Welcome to Long Live the ABB: Conversation from the Crossroads.
Notes from a brief stop in Long Live the ABB hq is brought to you by Pink Floyd’s “Time”—specifically the “Breathe” reprise:
Home, home again. I like to be here when I can. When I come home cold and tired, It’s good to warm my bones beside the fire.
Anyone else feel like they’ve lived a year in the last month?
It’s confusing and, quite frankly, really ugly out there. I suspect you’re like me, keeping your head down, focusing on what’s good in the world, but deep down more than a little bit scared of what’s to come.
Fortunately I spend a whole lot of time with the best of humanity through my career as a historian working with/in museums and historic sites, my work on social media @LongLivetheABB, and here at Long Live the ABB.
It’s been a very busy time on the travel front. My past two weeks have included trips to/from New Mexico/York/Jersey. Before the month is out, I have two more trips—to Florida and Macon (more on both below).
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Jaimoe!
The New York/Jersey trip was to stay with Chairman
Friends of the Brothers band. Here’s one of my favorite moments of the night, Junior Mack’s solo out of “You Don’t Love Me” and into “Hot ‘Lanta.” The caption is self-explanatory.
It was an ABBsolutely wonderful night of music.
I got to catch up with Jaimoe after the show and ask him about the offer to join the Impressions. The story is simple: everyone told him he had a better gig with Otis Redding so he stayed with Otis.1
Woodstock
The next day I drove up to Bethel Woods to visit with Neal Hitch who’s the curator at Bethel Woods. Neal and I have been pals from the history museum world for a long time and this was my first visit to the site. Here I am This is the original historical marker, erected by the Gelish family, who bought the farm from Max Yasgur. I’ve long been fascinated with the community that springs up at festivals and Neal gave me a good understanding of Woodstock as historic site and not just a large concert. They are still finding shoes in the woods around the site.
I signed up immediately when Macon artist Psychodelik Pete announced his poster for the In Memory of Dickey Betts tribute show in Macon on February 28.
Pete printed a small run of posters but is offering it on shirts for a limited time.
Magic of Macon
My inspiration for this piece was living in Macon with all the history of ABB and the city itself—surrounded by such beauty from Rose Hill to downtown Macon. Knowing how much Macon was home to the Allman Brothers Band and how many people in the Macon community embraced them.
When I created In Memory of Dickey Betts poster, it was excitement because of the lineup!! It was a heartfelt piece for the fans, especially for the fans like myself that didn't get tickets.
DESCRIPTION OF THE POSTER
Dickey is coming out of a sacred heart with roses, fire from his hand because of his beautiful guitar work and passion of playing. The blue sky represents the song and peace. Cherry blossoms, because the show is happening during the Cherry blossom festival.
Six mushrooms represents the original six Allman Brothers, but the one mushroom on the left has a tear—Jaimoe, because he is the last of the original six.
The Macon Auditorium is represented because of the show and its historical significance. The border is art deco and has a copper feel like the top of the Macon City Auditorium. The steps with the musicians flowing up the stairs to begin a beautiful evening, tribute to the amazing Dickey Betts.
Peace sign above the door signifies the peace of music and what ABB has done as a band. Uniting so many through peace, love, and their music.
before, but my brother Big Rick just keeps pumping out quality shit. He’s on it when it comes to the latest books and movies.
The Bluest Tape. Great hang with Jeff and Harvey of The Bluest Tape podcast. I could talk music with these guys for HOURS.4 Jeff is a good friend from the museum world. His insights were vital as I researched/wrote Play All Night. The Bluest Tape was also crucial to how I approached both. I learned from the way Harvey and Jeff talk about the music and impact of Widespread Panic, a band we share.That it got me listening again to old skool Panic was just part of it, they inspired me, truth be told, and I was really stoked to be on their show and pay a little of that back.
