The first 12 shows of the Allman Brothers Band’s 2009 run at New York’s Beacon Theater have been star-studded, featuring the likes of Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Guy, Trey Anastasio, Boz Scaggs and Johnny Winter, among others. Last night – show No. 13 – was a bit different.
In what has already been a glorious celebration of the band’s 40th anniversary and founder Duane Allman’s legacy, the Brothers played their first two legendary albums in their entirety, starting with their self-titled debut from 1969 in the first set, then 1970’s classic Idlewind South for the second. Many fans had expected last night to be the night former ABB guitarist and co-founder Dickey Betts would make his first appearance with the band since his departure in 2000, as drummer Butch Trucks had eluded in a pre-Beacon interview that night No. 13 would be just the band. But it wasn’t to be.
The Brothers, however, did not leave anyone in the house feeling let down. After 13 shows in 18 days, the band is certainly firing on all cylinders, and it was evident from the first few notes of “Don’t Want You No More” that the band would simply enjoying its own company for the first entire show of this historic Beacon run.
And with only two shows left – tonight and Saturday night – the 2009 Beacon shows are surely to end in spectacular fashion. While the band has not announced a formal list of expected guests, it has been widely reported that Grateful Dead alums Bob Weir and Phil Lesh will join the band to close out its 2009 run. But, as has been the case so far this year, expect the unexpected.
Check back later in the day for photos and videos from last night’s show. And please don’t forget to check the links below for photos, videos and set lists from every night of this year's Beacon run by the Allman Brothers Band.
Mar. 9 , Mar. 10, Mar. 12, Mar. 13, Mar. 14, Mar. 16, Mar. 17, Mar. 19, Mar. 20, Mar. 21, Mar. 23, Mar. 24.
Mar. 26, 2009
Set 1: “Don’t Want You No More,” “It’s Not My Cross to Bear,” “Black Hearted Woman,” “Trouble No More,” “Every Hungry Woman,” “Dreams,” “Whipping Post.
Set 2: “Revival,” “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’,” “Midnight Rider,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Please Call Home,” “Leave My Blues at Home.”
Encore: “Statesboro Blues”