In the wake of Butch Trucks‘ death, Allman Brothers Band fans must sadly accept that “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” will never be performed the same way ever again. The drum intro perfected by Trucks is something that can’t be replicated or reproduced–it was so intrinsically him. “Liz Reed” came from the Allman Brothers’ second album Idlewild South, and is one of their best known instrumental jams.
The Dickey Betts number was inspired by a tombstone for Elizabeth Jones Reed (1845-1935) in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, GA. There were a couple of steps in the back meadows of the enormous cemetery that members of the ABB would often visit during their midnight hours. “That’s where Dickey put together the melodies for that tune after having a tryst with Boz Skagg’s wife,” said Butch about “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” “We use to take any poison we could find and spend the nights in that place talking to the ghosts.”
The Allman Brothers Band performed “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” on their final performance at the Beacon Theater in New York City on October 28, 2014. The three set show lasted deep into the night, one exuding energy that many in attendance equated to that of the band’s iconic 1970 Fillmore East performance.
Listen to the 10/28/14 rendition below, with original members Gregg Allman, Jaimoe, and Butch, along with Oteil Burbridge, Marc Quiñones, Warren Haynes, and Derek Trucks below, courtesy of Tom Pragliola:
Now watch the original lineup, including Gregg Allman, Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe, perform at Fillmore East on 9/23/70.
Rest In Peace, Uncle Butchie.