Duane Allman's LAST performance - Statesboro Blues - Allman Brothers Band

Live performance recorded on 15 October 1971 at Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh PA.
Riveting, electrifying slide guitar as only Duane Allman could play. This was the last show he ever did. Two weeks later he was killed in a motorcycle accident in Macon, GA - only 24 years old.

[@danielcombs3207]

A very good friend named Bill Baker came back from the Atlanta Pop Festival 1970 and told me about The Allman Brothers Band and that he was going to Love Valley. After he got back from that festival he told me they played each day . He told me they were playing in Chapel Hill at Jubilee May 1st 1971. So we hitchiked up there from Wilmington N.C. On Saturday evening Alex Taylor was introduced and Duane came out and played with his band , we were blown away he played dobro. After his set The Allman Brothers came out and played and I have to say the hair on my neck stood up . I had no idea that he and Dickie played in unison and interplayed around one another . All Bill ever said was that this band was badass and I had to see them live. He wasn't exaggerating , mind blowing sound. We took a road trip to NYC that August and arrived the day it was announced on the radio that King Curtis had been murdered . So we found out that they were playing at The Manhatten Centre not many days later. We pooled our money together and bought the first two albums and At Fillmore East that had just come out and immersed ourselves for a couple of days. We sat through The Holy Model Rounders and Wet Willie who were booed after a few songs , which puzzled me because I actually liked them a great deal. And then possibly the best American blues rock band at that time came out and just blew everyone away. You can find their performance on You Tube , not a good recording but it's worth listening to anyway, their usual set list but they played Soul Serenade in honor of King Curts and later played for the first time Blue Sky which blew us away because we knew it was a new song that not on any existing album . And when Dickie sang the line about going to Carolina we went apeshit. We whooped and yelled like a bunch of proud southern teenagers from North Carolina. Great memory , I'm glad I can still remember it. That was I believe August 18th 1971. He was killed Oct. 29th 1971. I saw them twice before1975. And that was it. I kept waiting for that magic that Duane ignited in them to come back but it never really did for me. He had the vision and he was the leader. I live in Tampa now and saw SRV play at Curtis Hixon Auditorium once and knowing something about the local music scene history from long ago I couldn't help dreaming about what it must have been like there on a night in late December 1970 when Derek and the Dominoes played there and was joined on stage by Duane for what had to have been a glorious night of music. I'd love to see Duane inducted into the RRHOF as a solo artist because his inspired so many guitarist, but I'm just having another dream. Thank you Skydog, RIP.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Great comment, it's always nice to read about people's experience seeing them live an in person at their creative peak. I started seeing them in 89 (through the early 2000s) with a few different and excellent players like Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring and Derek Trucks and great as they were those are tough shoes to fill. If you haven't heard it you should check out the Blue Sky from 9/19/71 Stonybrook SUNY. The recording quality is excellent all things considered,Duane's playing is so emotive (and Dickey and Berry are on fire) and personally it's my favorite version of all time. Cheers and thanks for sharing your story.

[@edthesecond]

For all of you who like to compare musicians as to which one was better, two things: This is music, not the NFL, and when you reach a certain level of mastery and vision (Stevie Ray, Duane, ZZ Top, Jeff Beck, Bill Evans, Beethoven, Sarah Vaughn, etc.-and Samantha Fish), your only competition is you and the limits that you put on yourself.

[@vCLOWNSHOESv]

Duane's the greatest guitar player ever born. We all have our favorites and he's mine. SRV wa great, Terry Kath, Gary Rossington, Steve Gaines and Allen Collins are some of my favorites. Great musicians but as you can see most didn't have long careers. 😥😥😥

[@DougWJ]

STFU - we will do what we want to do - no one elected you to tell everyone how they should evaluate music. Dbag

[@robertwoodward9231]

A very good perspective.

[@robertwoodward9231]

I think Doug misunderstood you. When you mentioned the great Bill Evans, I thought, now there's a guy who knows his music.

[@robertwoodward9231]

Course I probably listened to Beethoven only a few times but I do know my share of the greats and its ridiculous to compare masters, though I will say that Dylan has surpassed Shakespeare.

[@gilljo1]

Best band ever. Totally unique.

