Hittin’ the Final Notes
Hittin' the Note – an expression of joy. The original band used this term to describe that moment in time when the music, musicians and audience united…when the soul was moved to experience joy through the power of music.
In the spring of 1992 Kirk West, Ron Currens, Bill Ector and Joe Bell started Hittin' the Note magazine as a way for Allman Brothers Band fans to unite and share in the joy of this music. It was a simple, black & white, 16 page newsletter and our cover story for issue #1 was First There is a Mountain - one of the best we ever published.
Over time we became a color magazine, got into Tower Records, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books a Million and countless other independent retailers. As the internet blossomed we began our website and grew the merchandise line. We started touring with the band and setting up at all of the concerts and festivals. Along the way we met you and it felt like a family whenever we got together.
In 1997 we incorporated and hired Pete Sienkiewicz as our first employee. Pete and Chris King (our second employee) did an admirable job in holding down the fort through those early lean times. John Lynskey joined us as our Editor on HTN #17 and his stellar talents added immensely to the magazine. Jeff Faith, Lindsey Rogers and Terry Bradley were our Art Directors through the years. Terry was especially adept at creating that authentic psychedelic feel to the magazine and his creativity helped the magazine look its best from issue #66 through #85.
In our wildest dreams we never would have imagined all of the incredible experiences that would take place over this 23 year journey. Back when we started this none of us had gray hair, if we had children they were in diapers. Now the kids are out on their own, the hair is gray (or gone) and we are starting to wind down what has been a major part of our lives. After 23 years of helping found, fund, volunteer and work for HTN, Joe and Vicky Bell are ready to retire; Kirk West has been working on his Gallery and pictorial book and John Lynskey had a major promotion that has taken away much of his free time.
As a result our current issue, HTN #85, is our last. We had hoped to publish one more magazine but family issues and a lack of time have caused those hopes to fade. We want to be as honorable as possible to our valued subscribers. Any issues that you have remaining can be converted into credits towards the purchase of any merchandise we have left. We will either e-mail you or send you a letter indicating how much of a credit you have. Or, if you order something, put a note in the order that you are a subscriber and we will issue you the appropriate credit. We also promised those that pre-ordered the Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon a free digital issue of HTN#86. Given that issue will not be published, those who pre-ordered are welcome to a free digital copy of any other issue. Please bear with us as we figure out a way to accomplish this. Obviously, if we have a huge volume of phone calls we will not be able to keep up. Let’s try to make this happen via e-mails if at all possible.
Regarding the future of the merchandise portion of our business – we hope to move this to the Big House in the New Year. That may or may not happen. Either way, we will be working towards reducing our inventory as we wrap up the business. So, if there is an item you want, you should purchase it now as we will not be re-ordering items that go out of stock.
It is so hard for us to let go of something that has been such a big portion of our lives. It gave us immense pleasure to be able to create items for you that we ourselves wanted as fans. It caused us substantial frustration to not be able to deliver some products that we knew you wanted. Hopefully those things will happen in the future. Thank you for being with us on this incredible journey!
Sincerely,
The Staff at Hittin’ the Note
Goodbye old friends.
My son surprised me with my first issue (#26) from Tower Records.
In between shows, Vicki gave me laundry tips for my EAP afghan throw. 
2009-I took my now adult son to an ABB show, and met Joe in person.
My total purchases from HTN run into the thousands, or at least high hundreds. Guaranteed.
Having retired myself, 2 years ago, I completely understand and wish you all the brightest possible futures imaginable.
God Bless.
Here's a thread from a couple of weeks ago covering this topic and some of the reasons this decision was made.
I wish them all the best.
https://allmanbrothersband.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=XForum&file=viewthread&tid=140562
A sad day, but certainly understandable. I remember visiting the Big House in 1998 -- it was just an unofficial museum then -- and being warmly welcomed by Kirk West and Pete Sienkiewicz. When Pete found out that I was a writer and was going to see Derek Trucks play in Philly in a few weeks, he recruited me to write an article about it (for free, of course). It was the first time I ever saw Derek and, naturally, it was cool to see my by-line in Hittin' the Note. Needless to say, the magazine has brought me much enjoyment over the years and y'all will be missed.
Thanks to everyone for everything, and good luck in the future....
The road goes on until 2015.
Congratulations and good luck to the whole staff. It's been a great run.
I have every issue and it was a great run from the folks who covered our favorite band.
Possibly the greatest moment for me was in 1993 when HTN gave all the subscribers 2 back stage passes to an Allman Brothers show of their choice and I first got to meet the band, I'll never forget that night.
