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Allman Brothers Kick Off Beacon Theatre Run With Levon Helm, Taj Mahal

3/10/09, 4:08 pm EST

Photo: Splash News

Last night the Allman Brothers Band kicked off a sold-out run of 15 shows at New York City’s Beacon Theatre by digging deep into their storied catalog and welcoming the first of what promises to be a steady stream of special guests (the leading rumors say Eric Clapton, Ron Wood and members of the Dead will make appearances). The Allmans opened their 176th show at the Beacon since 1989 with “Little Martha” and from there plowed through a string of sonic chestnuts, including “Midnight Rider,” “Statesboro Blues,” “Stormy Monday,” “Mountain Jam” and “Southbound.”

The Allmans are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and the crowd at the Beacon, which recently underwent a $16 million renovation, was in a celebratory mood. The band was forced to cancel their 2008 run at the theater because founding member Gregg Allman was recovering from Hepatitis C.

Taj Mahal played harmonica and sang with the Allman Brothers on “Leaving Trunk” and sang on “44 Blues” and “Statesboro Blues.” Levon Helm opened the second set by leading the Allmans through the Band’s “Ophelia, followed by “I Shall Be Released” and “The Weight.” Helm played his own drum kit and was joined by Levon Helm Band members Larry Campbell on guitar and vocals, Teresa Williams on vocals and Brian Mitchell on keyboards. He shared vocal duties with Williams and Warren Haynes on “I Shall Be Released while Allman and Mahal joined Helm on “The Weight,” with each taking a verse.

If you got shut out on tickets, the band is offering a live Webcast of the entire run for $125; information is available at their official Website.

After the Beacon run, the Allmans are scheduled to play May 16th in George, Washington, with the Dead and the Doobie Brothers; May 22 in Valley Center, California, with the Doobie Brothers; June 5-6th at the Wanee festival, Live Oak, Florida.; and May 31 at Mountain Jam, Hunter, New York.

Set one:
“Little Martha”
“Don’t Want You No More”/”It’s Not My Cross To Bear”
“I Walk On Guilded Splinters”
“The Same Thing”
“New Instrumental”
“Midnight Rider”
“Leave My Blues At Home”
“Leaving Trunk” (with Taj Mahal on harmonica and vocals)
“44 Blues” (with Taj Mahal on vocals)
“Statesboro Blues” (with Taj on vocals)

Set Two:
“Ophelia” (with Levon Helm on drums and vocals, Larry Campbell on guitar and vocals, Teresa Williams on vocals and Brian Mitchell on keyboards)
“I Shall Be Released” (with Levon Helm on drums and vocals, Larry Campbell on guitar and vocals, Teresa Williams on vocals and Brian Mitchell on keyboards)
“The Weight” (with Levon Helm on drums and vocals, Larry Campbell on guitar and vocals, Teresa Williams on vocals and Brian Mitchell on keyboards)
“Blackhearted Woman”
“Stormy Monday”
“And It Stoned Me”
“Mountain Jam”

Encore:
“Southbound”

Related Stories:

Allman Brothers Reveal Wanee Festival Details
John Paul Jones, Allman Brothers, Derek Trucks Noodle ‘Til Dawn at Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam
Derek Trucks Q&A: Guitar Hero on Jamming With Legends and Covering Dylan


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Comments

The Fantastic Circus | 3/10/2009, 5:36 pm EST

God bless Levon Helm, I hope maybe he will tour to Texas areas

Jamier | 3/10/2009, 7:12 pm EST

In memory of Duane “Skydog” Allman-
The brother always hit the note!
I hope they can get Boz to do “Loan Me A Dime” with Derek, and get some others that Duane played with like Aretha, Dr John, John Hammond, of course Clapton, the Dead,and that whole rich soulful stew. God bless.

Elliott | 3/10/2009, 7:24 pm EST

No Allman’s without Dicky – I am not even interested.

Elliott | 3/10/2009, 7:24 pm EST

No Allman’s without Dicky – I am not even interested.

Tom OConnor | 3/10/2009, 8:03 pm EST

Attended the show,and it was great! The Brother’s were there usual,unbelievable self. Addition’s of TAJ,and LEVON made the night that much more spectacular. If you get a chance,I suggest catching one of these show’s at least!

headly | 3/10/2009, 11:00 pm EST

Elliot go see Great Southern then, maybe you can catch one of the guitar techs jamming with him, I saw the last show before Dickey left the band and he was a MESS. He is way out of his league with Derek, and Warren ( maybe back in his prime / MAYBE.

CR1ZZ | 3/10/2009, 11:09 pm EST

how come these shows always have to be in America or England. Do a show like that in New Zealand. The Allmans are epic enough live act alone but with other legends on stage with them I would pay hundreds to be in the audience.

Luke | 3/11/2009, 4:41 am EST

Not true about Dickey…anyone with an objective opinion can still see that he kicks major ass still…he’s one of only a handful of guitarists in the history of blues and rock that you can identify immediately. One note from him is just a rush of soul onto you.
That said, Warren and Derek are amazing, obviously. Derek is utterly ridiculous especially. Go Allmans and Go Dickey!

RFWoodstock | 3/11/2009, 8:42 am EST

The Brothers playing Mountain Jam at Mountain Jam in upstate New York in May will be awesome!

Rodney King | 3/11/2009, 10:11 am EST

We are all brothers and sisters of the this planet. None of us are perfect and all of us have made mistakes. For a series of shows celebrating 40 yrs of great music thru ups 7 downs, the brothers should invite Dickey back home…..I think skydog would agree…

Can’t we all just get along ?

Rodney King | 3/11/2009, 10:11 am EST

We are all brothers and sisters of the this planet. None of us are perfect and all of us have made mistakes. For a series of shows celebrating 40 yrs of great music thru ups & downs, the brothers should invite Dickey back home…..I think skydog would agree…

Can’t we all just get along ?

