Guest Book

It is totally refreshing to see the varying viewpoints laid out here without the animosity that has been prevalent lately. I was fortunate enough to have seen just about every shape and form the ABB has presented itself as over the history of the band, with the exception of the keytar dude group. I do have a video of that though and that’s plenty for me. *laugh* Seeing every possible ABB combination has led to one certainty in my mind. That is the Allman Brothers Band, the vision or religion that Duane initiated and led to the ultimate heights of musical glory to my ears, has always been about putting out the best music possible, with the best possible players working together the create Allman Brothers Band music. How they got to where they are now is a matter of their business, and any speculation on my part is groundless and a waste of time. Things are as they are, and we can embrace them and enjoy them, or we can wallow in the indignation that they would possibly run their business without consulting us, the fans. I know that in the many years of concert going, from the first listen of the ABB at the Atlanta Pop Fest, that there is nothing that compares to them. The original guys, the five man band, adding Chuck and Lamar, DDT years, the monster reigniting of the flame when Warren first came on board, the incredible Jackie Pearson shows, the Jimmy and Derek (yesssssssssssssssssssssssssss) time and now the current band have always been the epitome of powerful, tasteful and inspiring music. I too have friends that won’t go because Duane, Berry and Dickey are no longer with the band, but this family has shared so many great experiences from the Beacon to Red Rocks and everywhere in between that I realize that their self exclusion is akin to cutting off one’s nose to spite their face. Silly. And I cannot acknowledge the ABB with also giving great thanks and sincere appreciation for the hard work that Lana and Rowland do here to keep this the finest music site on the web. That 9/23/00 show that ron e is generously passing out was a milestone for me. It was on my birthday and Lana made sure I had a great one, meeting Derek for the first time. I got my copy from ron e soon after the show and I still feel it’s the best live recording I’ve heard since AFE. Many of us spent years missing the ABB and when I discovered this site I discovered the friendship and generosity that goes with this group. Now you can get great merchandise and new musical insights from HTN, there are stellar “bootleg” discs out there for the asking, and there’s usually a friendly face to meet at a show after becoming acquainted here. It never used to be like that and HTW, HTN, GABBA and this fine group have made being part of this one of the highlights of my life. I’m saying Thanks! :clapping::fish::clapping: