Gregg Allman dies aged 69

It has just been announced that Gregg Allman has died at the age of 69.

The Allman Brothers Band was formed by Gregg and his brother Duane in 1969, although the band was beset by tragedy when Duane and then bass guitarist Berry Oakley were both killed, in 1971 and 1972, respectively (both died in motorcycle accidents).

Despite this, the band endured (for a while) and in 1973 delivered their classic studio album Brothers and Sisters, which reached number one in the US and delivered a big hit single in Ramblin’ Man. Oakley does feature on two tracks, with the other five featuring his replacement, Lamar Williams. The album was reissued as a super deluxe edition in 2013.

No cause of death has been released at this point, although Gregg’s long time manager and close friend, Michael Lehman said, “I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a brilliant pioneer in music. He was a kind and gentle soul with the best laugh I ever heard. His love for his family and bandmates was passionate as was the love he had for his extraordinary fans. Gregg was an incredible partner and an even better friend. We will all miss him.”

RIP Gregg Allman.