
After undergoing the grueling treatment for Hepatitis C, Allman Brothers Band leader Gregg Allman is back on his feet and ready to hit the road.
"I feel great, man," the singer/keyboardist said in a statement. "The treatment really kicks you in the ass but I came out stronger. I'm ready to play."
The Allman Brothers Band is set to return to the road Aug. 12 for two dozen dates primarily around the eastern half of the US. The first leg of the tour will include Bob Weir & RatDog, and Phil Lesh and Friends will hop on board for several gigs on the second leg. Confirmed shows are listed below.
The kickoff concert in Bethel, NY, will mark the Allman Brothers' first performance since last September. The group was forced to postpone a number of shows, including its annual Beacon Theatre residency in New York City, while Gregg Allman recovered from debilitating Interferon treatments. The musician said he was never a candidate for treatment until last year, and he knew it was going to be a battle.
"I just didn't have the energy to play," Allman said. "And we're a band that puts on two-hour shows that change every single night. You gotta be at full capacity to do that. And now I am."
During the group's downtime, the other members stayed busy with a variety of projects. Drummer Jaimoe went out with his Jasssz Band, guitarist/vocalist Warren Haynes toured with Gov't Mule, guitarist Derek Trucks joined Eric Clapton on an extensive world tour and performed with wife Susan Tedeschi's Soul Stew Revival, and bassist Oteil Burbridge toured with former Grateful Dead percussionist Bill Kreutzman.
The Allman Brothers Band, which is rounded out by percussionists Butch Trucks and Marc Quinones, is also looking ahead to next year, when the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will play some special gigs to commemorate their 40th anniversary.