Wishing everyone involved with the magazine all the best, thanks for the memories!
"Regarding the future of the merchandise portion of our business – we hope to move this to the Big House in the New Year. That may or may not happen. Either way, we will be working towards reducing our inventory as we wrap up the business."
SAY WHAT!!!?
But the band MEMBERS ain't done yet, they are still playin', touring, and will continue to do so, whether or not a re-union and revival of ABB happens or not, so this really is not the time to bow out, close the doors and spend your lives by the fishin' hole. Just my two cents.
"Regarding the future of the merchandise portion of our business – we hope to move this to the Big House in the New Year. That may or may not happen. Either way, we will be working towards reducing our inventory as we wrap up the business."
SAY WHAT!!!?
But the band MEMBERS ain't done yet, they are still playin', touring, and will continue to do so, whether or not a re-union and revival of ABB happens or not, so this really is not the time to bow out, close the doors and spend your lives by the fishin' hole. Just my two cents.
Says the biggest nutcase on HTW. Obviously, it is not financially viable for them to stay open any longer. Thanks for all that you did guys and gals and I am sure that I will see you at the ABB related shows in the future
Actually, I still have a strong belief in the financial viability of the ABB brand. There are so many projects that could be created from their rich history: more archive releases, releases from each version of the band, releases from the Beacon prior to 2009, combination packages mined from live performances, a re-release of the Gregg Allman Tour 74 that includes quite a few songs that were played but left off the albums so it wouldn't hurt Laid Back sales. For one reason or another, none of these projects have come to fruition. If they had, we would have been happy to try to keep HTN going. However, even if they did come to fruition it would probably be via downloads and HTN doesn't get included in those revenue streams. Those discussions were above my pay grade so I'm not qualified to comment on them. Hopefully some of them will happen in the future...
JNB
[Edited on 12/22/2015 by JNB]
Your hands were tied in many cases and given an easier path, I think your success would gave been even greater.
I felt for you guys over the years on many situations where you took heat for things beyond your control. Front line always gets it and are often not appreciated. My surprises from my wife each year have always been presents that I look forward to as I know I will like them. Your people have been her guide. (Perhaps you could still call her each year with suggestions? 😉 )
Thanks for all.
"Regarding the future of the merchandise portion of our business – we hope to move this to the Big House in the New Year. That may or may not happen. Either way, we will be working towards reducing our inventory as we wrap up the business."
SAY WHAT!!!?
But the band MEMBERS ain't done yet, they are still playin', touring, and will continue to do so, whether or not a re-union and revival of ABB happens or not, so this really is not the time to bow out, close the doors and spend your lives by the fishin' hole. Just my two cents.
Says the biggest nutcase on HTW. Obviously, it is not financially viable for them to stay open any longer. Thanks for all that you did guys and gals and I am sure that I will see you at the ABB related shows in the future
Since the musicians who made the music are still out there playin' it, why shouldn't their merchandize still be available from the folks who have handled it all these years? They can scale back, but the music is still going on, that is my point. You even admit that you will be going to related shows, so what about the music or will their closing out their inventory create a bootleg business?
Actually, I still have a strong belief in the financial viability of the ABB brand. There are so many projects that could be created from their rich history: more archive releases, releases from each version of the band, releases from the Beacon prior to 2009, combination packages mined from live performances, a re-release of the Gregg Allman Tour 74 that includes quite a few songs that were played but left off the albums so it wouldn't hurt Laid Back sales. For one reason or another, none of these projects have come to fruition. If they had, we would have been happy to try to keep HTN going. However, even if they did come to fruition it would probably be via downloads and HTN doesn't get included in those revenue streams. Those discussions were above my pay grade so I'm not qualified to comment on them. Hopefully some of them will happen in the future...
JNB
[Edited on 12/22/2015 by JNB]
Just a small example of the money that was left on the table by this band over the years.
Thanks for the effort and keepin' the spirit alive over the years.
The way my wife was talked to by someone in HTN merchandise last week tells me all I need to know about this organization.
Thanks for spending, move along.
Actually, I still have a strong belief in the financial viability of the ABB brand. There are so many projects that could be created from their rich history: more archive releases, releases from each version of the band, releases from the Beacon prior to 2009, combination packages mined from live performances, a re-release of the Gregg Allman Tour 74 that includes quite a few songs that were played but left off the albums so it wouldn't hurt Laid Back sales. For one reason or another, none of these projects have come to fruition. If they had, we would have been happy to try to keep HTN going. However, even if they did come to fruition it would probably be via downloads and HTN doesn't get included in those revenue streams. Those discussions were above my pay grade so I'm not qualified to comment on them. Hopefully some of them will happen in the future...
