Today has been a difficult day for music fans, as legendary drummer Butch Trucks passed away last night. Trucks was a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, and worked as a musician for over 50 years. He will be missed.
Music heals all wounds, and today we’re looking back at moments in Trucks’ life to celebrate his legacy. One such moment came in 1970, at the height of the Allman Brothers’ early career. The year was also a highlight for the Grateful Dead, as both bands (promoted by Bill Graham) continued to come into their own as jam-rock staples. The two bands wound up on the same bill at the famed Fillmore East on February 11th, 1970, and the Dead called on members of the Allmans and Fleetwood Mac for the occasion.
Towards the end of the show, the Dead welcomed up Peter Green, Duane Allman, Mick Fleetwood, Danny Kirwan, Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks & Berry Oakley for a segment that included “Dark Star” into “Spanish Jam” into “Turn On Your Lovelight.” This was an all-time version of “Lovelight,” clocking in at over 33 minutes for a wild bluesy celebration.
Wrote Phil Lesh in his book, “It’s a surprisingly coherent free-for-all, with five guitarists , four drummers, organ, and — Pigpen roaring over it all” Berry Oakley takes over on bass about halfway through Lovelight as Phil just wants to listen. “My mind starts to stretch out of shape… Everyone on stage is flat-out wailing” After the show, “I walk outside — it’s daylight, and snow is falling gently on the streets of New York… I grab Bob and Jerry in a group embrace: This is what it’s all about.”
Check out the full show audio below, transferred onto Archive.org by Darrin Sacks.
RIP, Butch.