Photos and Review by Amanda Miles
The Allman Brothers Band breezily took the stage on August 1, 2012 in the sweltering Atlanta heat. The Chastain crowd was jubilant, happy for the chance to reunite with the legendary band. The Allman Brothers Band are embraced as locals due to strong ties in Macon, Georgia. ABB were part of Macon’s famed Capricorn record label movement, launching soulful southern rock into the musical stratosphere. The Allman Brothers Band, together since 1969, continue to share their music with the masses. ABB recently completed a run with Santana before heading out on a string of headlining dates. 2012 is a special celebration for the band (dubbed the “Year of the Peach “), commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1972 double album, Eat a Peach.
Their Atlanta show was a musical smorgasbord, sampling ABB classics, covers and allowing various members an opportunity to take center stage. Guitar gods Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes wailed through the setlist, making seemingly impossible riffs seem easy. Drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe steadily rocked in perfect harmony with percussionist Marc Quiñones. Some stand out moments from the night included the blazing jam “Hot ‘Lanta” and the guttural pain in Greg Allman’s voice during “Whipping Post.” Atlanta native, songwriter William Bell, joined ABB for a rousing version of his hit song “Born Under A Bad Sign.” Bass player Oteil Burbridge paid homage to the iconic Grateful Dead guitar player, Jerry Garcia, on what would have been Jerry’s 70th birthday. Oteil led the audience through a jubilant rendition of the Grateful Dead’s “Franklin’s Tower.”
Before arriving at the show, I wondered aloud how founding member Greg Allman would look–would he still have the fire for music in his belly? 2011 and 2012 were plagued with continuous health problems for the renowned singer and southern rock icon. Poor health kept him away from a portion of the band’s annual residency at the Beacon Theatre and delayed his book tour earlier this year. I watched Greg with a touch of melancholy and reverence. There was a brief moment where I stopped taking photos and locked eyes with the famed singer. He nodded and smiled and in that moment I understood why he has no plans to stay home and rest. There was nothing that would keep Greg away from the music. His home is on the road and on that stage, with his fans. Long live your music Greg, long live.
Set list:
1. One Way Out
2. Statesboro Blues
3. Don’t Want You No More
4. It’s Not My Cross To Bear
5. That’s What Love Will Make You Do
6. Hot ‘Lanta
7. Leave My Blues at Home
8. Born Under A Bad Sign
9. Dreams
10. The Sky Is Crying
11. Franklin’s Tower
12. In Memory of Elizabeth Reed with Duane Trucks, drums)
13. Whipping Post
Full Gallery After the Jump…