[@donvernon2966]

Their stars are the brightest and most intense and they shoot across the universe lighting up the darkest corners and then they're Gone!!Just keep their light burning forever with their music alive in your instruments and your heart and your sounds. ☮️

[@donvernon2966]

Copyright D.vernon words, ☮️

[@timothylewis2450]

❤️

[@edthesecond]

Great quote from Chet Atkins (Who was pretty damn good himself) on Duane Allman: "That SOB sweats on the backbeat!"

[@robertwoodward9231]

Great compliment coming from Chet..

[@stevelongobardi6870]

Duane was the greatest electric slide player in the world and no one, not even trucks had his tone or phrasing

[@oceanhedonist265]

Steve Longobardi - Derek Trucks will never come close to playing as good as Duane Allman. Trucks has great technique, but he just doesn't put emotion into his playing the way that Allman did. Not even close.

[@billyboy1093]

@@oceanhedonist265 No question about it, he had that spark of energy, he was an instigator. Look what he did to the Layla sessions alone. He spiced that record up like no one could, the intro riff to Layla, the intro to Little Wing, the fills, the solo's, the TONE and that's just one record. Could you imagine the body of work he'd have to his credit had he lived another 50 years! The Road Goes On Forever Rest In Peace Skydog!

[@williamsalte5484]

Wow! Duane tears it up. Such a loss at the height of his talents. Who knows what he might have gone on to do...

[@davidconner2988]

Was at this show, Wet Willie opened. Was at both shows that year at the Mosque. My all time favorite band.

[@jeffwasilko5885]

I just picked up this show on CD...Can't wait to listen to it!

[@zgrcic]

Amen!! Duane had insane timing, phrasing tone and the ability to improv all over the place at will...legions above any, period.

[@dennishealy3401]

Duane and Johnny Winter. RIP to two superlative slide masters. Thank god we still have their music.

[@brycerooney5989]

Song gives me chills !! amazing band will live on forever!!

[@zummo61]

This is not Duane's last performance. It may be the last known recording, but his actual last show ever was October 17, 1971 at Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, MD a couple of days later. RIP Duane.

[@TheGuitarMan71]

How sad to listen to this knowing he was going to be dead two weeks later. We will never see anything like what Duane did again.

[@denAlexVA]

Greetings from DC. From the standpoint of historical accuracy, the Last show was at Painter's Mill in Baltimore, MD. When the Allman's played Baltimore again, Dicky Betts told the audience that the last time that he played with "Brother Duane" was here (Baltimore). This also jives with their website. I was fortunate enough to have seen the Painter's Mill concert and I distinctly remember Duane saying this, "Ya'll were a real pleasure to play for tonight". He lives on.

[@mikefannon6994]

I lived in Atlanta 1970 & 1971, saw ABB play several times. When I went back to visit high school friends in Dayton, OH and talked about how great they were, people thought I was taking about Osmond Bros. and was crazy. Then "Live At Fillmore East came out, NOW they understood! When Duane was alive, Statesboro Blues was their opening song. Got everyone up and boogieing!

[@kevinkosar1629]

One of the Greatest Guitar players that Left us way too soon

[@discomatt12741]

This is Duane's last RECORDED performance, not actually his last performance.

[@58lespaul]

There’s audio of his final show at Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, MD on October 17th, 1971, and it’s scheduled to be released soon.

[@2901mattharvey]

It was at that time, but in October of last year they released some of his actual last performance that someone recorded on a tape machine.

[@BattlecatRed]

Funny, I've heard countless bootleg renditions of this song, and they're all different. The boys just never "phoned it in". They always seemed to give it their best shot and to make it fresh every time...

[@jiaconis]

Dennis you are so on point, hardly heard any mention of Johnny Winter passing just a few days ago, Duane, Stevie, Johnnie, Jimi, Barry, the list goes on. All the greats are passing by too damn fast!!!

[@danh367]

You forgot the often forgotten Mike Bloomfield

[@waynekurz1456]

NOBODY played slide like skydog!!!! For Beare!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@winesource1]

I agree as great as trucks is no one has the passion, energy or sound duane had. Not even the late Great Hendrix or SRV could come close to his slide work.

[@dennismason3740]

The Allmans put earth on the galaxy map. "Check out the Skydog, man, planet Earth and them terrans are killin' it!", says E.T. Let's get some human costumes and go concerting.

[@yankinga]

Duane's last show was two nights later at the Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, MD. on 10/17/71

[@timhermann1702]

Amen. Skydog lives forever!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johnkomosa4089]

Unmistakable and incomprible. One of a kind. A bros.

