June 23, 2010 2:32 PM ET
Allman Brothers Band cofounder Gregg Allman underwent successful liver transplant surgery this morning, forcing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band to cancel its performance at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival at Chicago's Toyota Park on Saturday. The Derek Trucks Band will replace the Allmans on the lineup, which also includes Jeff Beck, John Mayer, B.B. King and Buddy Guy.
Check out Rolling Stone's rundown of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
Allman is being treated at Jacksonville, Florida's Mayo Clinic after battling Hepatitis C for several years. In 2007, the singer was advised that the damage to his liver was severe enough to necessitate a transplant, and he went on a wait list for the organ. "I changed my ways years ago, but we can't turn back time," he said in a statement. "Every day is a gift, and I can't wait to get back on the road making music with my friends."
Adding that he hopes to make a speedy recovery, Allman said, "I feel pretty good, considering everything that's happened." Doctors notified Allman this morning that an appropriate liver had been donated and the surgery was quickly scheduled. "All I can really say is 'thanks,' " Allman said.
While the Crossroads date is definitely off, the status of Allman's two solo shows plotted for late September is currently unknown.
Read David Fricke's report from the Allman Brothers Band's recent NYC run.
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