Rolling Stone: Billy F Gibbons Remembers ‘Brilliant and Intuitive’ Gregg Allman

ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons remembered Allman Brothers Band legend Gregg Allman and his “sonic legacy” following Allman’s death Saturday at the age of 69.

“The sudden passing of Gregg Allman leaves us at a loss yet, at the same time, we stand alongside the millions thankful that Gregg was in our lives,” Gibbons wrote in a statement. “Gregg was, of course, a brilliant and intuitive player with a depth of soul reflected in his works in a truly moving manner.”

Early in ZZ Top’s career, the Texas rockers opened for the Allman Brothers Band, with Gibbons seeing firsthand the “unique brand of rock & roll” that came from “the first great jam band,” as Gibbons wrote in his Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists tribute to the Allman Brothers.

At Allman’s final performance – an October 29th, 2016 show at the Laid Back Festival in Atlanta – Gibbons joined him onstage for “One Way Out,” the last song Allman would ever perform live.

“Brother Gregg was generous with his talent, his spirit and, of course, his great voice,” Gibbons continued in his statement Saturday. “We were fortunate enough to have been touched by him and those moments remain treasured encounters. Some truly positive, uplifting experiences. Gregg will be remembered as someone who made a big difference in the lives of many and whose sonic legacy continues that memorable course.”
In that 100 Greatest Artists feature, Gibbons added of Allman, “His singing and keyboard playing had a dark richness, a soulfulness that added one more color to the Allmans’ rainbow. The Allman Brothers had respect for the roots of this music. They learned from the blues, and they continued to interpret the form in their own manner. They took something old and made something new.”

Gibbons frequently jammed onstage with the Allman Brothers Band, including a 2009 gig that marked their 40th anniversary at New York’s Beacon Theatre.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/billy-gibbons-on-gregg-allman-brilliant-and-intuitive-w484683

6 thoughts on “Rolling Stone: Billy F Gibbons Remembers ‘Brilliant and Intuitive’ Gregg Allman”

  1. The world has been touched forever by the musical memories that Gregg has left us with!!
    Thank you Billy for your kind words, his fans are hurting………
    Ken Markham

  2. To me very little in rock and blues ever had the originality and staying power of the Allman Brothers & ZZ Top.

    I was playing both in bars back in the 80s and people still get the same smile on their face whenever I play them today.

    Greg had a great respect for past pioneers, the guts to create something original and the integrity to never compromise.

    Peace be with you brother, now go rock out with Skydog for eternity. (Looking forward to that show for sure)

  3. Daniel Wadsworth

    It is truly sad, the losses of great pioneers in music. I’m fortunate enough to have enjoyed their music from start to finish. Hope I’m around for at least a few more. Billy Gibbons is truly a man of grace, honor and passion. These are the qualities that stand legends apart from posers.

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