The Allman Brothers Are Calling It Quits
This week Gregg Allman announced The Allman Brothers Band would be hanging it up at the end of 2014. I'm shocked. I thought you guys had retired twenty years ago.
What led to this decision? When your two guitarists decide to leave, that's a start.
Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks both decided to spend more time with their own bands. Haynes with Gov't Mule and solo projects. Trucks with The Tedeschi-Trucks Band. Hey...I get it. If you're Derek wouldn't you want to spend more time with the lovely Susan Tedeschi than Gregg Allman?
If you've read any of my music pieces, you know my tastes are stuck in the 60's & 70's. So this band is one of my go to guys. Then why didn't I know Dickey Betts had left....more than 10 years ago? That's as much on them as it is on me. They lost their relevance long ago.
Without checking Wikipedia, can anyone name an ABB record in the last 30 years? I didn't think so.
I looked at their discography and I sort of remember "Enlightened Rogue", in 1979. There was "Win, Lose or Draw", in 1975. The last one I really remember is "Brother's and Sisters", back in 1973.
Good album. "Ramblin' Man", "Southbound", and "Jessica".
That was 41 years ago. I was 21 years old. What have you done for me lately?
Don't get me wrong. At one time this was a great band. Their "Fillmore East" album is still considered one of the best live albums of all time. Duane Allman is one of the greatest guitarist ever. But all the accolades really ended when Duane died in a motorcycle accident.
I've been listening to this band lately because I'm thinking of doing a Greatest American Band piece. After writing this, I wonder if they'd be in my Top 10?
If you're still a fan of the Allman Brothers, enjoy their final year.
I won't miss them. I'll miss the band I remember.