[@OGEECHEEMAN]

Man they were cooking that night

[@TomCaswellBlues]

Not sure if this was in fact his final show as the band played at Marietta College Gym, Ohio on the 16th October and in Owings Mills (Painters Mill Music Fair) on the 17th October.

[@kewlbreez77]

Given he died Oct 29th, you're probably right. Anyone know for sure?

[@mackwhite1308]

There is no sound like these guys in their hay day, it set the stage for southern rock. Skynrd was good, Marshall Tucker was good too, but this IS the sound! Anyone that disagrees hasn't listened to the Allman Brothers band

[@montenero69]

AMEN

[@ta30244gmail]

Mack White aside from the fact that this is a blues band...and nothing in the sound of ABB at this time lent itself to southern rock.....the only southerners band that emulated the blues and jazz sound of Duane’s Bros. Was the early a Charlie Daniels band.....twin drums, twin guitars and really good musicians across the board which the other bands you named did. Not have......

[@obbor4]

@@ta30244gmail Wait, Skynyrd and Marshall Tucker didn't have great musicians? Are you serious?!!!

[@PlayinWithEverythin]

Vielan Dank, Bruder. People forget that everything Duane laid down was before his 25th birthday. There's never been anyone quite like him.

[@tatianaroveda]

Listen to the lyrics of Green grass and high tides- and all the musicians who played for us--and now are gone..Listen to what the lyrics are saying..

[@58lespaul]

Duane’s final show was reportedly two days later at Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, MD on October 17th, 1971.

[@kevinmcenerney1174]

Correct

[@garygianni4533]

You are CORRECT!!!! No one has or ever will come even close.

[@williammoore3184]

Never should be compared, never will be another!!! Brother Duane Allman!!! ABB forever!!!!!

[@likepatsandGTOs]

Freakin motorcycles....both Duane & Berry died on them ....accident scenes within blocks of each other

[@chuckaruta8646]

duane , man, makes me smile , like rembering a close bro you grew up with , who moved away, or passed on, a specil place in your heart from your youth , and keep that feeing forever , i got all their albums , just saw them with eric, crossroads, new york ,dude they were hott , but we know only 1 sky dawg , peace .

[@homeboystevea]

Not his last show, Duane last show was likely October 17. 1971 Painters Mill Music Fair Owings Mills, Maryland

[@jokkergar]

This may be his last show recorded, definitely not his last performance.

[@56guitarnutz]

yea he did 2 more after this one......I was at this one ....15yrs old

[@sblair6362]

This isn't Duane's last performane. His last show was at Painters Mill on Oct. 17th '72.

[@allyncooper]

My girlfriend and I dropped some acid and went to this show. Groovy baby !!

[@Cleartwater]

Did you ever see a silde guitar player better than Duane Allman? I sure as fuck never did and I had the Allman Joys for music in Vietnam. Best dam music ever. Quickwater.

[@HOSSMCGILLICUTTI]

+George Boand You should have listened to Jr. Brown if you like slide.

[@burger698]

I got it all over my shoe. saw him front row.

[@keithrichards4185]

Derek trucks is great

[@kayhazen7435]

they come....they bring joy to those with ears to hear...they exit....hope they all come back together for the greatest show on earth in the near future..so my grand kids get the fix i got.

[@2901mattharvey]

Yeah this was not his last show. His last show was 10/17/71 in Owings Mills, MD

[@thomasclinton5875]

I always thought he was trying to sound like a horn with his tone. He loved john coltrane.

[@spankystrat49]

That may be true; but sometimes when I close my eyes and listen to Derek, I swear he's channeling Duane...if only for a few seconds but that is as close as I can get now that Duane is gone. Derek is a fine player in his own right.

[@billylincoln2088]

not at all. derek is a derivative copy cat ala joe bonamassa, nice guy, but i am not impressed.

[@spankystrat49]

billy lincoln another opinion. Have a good day.

[@coastdweller]

I grew up in Allman brothers country, (just outside Macon) one of my wife's teachers dated Duane and said all he cared about was playing and everything else was second including her lol. Her husband also hates the allman brothers because of that lol.

[@Earl-pu2yh]

I've been in a couple of relationships with musicians, and believe me, the music comes first, not you. And it doesn't matter what instrument they play, either--it's always about the music.

[@kionejoe]

Unless this was from painters mill in Md then it wasn’t his last

[@steed3902]

wow what a sound...truly amazing....

