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The Allman Brothers can't lie about their age anymore. The iconic band is celebrating 40 years this year and these southern rockers are not showing signs of aging in the least bit. They plan to start the birthday celebrations big by heading to New York City's recently renovated Beacon Theatre for a 10 gig marathon that is scheduled to start on March 9. The group is currently comprised of Gregg Allman, Butch and Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Jaimoe, Oteil Burbridge and Marc Quinones. Fans are only too thrilled to turn out in support of the band, since they had to cancel their Beacon Theatre residency last year when frontman Allman took time away from touring to focus on treatment for Hepatitis C. The Allman Brothers Band has played at the historic venue an impressive 175 times since 1989. Guest artists for the concerts have yet to be announced, but check back on http://www.stubhub.com/allman-brothers-tickets for further ticket information.
The Allman Brothers have emerged in today's world as one of America's most popular and influential rock bands in history. The first came on the scene during the 1970s, when they blended a mix of blues, country, jazz and classical that was highlighted by traditional southern rock. Their self-titled album attracted good reviews from critics and the group soon had a cult following of fans, eager to latch onto their particular brand of music. At the time of their formation the group included: Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Forrest Richard Betts, Berry Oakley, Claude Hudson Trucks and Jaimoe Johanson.
The album Idlewild South further emphasized the band's sound and the record contained one of their most famous signature hits, “Midnight Rider.” Some consider the compilation of songs that appeared on the tracklist to feature some of the Allman Brothers' finest works. It highlights electric blues, with a subtly acoustic flair and organ playing. In addition to “Midnight Rider,” the album also contains the hit songs, “Revival,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” and a cover of Willie Dixon's “Hoochie Coochie Man.” By this time, a pair of Allman Brothers tickets was a hot commodity, and fans were latching onto their brilliantly unique and eclectic sound.
While the Allman Brothers enjoyed massive success with their music, they were not as fortunate when it came to avoiding tragedy. In 1971, Duane Allman was killed in a motorcycle accident just two weeks after the release of At Fillmore East. After releasing Eat a Peach not long after At Fillmore East, Berry Oakley was killed in a motorcycle accident only blocks away from where Allman died.
Despite the difficult times, the Allman Brothers surged onwards and they developed a new sound with the release of Brothers and Sisters (1973). Containing the massive hit “Ramblin' Man,” the record went onto occupy the number one spot on the charts for six weeks. Once again, the members of the Allman Brothers displayed their creative genius and ignited further interest among fans, eager to eavesdrop on their well crafted tunes.
Then, trouble brewed again, as disagreements between bandmates ensued, and the band broke apart in 1976, only to rejoin two years later. They endured label difficulties and changing times and were forced to re-examine their sound. Fans needn't have been worried, however, because after a long hiatus in the 1980s, the band formed together once more in the early 1990s and have been recording and touring since.