Gregg Allman keeps moving on

Gregg Allman performs at "All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman," in January 2014 in Atlanta's Fox Theatre. (Photo by Dan Harr/Invision/AP)
Gregg Allman performs at "All My Friends: Celebrating the Songs and Voice of Gregg Allman," in January 2014 in Atlanta's Fox Theatre. (Photo by Dan Harr/Invision/AP)

For many musicians, the breakup of a band that has been not only relevant, but killing it for almost 50 years might signal the end. But for Gregg Allman, the end of the Allman Brothers Band just means he dedicates himself full-time to his 40-year solo career and that the guys on stage with him have different names and faces.

And he doesn't have to consider their opinions.

"Remember, I've had a solo career for well over 40 years now, so it's not really all that different to me," he says.

"There's just no bouncing back and forth from band to band anymore. I am very proud of how the Allman Brothers finished up; we did it on our own terms, and we went out on top," he continues. "I never wanted us to become a parody of ourselves, and I know my brother [Allman Brothers co-founder Duane] would have approved. It's over now, and I'm very happy to be focusing on my solo career. I'm having a blast, man."

Allman will return to the Coke Stage at Riverbend with the Gregg Allman Band tonight. He played the same stage with the Allman Brothers in 2006. A year ago, guitarists Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes, both of whom have said they originally intended their stays with the Allman Brothers to be temporary, surprised some by announcing the 2014-15 tour would be their last with the band. Almost immediately it was announced it would be the end of Allmans.

But Allman says he's known for years that things were wrapping up, and he was OK with the idea.

"I knew around the time of our 40th anniversary shows back in 2009 that the end was coming; I think we all knew it," he says. "Most everyone wanted to do other things, and that was fine by me."

Allman began his solo career after one of his songs, "Queen of Hearts," which ended up on his solo debut "Laid Back," was rejected by the rest of the guys in the Allman Brothers. He's says the rejection was the best thing that ever happened to him and the song is "still very special to me."

Over the years, he's recorded and toured with the Allmans and by himself; he likes the freedom that comes with being the only boss.

"The biggest difference is that, with my band there is only one cook in the kitchen, if you follow me. With the Allman Brothers, you had three or four people trying to stir the pot, and let me tell you, that complicated things. There's a lot less drama in my band, and boy, that makes things easy."

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.

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