Having played over 230 shows at the storied venue since 1989, it seemed fitting that the Allman Brothers Band would close things out at the Beacon Theatre last night, with what has been an epic 45-year run. And with a third set that began around midnight, bringing the final show into the anniversary of Duane Allman‘s untimely passing in 1971, Gregg Allman and his brothers-in-musical-arms paid tribute to his blood brother and founder of the group.

With fitting speeches by members of the band, especially by Gregg recalling his account of Duane calling him up to be in the group, and Derek playing SkyDog’s gold top, this final night was about as fitting of a storybook ending as one could possibly imagine, with the only exception perhaps being Dickey Betts not making an appearance at any point during the run.

Playing several numbers that had been played throughout the run, such as “Hot ‘Lanta,” “Whipping Post,” “One Way Out,” “Southbound,” among others, this night was a celebration of not only the memory of Duane Allman, but of what this group as a whole has gone through over the course of its history. Between the decision to forge ahead after the passing of its founding member, some in-house fighting, the decision for Betts to no longer be in the band, drug problems, and several lineup changes, the group found a rocksteady groove over the last fifteen years with the dual attack of Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes on guitar, Marc Quiñones on percussion, Oteil Burbridge on bass, and Jaimoe and Butch Trucks on drums, all led by Gregg Allman.

This was a night not about any one song or jam in particular, it was about the journey this band has taken throughout the years, and one last night to honor the history of the group, especially the man that brought the Allman Brothers Band together. Will the group ever take the stage together again? With Trucks and Haynes dead set in concentrating on their own projects, it is unlikely for the time being. But, perhaps at some point; there is always hope.

But, for now, let’s just think about what the Allman Brothers Band gave us, and music, for the past 45 years. Let’s worry about what the future holds for another day.

 

Final Allman Brothers Band Show Setlist – 10/28/2014 at the Beacon Theatre

Set I: Little Martha, Mountain Jam, Don’t Want You No More, It’s Not My Cross to Bear, One Way Out, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, Midnight Rider, The High Cost of Low Living, Hot ‘Lanta, Blue Sky, You Don’t Love Me

Set II: Statesboro Blues, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, Black Hearted Woman, The Sky is Crying, Dreams, Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed > JaBuMaOt > In Memory of Elizabeth Reed

Set III: Melissa, Revival, Southbound, Mountain Jam (reprise) > Will the Circle Be Unbroken > Mountain Jam

Enc: Whipping Post, Trouble No More

 

[cover photo courtesy of Allison Murphy]