The Allman Brothers Band March Madness: Watch 5 Memorable Sit-Ins At The Beacon Theatre

The Allmans’ extensive 2009 March Madness run is widely regarded as a career highlight, even by Gregg Allman himself. “That [2009 run] was the most fun I’ve ever had in that building,” Allman told The Wall Street Journal in 2014. The March 12th gig was the third of 15 in celebration of the group’s 40th anniversary, and featured blues legend Buddy Guy, who emerged for “You Don’t Love Me” and “The Sky Is Crying.” Buddy would stay on for a set-closing “Southbound” which also featured Phish’s Trey Anastasio and Page McConnell. Trey and Page’s sit-in, which continued with well-jammed versions of “I Know You Rider” and “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” in the second set, came just on the heels of Phish’s return to touring after a nearly five-year hiatus.

The Allman Brothers Band welcomed Sheryl Crow for a number of songs to kick off the second set a few nights later on March 17, 2009 including Bob Dylan’s “It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry” and “Midnight Rider.” Sheryl’s sit-in concluded with a rendition of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” watch that tune above.

Two nights later, Eric Clapton — who collaborated with Duane Allman in Derek And The Dominoes — would join ABB for a good portion of the second set. After Gov’t Mule’s Danny Louis added piano on “Good Morning Little School Girl,” Clapton emerged for “Key To The Highway,” “Dreams,” The Dominoes’ “Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” Susan Tedeschi then joined in to sing with Clapton on “Anyday.” Louis would come back out with the band and Clapton for an encore performance of “Layla.” Eric returned to guest with the ABB once again the next night.

The Allman Brothers Band kicked off their 2011 itinerary with their traditional March Madness residency at The Beacon Theatre in New York City. About halfway through the 13-show stint, legendary jazz guitarist John Scofield made his one and only appearance with ABB on March 18, 2011. Sco added to “It Takes A Train To Cry” and “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed” at the end of the group’s first set. The guitarist returned for the “Mountain Jam” that closed out the ABB’s second set.

On March 24, 2011 beloved guitarist Leslie West — who passed away on December 23, 2020 — of Mountain fame joined the band toward the end of the first set. West led the way on Freddie King’s “Going Down” as well as a smokin’ version of “Crossroads.” Check out the latter above.