The Allman Brothers define southern rock more than maybe any other band is defined by a certain musical genre. They pretty much created the term. By the end of 2014, as it stands, The Allman Brothers will not be a touring facet any longer. With the announcement of Allman Brothers guitarists Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes impending departures later this year, Gregg Allman decided that the Allman Brothers should call it quits on touring. This news along with the recent health issues of Gregg Allman puts a lot of things in question right now. On top of this, Allman is also recuperating from a broken wrist. Despite all of that, Allman kept his date in Lewiston, NY, as his solo band is out on tour (Allman was to take the stage 2 years ago but the show was cancelled due to recurring health issues). Allman and his band made sure the same thing didn’t happen this time around.
Taking the stage, a somewhat looking frail Allman still showed that you can’t judge someone on their physical appearance. It means nothing if you have big heart and voice to match. He took the stage with a determination to put on the best possible show he could. I think he succeeded in doing just that. His voice help up strong and sounded perfect on “I’m No Angel” and the sweet ballad of “Melissa.” His guitarist and musical director Scott Sharrard held it all together nicely and led the band when Allman took a break during the song “Endless Road.” He also handled both acoustic and electric duties during “Melissa.”
Allman said very little between songs and pretty much stayed behind his trusty B-3 Hammond Organ the entire night. I was disappointed that he didn’t slap a 6 string around his neck, but his recent wrist breakage probably prevented him from doing that.
More than 16 songs were played in the hour and half set given by Allman’s band. At this point, you couldn’t have asked for any more from a performer like Allman. He’s been doing it longer than most have been alive. Let’s hope that after the Allmans decide to call it a day, that Gregg Allman’s solo career doesn’t follow the same path!
Setlist:
Statesboro Blues (Blind Willie McTell cover)
I’m No Angel
I Can’t be Satisfied (Muddy Waters cover)
Queen of Hearts
Ain’t Wasting Time No More
Before the Bullets Fly
Sweet Feeling
Endless Road
Melissa (The Allman Brothers Band song)
Black Hearted Woman/Hot Lanta (medley)
Please Call Home (The Allman Brothers Band song)
Midnight Rider (The Allman Brothers Band song)
Love Like Kerosene
Whipping Post (The Allman Brothers Band song)
Encore:
One Way Out (Elmore James cover)
We would like to thank Maria Hays from Artpark for her assistance in helping BackstageAxxess review the show.
