While no one could have ever been prepared to say goodbye, the Allman Brothers Band officially closed their doors in October of 2014. It was difficult for everyone, including the members of the band, to call it the “end.” While virtually every member of the band is still touring in some capacity, the seven members have yet to share the same stage since.
At the 2015 Peach Music Festival, Butch Trucks & Friends were billed to play. He put together several members of the Allmans and some other all-star musicians who had relationships with the band for one mind-blowing set, that had everyone walking away in pure disbelief. The energy on that stage was unlike anything the ABB had experienced in years, and according to Butch, it felt much like the earlier days of the NOLA Warehouse back when Duane Allman was alive.
Now officially called Les Brers, original drummers Butch and Jaimoe are fully committed to bringing their energetically-charged band on the road, after their successful return to the Peach and headlining slot at Wanee Music Festival. The band is complete with ABB’s latest rhythm section, including bassist Oteil Burbridge and percussionist Marc Quinones. Before them, stand guitar master Jack Pearson, who played with the Allmans from 1997-99, his guitar mate Pat Bergeson, along with longtime collaborator Bruce Katz on keys, and Lamar Williams, Jr., son of bassist Lamar Williams who played with ABB from 1972-76, belting the vocals. The show is a complete force that you wouldn’t believe unless you saw it for yourself.
With the first leg of their tour almost over, it’s worth looking back on some spectacular moments shared by these eight members. Between the Allman Brothers originals and some traditionally-covered classics, the ABB blood runs thick. Thanks to these dedicated fans, we can relive some of the glory:
Mountain Jam @ House of Blues Boston 9/9/16, via YouTube user susea
Blue Sky @ House of Blues Boston 9/9/16, via YouTube user susea
Please Call Home @ House of Blues Boston 9/9/16, via YouTube user susea
Hold What You Got @ House of Blues Boston 9/9/16, via YouTube user susea
Dimples @ House of Blues Boston 9/9/16, via YouTube user susea
Just An Expression @ House of Blues Boston 9/9/16, via YouTube user susea
I Can Fix It @ House of Blues Boston 9/9/16, via YouTube user susea
Whipping Post @ Hampton Beach Casino 9/8/16 via YouTube User Paul Desnoyers
Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More @ Hampton Beach Casino 9/8/16 via YouTube User Paul Desnoyers
Jessica @ The Ridgefield Playhouse 9/7/16 via YouTube user Diablagato
Tonight, Les Brers will bring their September run to a close at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland, Vermont. They’ll return to the road in October for five dates. You can also catch bassist Oteil Burbridge performing at the upcoming Brooklyn Comes Alive festival, as part of All Brothers Band and the Earth Wind & Power tribute set. More information can be found here.
Les Brers 2016 Tour:
10 SEP PARAMOUNT THEATRE, RUTLAND, VT
12 OCT BROOKLYN BOWL, BROOKLYN, NY
13 OCT WELLMONT THEATRE, MONTCLAIR, NJ
14 OCT FILLMORE PHILADELPHIA
15 OCT CHAMELEON CLUB, LANCASTER, PA
16 OCT NYCB THEATRE AT WESTBURY, WESTBURY, NY
[photos via @maudcabot]