The Allman Brothers were the seminal southern rock band. They originated in Florida in 1969, and had a unique sound that consisted of two lead guitarists (Duane Allman and Dickie Betts) and two drummers. I bought a copy of their second album (Idlewild South) and was hooked.
Their best album was the fantastic "Live at Filmore East", a two-record set of an appearance they made at that legendary rock venue at the height of their powers. Duane Allman's solos were fiery, Dicky Betts' solos built up momentum like a freight train, and Greg Allman's singing was at it's soulful best. I found this video of them doing "In memory of Elizabeth Reed", recorded at the same venue nine months after the Fillmore recording session.
Tragically, Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident on October 29, 1971 in Macon, Georgia when he collided with the rear of a flatbed truck carrying heavy pipe that had turned in front of him. The band carried on. Just over a year later, on November 11, 1972, their bass player died from head injuries he received in another motorcycle accident, only three blocks from the site of Duane's. The band carried on.
In fact, despite breakups and reunions, drug overdoses, personal squabbles, legal problems, and a marriage to Cher, they continue to this day.
Here's to longevity.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
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