Rest In Peace Gregg Allman

Well, this is a hard loss to take. Any loss is hard, but I have been a fan since I was in my early teens. I first heard about the Allman Brothers Band when I was in 8th grade at Washington Irving Intermediate School in West Springfield, VA. A kid used to carry the first few albums to school in a paper bag, and whisper their name like a top secret. I suppose he tried to play them at friends houses after school. Back then I doubt the librarian would let you play "Southern Rock" on what little audio equipment they had. Well, Gregg kept the band going in several incarnations after Duane passed away, then Barry, then Lamar, and so on. Life is like that. No one gets out alive. The music was great, even when it was not the original band. I could not stop listening. I wore out turntable needles, vinyl LPs, and even CDs listening to Gregg with the Allman Brothers Band or even his solo efforts. I cannot really pick a favorite because I could go a long time without listening to any other music in my car or on my home stereo. I used to see them every year that they came to the DC area, and even run up to Baltimore to see them. I almost ran away after 9th grade to see the band at Watkins Glen at that huge music festival. I still do not remember how my mother kept me from getting out. All I had back then was a small dirt bike! Well, I know this the fans have been incredible in their tributes. No one is perfect or an angel, and I am sure Gregg knew his limits, and they turned up in his song lyrics and also in the emotion with which he played those songs. Many fans could indentify. He lived up the road an hour or so from where I live now, a bit close to where my Dad has retired. Dad even saw Gregg out a few times at some local eateries the past 10 years or so. Kind of cool that he got out that whole LA lifestyle when he did. A real southern man for sure. Rest in peace Gregg Allman. Thanks for a lifetime of great music, that kept me a fan forever more. A nice photo of Gregg with former President Carter. Peace, Guitar Lamar.