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Great read Alan. It’s been a crazy year which really began when I lost a close friend and co-worker down in NJ to this damn Pandemic. He was only 45 and it does not seem fair. I am amazed talking almost daily to my 92 year old dad, who is struggling through this like all of us, that he has never seen such an event in his life. I have always regretted never being able to make music myself, save for a few years of piano lessons in my youth. What does keep me going is listening to music. I am not sure where I would be without it. Thanks for all you do to keep the music alive with your notes and your words. A positive in a really incredible year.

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Mar 10, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Great piece., Alan. You encapsulated what I imagine many of us had gone through/ are still going through. It’s all about the intense desire for what we crave that makes whole, whether it be live music, experiences with friends etc, Vs. living within the confines of what will keep us safe and healthy. My heart goes out to all of those who have experienced loss. Fav part tho- Billy Price sealing the deal for you and Becky! Music is incredibly powerful!

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Mar 10, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Thanks for the memories, Alan, and condolences for all those we've lost. That show was all you said and more. Despite misgivings about the venue and the virus, after never missing a Beacon run we decided we just had to be there. Virus concerns did cost us one of our merry band. But after what would turn out to be our last meal inside a restaurant, three of us settled in for what we thoroughly expected to be a fun night with some band rust after no Allmans shows for almost six years. What we got was so much more. The band was stunningly tight from the first note and played with an urgency and fierceness that in hindsight made me think they knew the world as we knew it was about to end. Tremendous show from start to finish. We were amazed that in Madison Square Garden they could reach the heights of the best of the Beacon shows. At the time, we deemed the show "totally plague worthy" tho were mighty relieved to have come out unscathed and, looking back, consider ourselves very lucky. As you said, if it had to be the last show... Fingers crossed that we will be able to use our postponed Tedeschi Trucks tickets from last July this summer after being fully vaccinated. Best, Bill Berkrot

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Mar 10, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Thanks for your memories Alan! I also remember my friends Larry Campbell and Jackson Browne getting hit. Larry was seriously touch and go with him in Woodstock and his wife Teresa Williams stuck in NYC. It was hard just waiting for updates of all our friends. I’m so glad it feels like we are slowly turning the corner. See you on the Proud Highway somewhere soon! ✌🏻❤️👣

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Mar 12, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Beautifully written, beautifully felt. Thank you.

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Mar 12, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

It was a year ago tonight we had tix for the Allman Betts Band in Marin. The show was called off and has been rescheduled to Labor Day weekend 2021. Alan I’ve certainly felt the same during this past year. I’m also case investigating and contact tracing for covid 19 since June 2020. All the lives lost all the people permanently affected and all of those who have lost someone near and dear only adds to the sadness. Bless all the first responders and healthcare professionals that have risked and given their lives to save others. And to think if it was handled differently. My hope is we can all recover from this mentally and physically. Music heals

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Mar 11, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Thank you Alan. The title of your piece is exactly how I feel. I am so glad to have been able to experience that show, I had to go back and watch it again last night. The last celebration before the world changed. I was able to take my daughter and complete a musical loop that started when we brought her home from the hospital and the first thing I did was play Mountain Jam for her. She called me last night to remind me it had been a year. Your writing on the show, and the band in general really connects to their essence- love, family and friends. Thank you!

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Mar 11, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Such a great read, and the playlist is golden. I was cruising through with the sample play, thinking there should be some Little Feat in there. And.....sure enough there it was! I was a bit obsessed with them. And then Lowell George died on my birthday and the music died.

Thx for turning me on to some new ones. And I love how you hyperlink the songs in the story, as applicable. Diane Klaif

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Mar 11, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Great story Alan. i was there at MSG on 3/10 for that show too and caught serious flack for it but couldn’t see missing it after seeing at least 1 ABB show at the Beacon every year since the ‘89 reunion. The very next day, a buddy jokingly said “i think we just saw the last concert ever” and yesterday i realized it’s been a year since i saw a live show - for the first time since i was 15! That’s way more years than i want to admit lol!

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Mar 11, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Great read Alan! Thank you!

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Mar 11, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Thanks for your warm, heartfelt words...and recollection of the NYC events last year. WE ALL who were there (and those that didn't) have...have it what a day of nostalgia its been- joy to sadness to healing to struggle to peace.

Love to you in the brotherhood of Macon, J:-)

PS: Keep doin what ya do. WE need each of US

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Mar 10, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

I was there too, however your writing of the events of that night and the following year from hell has got to be one of my most favorite piece of writing ever

Thanks

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Mar 10, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Is it true that Derek and Otiel also got ill after Brothers show 3/10/20??

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Reese Wynans has also played with Joe Bonamasa for a number of years before this pandemic started. This article was a pleasure to read and I will see if I can download the full concert.

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Mar 10, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

Thanks Alan. Great review of the “last concert”, and I share your concern for all working musicians and crew. Arizona is starting to open up. My band is playing an outdoor show next week. I can’t wait! Thanks for the fun newsletter!

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Mar 10, 2021Liked by Alan Paul

So beautifully written. Loving the newsletter. I miss live shows!

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