Dr Rock for Hoc | 3/11/2009, 12:42 pm EST

These are not the Allmans….This is the Haynes/Trucks band with Greg barely sitting in…Half the original band is dead or gone…Without the guest stars these would be the same shows they have recycled at the Beacon for the last decade..Guest=Worthwhile

Dr Rock for Hoc | 3/11/2009, 12:42 pm EST

These are not the Allmans….This is the Haynes/Trucks band with Greg barely sitting in…Half the original band is dead or gone…Without the guest stars these would be the same shows they have recycled at the Beacon for the last decade..Guest=Worthwhile

Meatwad | 3/11/2009, 1:06 pm EST

Much agreed…

I think they should have invited Dickey Betts for the 40th anniversary run of shows.

Eat A Peach | 3/11/2009, 1:43 pm EST

Dr Rock, I understand your cynicism, but this version of the band is the most vibrant and sounds the best of any incarnation since Duane and Berry’s days. The original leader, Gregg, and the original drummers, Butch and Jaimoe, are still there. Add to that Warren and Derek’s amazing twin guitars and you have a force to be reckoned with. See ‘em live and you WILL NOT be disappointed!

Question? | 3/11/2009, 5:10 pm EST

How much life can you bring to 40 year old rehash?

Jamier | 3/11/2009, 7:49 pm EST

Through the passing of seminal founding members, through changing relationships and fallings-out, illness, life circumstances, this band has endured and continued to create and perform at such a high level. It may not be the same sound that once drew me to them all those years ago (ah those years with Duane, Dicky, Berry), but so be it. I still love this band and will celebrate their legacy. The road goes on…

Hahahaha! | 3/12/2009, 3:11 pm EST

the Allmans are perhaps the tightest and most talented band on the planet. Who cares if the lineup has changed over the years, they flat out blow the roof off the place. Derek Trucks has been chosen by both legends Clapton and Santana to tour with, Warren Haynes is sought after by everyone, Gregg Allman is a legend and the percussion section is recognized as one of the best ever. Criticism of this lineup only shows ignorance.

jb | 3/12/2009, 10:28 pm EST

Dear Elliot,

You’re a moron

Rhona | 3/13/2009, 2:41 am EST

Yes, and the original drummers emulate the KING, Charles Otis, aka Honeyboy Otis who they respectfully invited to rehearsals. How can true music lovers be so negative?? Something is wrong there guys. We wish you love….the musicians were wonderful, blessings to all.

john | 3/13/2009, 12:48 pm EST

Last nite’s show at the beacon3/12/9
tell me the 2nd act special guest name pls

john | 3/13/2009, 12:50 pm EST

Last nite’s show at the beacon3/12/9
tell me the 2nd act special guest name pls buddy guy really woke the place up

lou | 3/13/2009, 12:54 pm EST

Last nite’s show at the beacon3/12/9
buddy guy really woke the place up ,where can i find all the band members names ,playlist,plus friday nite’s 2nd act special guest

Anonymous | 3/13/2009, 7:26 pm EST

They made a huge mistake by playing “Little Martha” with electric guitars as an opening tune. I think Duane would turned over in his grave. That song has to be done on acoustics to capture the spirit. It was an awkward beginning for an opening night show.

owen roberts | 3/13/2009, 7:28 pm EST

They made a huge mistake by playing “Little Martha” with electric guitars as an opening tune. I think Duane would turned over in his grave. That song has to be done on acoustics to capture the spirit. It was an awkward beginning for an opening night show.

francis l. vena | 3/14/2009, 8:59 am EST

i have not seen the brother’s since the 70’s;howeverit’s their 40th anniversery and homage to duane show their perserverance.
they are the greatest and most accomplished usa band ever. Duane should be inducted into the rock hall of fame himself.Duane should also be recognized by the grammy’s
he simply he the greatest of all-time with a tip of the hat to hendrix. ABB are the epitomy of life itself. rock on duane and by the way gregg’s voice bar none is the blues with alittle gospel mixed in-

francis l. vena | 3/14/2009, 8:59 am EST

i have not seen the brother’s since the 70’s;howeverit’s their 40th anniversery and homage to duane show their perserverance.
they are the greatest and most accomplished usa band ever. Duane should be inducted into the rock hall of fame himself.Duane should also be recognized by the grammy’s
he simply he the greatest of all-time with a tip of the hat to hendrix. ABB are the epitomy of life itself. rock on duane and by the way gregg’s voice bar none is the blues with alittle gospel mixed in-

why-not | 3/17/2009, 12:36 am EST

Derek and Warren are good, but remember it’s Dickey and SkyDog’s shoes their filling, not the other way around.

jhersh | 3/17/2009, 12:57 pm EST

$125 for a webcast? Really? that is really lame

Anonymous | 3/19/2009, 4:30 pm EST

Dr. Rock for Hoc is a freaking idiot. Go elsewhere.

Jeff Brown | 4/11/2009, 1:19 pm EST

I saw Dickey and Great Southern here in St. Petersburg, Florida last night and he played long, hard and sounded really good.
Someone said it- all you need to hear is one note and you know it’s Dickey Betts. And his son Duane plays in his band and is also a chip off the old block. With the Allmans, or on his own, Dickey is my all time guitar favorite.

casey | 9/29/2009, 3:10 pm EST

this web site dont like its tnot the same just had to say sorry

Gratefully-yours.com | 10/5/2009, 2:58 pm EST

I have a 2007 studio les paul guitar white with gold trim and piuckups won at the tea and guitars charity auction in st augustine fl and auctioned by the band certified by the hard rock for sale. it is brand new with the original tags you can contact me thru gratefully-tours.com

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