The Allman Brothers Band family is saddened by the passing of photographer Sidney Smith, an old, dear friend from the early days of the ABB. A New Orleans native, Sidney started shooting shows while he was in high school, and by age 17 he essentially had become the house photographer at the Warehouse, the iconic concert hall located at 1820 Tchoupitoulas Street.
It was at the Warehouse that Sidney captured many of his best photos of the Allman Brothers, and struck up a relationship with the band members. It was this relationship and his trained eye that led Sidney to Macon, GA, in 1972, where he became a staff photographer for Capricorn Records. It was during the ensuing years in Macon that Sidney became close to many of the guys in the band – particularly Butch Trucks – and his intimate photos reflect that.
In his latter years, Sidney became a vital part of the social fabric of New Orleans, and his fabled Haunted History Tours were a big hit with tourists in the Big Easy.
Rest in peace, Sidney, and thanks for the celluloid memories.
Allman Brothers Band, Family & Crew