Not only did we just lose one of the greatest voices of our generation, we've also lost a vital link to some of the greatest songs of our generation. That's why, in my mind, it's critical that Warren and Derek incorporate ABB songs in their concerts from now on. I was never a big fan of Gregg's solo version of many ABB songs, but at least he kept those great songs alive. Now, with Dicky retired, there's nobody to play those timeless ABB tunes (not counting "tribute bands"). Jaimoe plays some of them, but his band mostly plays small clubs, etc.
Warren and Derek still draw big crowds and both played ABB songs after Gregg died, as a tribute. Now I would love to see them play them on a regular basis. Derek, of course, kept a distance from the ABB after that historical final concert, which is why he didn't play Wanee or the Peach Fest. Now that there is enough time and distance and he doesn't have to worry about people asking him about an ABB reunion, he should be free to play Statesboro Blues, Liz Reed, etc., on a regular basis. Same with Warren. Those are the only two guys with a real link to the ABB and with the drawing power to keep those timeless songs alive.
So, Warren and Derek, please save the songs. To steal a line from Star Wars, you're our only hope....
I don't know if there every will be a day where Derek or Warren consistently have set lists with ABB songs in them. They may rotate some in and out from time to time. While it is part of their legacy I don't think they want it to define their careers outside of the band. I could see maybe a yearly tribute concert where they get together and play them, but I just don't see either of them putting one or two songs a night in their set lists.
Those songs will never die, someone new will discover them every day. That's the thing about great music, it's always there. It will always be touching new people.
They're already playing those songs, both because they want to keep them out there and as a tribute to Gregg personally. But I have to argue with the premise of what you're saying here. People are going to play these songs as long as they have guitars and instruments and devices you listen to music with. It'll never be the same without Gregg, but the songs will be played. They're not going away and don't need to be saved. Warren and Derek and Jaimoe, and anyone else with a connection to him, should do whatever they feel is right. They'll find their own balances between honoring him and avoiding the feeling that they're being morbid or making a bid for someone else's audience. I don't think they will feel it's a rescue operation and I hope they never feel that way. If they feel playing the songs is something they have to do instead of something they can do whenever they want to, they won't enjoy them the same way and it will become a burden. They deserve to feel the same joy or sadness or other emotions that anyone else would feel hearing them. They have good instincts. Trust them.
It's been my experience that great, timeless music will always stand on its own, endure and be discovered by future generations and I don't think the ABB's music will be any different, simply because it's great, timeless music!! It'll always be out there and be influential without anyone "keeping it out there" or "saving it" so to speak. Just like when Duane as a young musician discovered Kind of Blue by Miles....And 45-50 years later, kids are STILL discovering it today. Same with Jimi, same with a lot of great, timeless music....That's the beauty, it never dies and ultimately turns on future generations!!
I could see Mule doing some teases and just the same of what they've always done. Stuff like Mule>Mt Jam>Mule or whatever. TTB may do a song here or there, one a night every now and then.
Like everyone else says they will do what they want, it's their bands and they will respect and pay homage to the past but will always be looking ever forward.
The music of ABB will never die. Just as I found the blues greats through classic rock of my time, music that matters will always be relevant and influential.
Has anybody forgotten Hendrix, Zeppelin, Beatles, Doors, etc.? Warren and Derek owe nobody nothing. But should stay true to themselves that's what got them where they are this far. Having said that I sure wish Derek would get something on the side other than TTB more on the jazz/rock improvisational kind of thing with some complimentary musicians.
Warren and Derek should do what they want, but they already regularly play some Allman Brothers songs and others songs Duane played on.
At Wanee 2016, Warren played 6 straight ABB songs....or at least songs that originated in the ABB. I don't think he will ever stop playing some of them. Of all the non-original ABB members, I don't think anyone ever appreciated being an Allman Brother more than Warren Haynes.
Derek clearly wanted to distance himself a little more from the Allmans with the TTB and then when the ABB ended. That said, he's brought in some more ABB tunes or ones associated with the ABB recently. Some of that is in honor of Butch & Gregg. In total, I think the TTB has played at one time or another Elizabeth Reed, Whipping Post, Done Somebody Wrong, Ain't Waistin Time No More, Blue Sky and Statesboro Blues. I bet he continues playing some in the TTB from time to time indefinitely.
It's quite an unussual thing for replacement players in classic 70s bands, but Derek and Warren will always be associated with their time in the Allman
Has anybody forgotten Hendrix, Zeppelin, Beatles, Doors, etc.? Warren and Derek owe nobody nothing. But should stay true to themselves that's what got them where they are this far. Having said that I sure wish Derek would get something on the side other than TTB more on the jazz/rock improvisational kind of thing with some complimentary musicians.
It always starts a fight here but I miss the DTB. It is the blues/prock/jazz fusion/eastern Derek that is my favorite.
And re what everyone is saying bout keepin the music alive. I was about 15 years old when I started listening to the ABB. Soon after I was scouring second hand record stores looking for records by Blind Willie McTell etc. Same thing will happen again
Has anybody forgotten Hendrix, Zeppelin, Beatles, Doors, etc.? Warren and Derek owe nobody nothing. But should stay true to themselves that's what got them where they are this far. Having said that I sure wish Derek would get something on the side other than TTB more on the jazz/rock improvisational kind of thing with some complimentary musicians.
It always starts a fight here but I miss the DTB. It is the blues/prock/jazz fusion/eastern Derek that is my favorite.
And re what everyone is saying bout keepin the music alive. I was about 15 years old when I started listening to the ABB. Soon after I was scouring second hand record stores looking for records by Blind Willie McTell etc. Same thing will happen again
I miss DTB band also. They left us wanting more with there last release. Really getting strong as a band with some great material. TTB is just not my cup of tea. Its all in what your ears like, nothing wrong with that.
ABB will always live on. Derek and Warren will probably play some of there songs form time to time I am sure, just like they cover others.
[Edited on 6/15/2017 by jszfunk]
Everyone has a plan, till you get punched in the face,
I don't think any of the songs need 'saving'. The originals are exquisite, some live versions otherwordly, and the songs belong to the catalogue of all.
What I dislike is all the GA tributes with lousy versions of his songs.
Nothing more cringeworthy than another not so great rendition of a song I love.
They randomly cover ABB songs. I would love to see Mr. Betts do an occasional gig again.
Musicians are playing ABB songs all over the place....and it will happen knowing the pressure is off with no more credible ABB configuration available. I called for Derek T leaving the ABB five years before he did because I knew he wanted to - and warren as well- as they have their own current, contemporary music to tend to without being tied down to 45 year old songs made popular by other people. Now that all that has happened has changed everything- I am sure ABB music will creep into their sets down the road.
Where I am at, at least, in the western mountains of North Carolina, bands are playing ABB music now left and right. here is a perfect example from just last night- not a spectacular performance of ABB tunes per se, but just a slice of life where folks are hearing, loving and dancing to ABB music out in te middle of the High Country Mountains at Old Hamptons Country Store and tavern....;
[Edited on 6/16/2017 by DerekFromCincinnati]
It seems as if almost every time Derek plays there is an homage to Duane. Quotes from Little Martha or Mtn Jam, a full version of Anyday, or an ABB song
These guys remember and give credit to those who came before. The music will live forever
Don't worry, Derek and Warren will do this.
