#(also adding from my original post that bobby’s own struggles with addiction would likely play into buck’s decision and i’m not ignoring

[demieddie]

Hi! Your tags on the post about Buck going sober are very relatable! I'm also someone who just doesn't drink without a previous reason making my decision. It would be really cool & refreshing to see that. I think nowerdays it seems to be a lot more "socially acceptable" (ugh that thats a thought for personal choice!) To not drink just because or without having to explain or be pushed about it, which is really great! Anyways, long story short its interesting & basically a "same!" to your tags 😅

hi anon, thank you!!!!! and yeah re: the socially acceptable comment, i think it goes hand in hand with the standard-but-incorrect assumption of “a sober person is sober because they or a family member is an addict”. so it was more taboo to mention sobriety because it would imply this history. we’re getting to a point now, at least where i am, that this immediate connection is slowly dissipating so it’s more of a “no thanks i don’t drink/i don’t want to drink now” vs “here’s a very personal part of my backstory”.

i haven’t looked into this myself (and i imagine covid kinda skews these values a little bc parties weren’t a thing for a few years) but gen z is shaping up to be the most sober generation. i don’t know if this is a chicken-egg situation—are we more sober bc there’s less stigma or is there less stigma bc we’re more sober—but either way i think seeing that choice made intentionally in media would be really good to see. hell, in my tags i said i was sober (there’s more nuance to it but it works for this instance) but i don’t say that in real life. instead, i just get non alcoholic drinks when asked. this is mostly still because saying you don’t drink still feels a bit like a big reveal and i think seeing a similar situation on a large scale show might help normalize it a little more.

[dherzogblog]

