This was one of the first memories I posted on this site when I joined, thought it was worthy of a re-share in light of Gregg's passing.....

Just a moment to share a great memory. Back in 86' Gregg played the "Belly Up tavern" in Solana Beach Ca. (Just N. of San Diego)...My Friend Mikal and Myself decided to go to the show at the last minute w/out tickets. I assured my Buddy that getting tiks would be "No problem"...Ha! as we pulled up to the venue, the Billboard out front proudly boasted "Gregg Allman Band" Sold Out!....aw *&#$! Leaving, never crossed my mind. We went to the Ticket window and Inquired about the availability of Tickets..."Sorry" nothing.We combed the line..."Sorry" Nada. At that time I was working at The Old Pacific beach cafe in S.D. where a lot of local Bands played. There was this guitar player in a local band named "Joe" that always boasted that he knew Gregg Allman, so I figured that Maybe this guy was here.
So we walked around to the back of the Belly-Up and waited for the Tour bus to pull up.. Sure enough this Monster bus pulls up with "Midnight Rider" scrawled across it along with some elaborate artwork... People started to get off the Bus and scoot in the back door of the venue. Toler and a other assorted Band members walked by, but no Joe...Strike 3 we figured. Then Gregg walked right by us. I had to try, "Gregg" I yelled.. "your show is sold out!" "No Tickets"...."Man, I am a BIG Fan, Winterland 74!...Cow Palace 73!"...I yelled...to no avail, Gregg kept walking and disappeared into the back door of the Belly-up...I turned to my Buddy and said "Well, we tried"...Just then the back door opened and Gregg was standing there motioning to us to Hurry the Blank up and get over here...WOW!..we ran to the door where he was standing.."So you're a Big fan?"...."Hell yeah" "Love you man" i said...."Dig it, you're in" he replied..we smiled and disappeared into the crowd. My friend Mikal was in Hog Heaven ( As was I) because later on in the show Gregg called a Local Guitar player up on Stage to play whose Name was Mike Reilly...My Buddy's name is pronounced the same way ...Mikal Raille....I'll never forget that evening!...Thanx from a BIG Fan!