[@terrryc]

It's that TONE.....thick. Like the voice of one of the Sirens of Titan....

[@modelcitizen72]

Thanks for posting this

[@GeneHolt]

skunkman just slapped my teeth out and said about .....hell naw.... and won't say about no more ....just kidding but think more of these guys than everone....except nevermind...just got the evil eye....gonna just hush.....and appologize

[@GeneHolt]

RIP...Brother tell Mr Brooks not to get my spot unless he wants it....amen...

[@damienmillereau5256]

Incredible slide guitar!His playing on "Statesboro Blues" on the live at fillmore east album is unbelievable.Miss you man!

[@baxternauset]

It's amazing that Duane only started to play slide in November of 1968. He was dead less than 3 years later.

[@mcdsplace9902]

I have a great recording of this gig on a boot CD titled: "Duane's Last Show" but it wasn't his final gig! The Archivist, Otto, and John from Canada, and Mr. West cannot find it!! But if it is out there I will find it! Thanks for posting!

[@righturnonly]

Only the good die young

[@emporal5563]

but trucks is damn near the closest one there!!

[@ronnie5129]

R.I.P. SKYDOG

[@poodlenme]

Thin sound epic playing. ( even with my Quad DAC on)

[@danieljenkins2777]

Pretty lady

[@stevesuv]

My Hero

[@jokkergar]

ur right, i still cant find that bootleg

[@danwilliams9183]

There will be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous the book of john

[@mirraco323]

Man Duane hadn’t even reached his peak yet.

[@righturnonly]

Duane nailed it alright If Trucks copied Duane the would be no "Sahib Teria Bandi"

[@kamacazi8]

.. So your telling me you have a different opinion.. :0 mind blown.

[@beare55]

Amen, Derek is a damn good slide player, but doesn't touch Duane as you said for phrasing THE sound and his melodies..... not enough words!

[@BattlecatRed]

Duane has said that he modeled his slide playing after harp players like Little Walter, Junior Wells and Sonny Boy Williamson and you can hear that in his playing. Duane's playing had a plucky, sexy, sleazy element that Derek's playing does not (even though Derek is a master in his own right).

[@AbeBSea]

Uh, no, this is NOT the last show he did. Put down the bong.

[@unvoce]

+AbeBSea Yes, sadly the Pittsburgh gig was the last scheduled performance Duane played before he died on Oct 29th, 1971.

[@AbeBSea]

+unvoce allmanbrothersband.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Calendar&file=showCalendarMonth&type=viewevent&tapers=1&eid=1475&day=17&month=10&year=1971

[@unvoce]

thanks for that info - I guess you really can't believe everything you read on the Internet ;-)

[@GermanOperaSinger]

+AbeBSea You're right, it's the last show that was recorded, which is what I meant, not the last show performed. Probably should have clarified, next time I'll put down the bong before writing a video description.

[@Harry-le2fc]

At least you can write a video description (and a good one at that). I pick up the bong and I'm hard pressed to give the time of day.

[@nthdegree1269]

Thanks for the upload. Great guitarist and a great piece of history.

[@robertwoodward829]

The "Brothers" never even waited two days between shows, much less two weeks!! Im sure this wasn't the last time he played this live!

[@unvoce]

+Robert Woodward It was, he died 14 days later.

[@robertwoodward829]

Yes. you could be right. I had forgotten that he and some of the others and a couple of roadies had been in some rehab for a while, in New York. This could explain the missing time on stage. Anyway he died not long after he left N.Y.

[@matthewdylan8791]

This happen at the mosque?

[@123must]

A lot of thanks : he was great !

[@titlash]

Duayne;nikki--- So! SAD! They Were AWESOME!!!!!

[@gerrylyle933]

Cant play this one loud enough!

[@greenman7612]

Agreed! No one!

[@jimmyjohn2468]

the big D

[@stonecole4703]

So soulful

[@GOCaptainSteve]

Derek Trucks is the only other slide player who compares with Duane!

[@barryfohn4385]

I think you are pretty close to being right. The thing is Derek even says " I get about seventy percent of it from studying Duane."

[@iluvsmusic53]

Happy Birthday Delaney Bramlett

[@dwrightwright240]

You'd have to die to work UP to being boring

[@anonymusum]

The first guitar solo - well, fine. The second - ok. The third - hmm. The fourth - I´m beginning to get bored. The fifth - I am bored. The sixth - I hate it, never again.