THE DARK ANGEL OF THE ALLMAN BROTHERS

The Allman Brothers were the first true rock band I ever loved. A guitar band for a kid who didn’t really like guitar bands. More importantly, they became a gateway drug for me.
The band’s sound combined blues, country, rock, and jazz, creating their own unique version of Americana. I could draw a straight line from them to my love of everything from Willie Nelson and Taj Mahal to Bobby “Blue"Bland and Weather Report. 
I discovered them originally at summer camp. I’m guessing 1972. “Live At The Fillmore West” or “Eat A Peach” could be heard blaring from every cabin. Duane Allman had already passed away becoming an instant rock martyr/ guitar legend in the process., and bass player Berry Oakley died a year later. By the time I came aboard, the band’s future seemed very much in doubt. Then, against all odds, they delivered their commercial breakthrough with “Brothers And Sisters” in 1973. It ignited shouts of “sell out” from the purists while simultaneously jump starting the 70’s Southern rock boom. 
But things quickly turned sour for the group as success, drugs and numerous other issues left them in shambles by the mid/late 70’s. Group members splintered off into bands like Dicky Betts & Great Southern, and Sea Level. 
Gregg’s post Allman solo era was particularly confusing. First there was his WTF marriage to Cher, followed by their god awful album together. Then even more disappointingly was his testimony against a former road manager in a drug trial. Finally it all completely fell apart in bitterness and acrimony.
There were ups and downs for many years after …reunion albums followed by break ups, followed by more shitty reunion albums, followed by break ups.
Somehow in 1987, against the odds, Gregg scored a solo chart hit with “I’m No Angel” that surprisingly garnered heavy rotation on MTV. 
By 1990 there was a pretty decent reunion record and reconstituted band that had added monster guitarist Warren Haynes, and bassist Allen Woody to the mix. There was also an early MTV Unplugged taping (no small thanks to myself and Van Toffler) that alongside the emerging “Jam Band” movement suddenly put the rejuvenated group back on the radar and back on the road to strong notices.
In 1992 they began an annual residency at The Beacon Theater each March in NYC that would continue until 2014. I remember attending a show during that first run. I raised some eyebrows at MTV by forgoing a U2 (Zoo TV Tour) show that night in favor of my beloved ABB. 
I would catch that U2 show later, one of the greats for sure. (I can hear all you U2 fans gasping as I write this) The choice for me that night was easy, reconvene with a band I was emotionally attached to, versus seeing one that I just never connected with in that same way. 
I had organized the night with some of my oldest friends to check out one of our favorite bands and enjoy a night of nostalgia and classic rock. What we heard that evening surprised us all. While we were treated to a number of our favorite songs, they were all played with an intensity and purpose that elevated them way beyond an oldies show. 
The addition of Warren, Woody (who would also later pass away), and ultimately Derek Trucks helped evolve the band into something really exciting and fresh. These musicians pushed the old music forward, created new music along the way, and transformed the band into an exciting ensemble that never failed to disappoint live. I made it to at least one show nearly every year, even after moving to LA. You never got the same set twice, improvisation and musicianship was given equal weight to playing the hits the fans wanted.
In the last few years they would have special guests join them, whose presence could influence the tone of the show. For instance, if the Asbury Horns were on hand, you might get a more bluesy, R&B influenced set with some Last Waltz style covers. 
One night up in Harlem (the year The Beacon was being remodeled), I heard a mind bending jazz rock set with James “Blood” Ulmer that would have made the “Bitches Brew” era Miles Davis proud.
The band lasted way longer than they had any right to, managing to evolve and expand, inspiring transcendent performances when most of their peers were just out touring the hits. Over the last 25 years they actually improved their brand. The dynamic collective of musicians staying true to the group’s original ideals, yet managing to move forward in their own way. Throughout the years, rooting for Gregg had its challenges. I always admired his music, songwriting, and vocals. But some of the personal stuff clouded my view.
I recall encountering him in person two times (both involved elevators).
The first time was in LA , Summer of 1980. I was with CNN waiting to interview the band at the old Westwood Marquis. They were promoting “Reach For The Sky”. 
The band was late, and when they arrived in the lobby we all piled into the elevator to go up to do the interview. They were already half in the bag and giggling and whispering to one another. When we got upstairs they quickly excused themselves. They said they need a minute to hit the head. About 20 minutes later they showed up, completely coked out of their minds.
For a group still trying to recover it’s good name they couldn’t have been less interested in the interview. They were completely wasted and obnoxious. In an era that was in the midst of a new wave fad and about to birth MTV, they seemed like a band out of time rather than the timeless band they would later become.
The next encounter was in an elevator at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1995, the night they were inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 
Gregg was nearly comatose. He literally looked like a cadaver and could barely stand, held up only by the wall behind him. Even given what I knew, I found his condition shocking, and sad. He wrote about what horrible shape he was in then
in his autobiography “My Cross to Bear” in 2012.
My take away from that book is that while he certainly had his share of issues and personal demons, he was also the reluctant leader of the band his brother Duane left behind. I thought his attitude toward Dicky Betts who led the group when he was either unwilling or unable to (or both), was somewhat unfair. 
During the last few runs at The Beacon, courtesy of old pal and band manager Bert Holman, I got passes that allowed me to watch the show from the side of the stage. I would stay there to see the band play the first 2 or 3 songs before heading to my seat in the hall. The last few times I noticed Gregg moved gingerly to his organ and keyboards and did not look well at all.
I saw him for the final time in November of 2015 at The City Winery in Manhattan. A low key affair with a small band covering The Allman’s repertoire, solo stuff and a cover here and there. He did not look particularly strong. It was supposed to be the first of an annual solo residency he would perform there. A legend making his victory lap. He was unable to perform the year after, and never made it back.
Gregg Allman was no angel. He readily admitted as much himself in print and song. Not all of our rock gods are going to be superheroes like Bono, Bruce, or Stevie Wonder. Gregg never seemed interested in saving the planet. He struggled just to save himself.
I think as I think about his passing, I am crushed by the finality of it all. Tragedy, in fighting, and drug addiction were never able do this band in. Somehow the music managed to survve it all. And even though the current version of the band called it quits in 2014, I honestly expected them to return in some way shape or form. They always did. 
But with the recent passing of both Butch Trucks and now Gregg, four of the original six members (and both actual brothers) are gone. 
I recently took a 15 day road trip through the south visiting civil rights and music landmarks. There is no doubt the music portion was partly inspired by The Allman’s and the musical journey they took and passed on to fans like me. That road goes on forever.
 So now the band is done, The Midnight Rider has left town for good, and he never did let them catch him.