JNB
[Edited on 12/22/2015 by JNB]
I am sorry for the circumstances that bring this up, but you made us a promise Joe:
I filmed a number of SSR shows with soundboard for Derek. One day, when I'm less busy I would love to b able to post these on YouTube or somewhere Derek/management approves. A very special filming I hope makes the light of day is DTB at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. I think I was the only one to record that show. It will b fun to do that in retirement. Something that is crossing my mind more often these days...
JNB
Actually, I still have a strong belief in the financial viability of the ABB brand. There are so many projects that could be created from their rich history: more archive releases, releases from each version of the band, releases from the Beacon prior to 2009, combination packages mined from live performances, a re-release of the Gregg Allman Tour 74 that includes quite a few songs that were played but left off the albums so it wouldn't hurt Laid Back sales. For one reason or another, none of these projects have come to fruition. If they had, we would have been happy to try to keep HTN going. However, even if they did come to fruition it would probably be via downloads and HTN doesn't get included in those revenue streams. Those discussions were above my pay grade so I'm not qualified to comment on them. Hopefully some of them will happen in the future...
JNB
[Edited on 12/22/2015 by JNB]
I am sorry for the circumstances that bring this up, but you made us a promise Joe:
I filmed a number of SSR shows with soundboard for Derek. One day, when I'm less busy I would love to b able to post these on YouTube or somewhere Derek/management approves. A very special filming I hope makes the light of day is DTB at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. I think I was the only one to record that show. It will b fun to do that in retirement. Something that is crossing my mind more often these days...
JNB
Hello Joe,
I think we met at that show in Amsterdam. Wasn't that the Steelin' & Slidin' Project in 2005? The DTB with Sonny Landreth, Dan Tyack, Buddy Cage and a couple of Dutch slide players. A poorly attented show but what a great night of music. Back then Derek wasn't that well known over here and Steelin' & Slidin' didn't ring a bell among slide guitar music fans. I talked with somebody from the USA (can't recall who it was) who pointed out some Trucks family members sitting at a couple of tables (who usually are never placed on the main floor) and then we started talkin' about HTN during intermission and that person took me upstairs to the balcony section to introduce me to you. We had a short chat just before the show and you excused yourself because you wanted to start filming again and you had your video camera ready for action ha-ha. 2005 was a great year for me because it was the first time both GM and the DTB came to Europe. A few years later Todd Smallie stated in an interview that those 3 Steelin' & Slidin' shows in the Netherlands were among his favorite music experiences. Met Derek and Todd briefly after the Amsterdam show and had a much a lengthier chat with Derek, Sonny and Mike at a pub in Eindhoven were especially Derek was surprisingly chatty and enjoying Belgian brewskies. Still have the signed concert poster and Yonrico Scott made setlists hanging on my wall. Man o man, that's 10 years ago already. Time surely flies.
When will we hear about how much credit we have for HTN merch ?
I sent an email a couple of weeks back and they got right back with me with the amount.
Excellent question and one we will address in an e-mail blast next week. We are trying to do this so that there is a discount code for each dollar amount representing how many issues are owed, both domestic and international. Once (if) we can get this software created then we will put it into use. Please bear with us a few more days.
ABBDutchFan & absnj - yes we did meet and I do hope to be able to upload those shows to YouTube provided everyone in the organization is cool with that. I could spend years doing this, I have so much I filmed!
Leafsfan - I am so sorry your wife had a bad experience with us. My wife Vicky is in chronic pain every day due to bulged disc in her low back and stenosis of the neck and sometimes it gets the best of her.
Take care all,
JNB
[Edited on 1/1/2016 by JNB]
Thanks so much for all the Great Issues and pictures you gave us & for all the hard work I'm sure you put in. Those magazines really were one of a kind & few and far between
. So sad to see another end to an era.
I have every issue and it was a great run from the folks who covered our favorite band.
Possibly the greatest moment for me was in 1993 when HTN gave all the subscribers 2 back stage passes to an Allman Brothers show of their choice and I first got to meet the band, I'll never forget that night.
Wishing everyone involved with the magazine all the best, thanks for the memories!
I still have my backstage pass from 1993, which I used at the Mann Music Center on 8/4/93 and I also first met the band (minus Dickey)
Got a couple stashed away in my rock n roll memorabilia box.
