along the line, he found time to play a real badass in the movie Rush (1991).
Gregg, Butch and The Alllman Brothers helped found the Wanee Music Festival at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak FL in 2005. Through 2014, The Allman Brothers headlined two nights and brought in dozens of national acts to create a great family feeling. (The year Gregg was too ill to perform, Haynes led the Wanee Family Band.) For years, Haynes also appeared with Gov’t Mule, Derek Trucks with his band and then the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Burbridge brought his bands, and Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band always delights. And Gregg performed with his band after the retirement of ABB.
In 2012, Gregg and Butch took the music “up north” to Montage Mountain in Scranton PA, creating the Peach Festival, fostering again the same extended family of musicians to deliver to a market eager for this music. Both festivals continue to honor the traditions created by The Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead and other like-minded groups.
Gregg Allman left us a great legacy, no small part of which includes his amazing compositions.We will forever know: Not My Cross to Bear, Black Hearted Woman, Dreams, Whipping Post, Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’, Midnight Rider, Leave My Blues At Home, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, Melissa, Desdemona, Rockin’ Horse, Queen of Hearts, and Please Call Home.
Thank you, Gregg Allman. You are our King of Hearts.
The Gregg Allman website shared this:
It is with deep sadness that we announce that Gregg Allman, a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Georgia.
Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times.
Gregg’s long time manager and close friend, Michael Lehman said, “I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music. He was a kind and gentle soul with the best laugh I ever heard. His love for his family and bandmates was passionate as was the love he had for his extraordinary fans. Gregg was an incredible partner and an even better friend. We will all miss him.”
Gregg is survived by his wife, Shannon Allman, his children, Devon, Elijah Blue, Delilah Island Kurtom and Layla Brooklyn Allman; 3 grandchildren, his niece, Galadrielle Allman, lifelong friend Chank Middleton, and a large extended family. The family will release a statement soon, but for now ask for privacy during this very difficult time.
The family suggests that tributes to Gregg can be made to the Gregg Allman Scholarship Fund at The University of Georgia or the Allman/Lehman Endowed Scholarship at Syracuse University.