Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Warren Haynes at the 2013 Christmas Jam in Asheville/photo by Mary Juliano
JamBase reports the news that Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks are leaving the Allman Brothers Band after this year:
On Tuesday afternoon on Jam Cruise, The Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks shared the surprising news that guitarist Derek Trucks will leave the group’s employ at the end of the year. Trucks gave the news aboard the MSC Divina during a session of the Masters Camp At Sea program. Butch is an instructor for Masters Camp At Sea. Upon receiving the press release it was confirmed that Warren Haynes would also be departing the band.
The news about Derek and Warren comes a little more than a week after Gregg Allman told Rolling Stone that Oteil Burbridge was leaving the Allman Brothers Band. Both Oteil and the Allmans denied Gregg’s quotes and Burbridge is set to play with the band in 2014.
Haynes, who grew up in Asheville and just played the 25th edition of his annual Christmas Jam in Asheville, issued this statement:
I joined the Allman Brothers Band in 1989, at age 28, for a reunion tour with no promise or expectations of it going any further. Based on the success of the tour and the uncanny chemistry between the original members and the new members, we decided to continue and see where it all led. Now, here we are, 25 years later, and it has been an amazing experience. I’ve always said that if I were to join a band that I grew up listening to the ABB would be at the top of that list. The original version of the band was a huge influence on me and I’m sure that the countless hours I spent listening to and studying that music helped shape me as a musician. As proud as I am of being a member of such a legendary band, I’m even more proud of the music that we’ve made together and of being a part of carrying their original vision into the future.
As someone who’s been fortunate enough to juggle a lot of musical projects and opportunities I look forward to maintaining a vigorous schedule which will include many more years of touring and recording with Gov’t Mule in addition to my solo projects and to enjoying more family time as well. Being part of the ABB has opened a lot of doors for me and that’s something I don’t take for granted nor do I take for granted the friendship and musical relationships I have with each of the members. The 45th Anniversary of the ABB is a milestone amidst too many highlights to count and I’m looking forward to an amazing year creating music that only the Allman Brothers Band can create.
Click over to read Trucks’ statement.
Check out photos from Christmas Jam 2013 by Mary Juliano here and here.
Have you heard of Dickey Betts? He would be perfect for the job.
Have you listened to Dickey Betts recently? He sounds awful…and from what I’ve heard, there is about 0% chance of Gregg & Dickey reuniting.
The “word on the street” is that Gregg wants to do his own thing again…Gregg Allman Band. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Marc Quinones and Jaimoe stick with him. Also wouldn’t be surprised to see him bring in Jackie Greene or Marc Ford or someone of that caliber but I do think ABB is done.