The Brothers Reignite Allman Brothers Spirit At Madison Square Garden

A long-dormant New York City spring tradition resumed on Tuesday when The Brothers reunited after five years at Madison Square Garden for the first of two nights celebrating the music and legacy of The Allman Brothers Band. The high-energy concert was similar to the group’s 2020 show at MSG with a few key changes.

The last living member of the original Allman Brothers Band lineup drummer Jaimoe and longtime ABB alums guitarists Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, percussionist Marc Quinones and bassist Oteil Burbridge are joined in the 2025 iteration of The Brothers by organist Reese Wynans and drummers Joe Russo and Isaac Eady with special guest Chuck Leavell on piano.

The selection of Joe Russo, making his Brothers debut, was one of the key changes. Russo was on fire all night and propelled the ensemble to massive heights throughout the concert. The JRAD founder played “lead drums,” providing the powerful freight train rumble that was a signature of the late Butch Trucks’ sound while the platoon of Jaimoe and Isaac Eady took turns adding embellishments.

Another key change came to the setlist. While The Brothers still loaded the show with ABB classics, as they did back in 2020, they also performed a pair of covers that the Allmans added to their repertoire in the early 2000s. The Brothers’ renditions of Dr. John’s “I Walk On Guilded Splinters” and Van Morrison’s “Into The Mystic” slotted in perfectly to give fans a taste of what the final and longest-lasting ABB lineup brought to the table.

While tickets to Tuesday’s concert were still available for purchase at showtime, the legendary venue was buzzing and appeared packed with a non-360 stage setup. Most attendees were picking up what The Brothers were laying down and roared with appreciation at nearly every solo and memorable moment, of which there were plenty of each.

Warren Haynes was the band leader and sang lead on every song besides “Blue Sky,” which was fronted by Chuck Leavell. Haynes didn’t let the heavy lift affect his guitar playing, as he uncorked one otherworldly solo after another. “Dreams” was a revelation as Haynes patiently navigated harmonic landscapes, building his solo from a slow-burning smolder to a blistering crescendo.

Yet it was Derek Trucks who left jaws dropped with fierce runs on his Gibson SG. Just when fans thought he had peaked a solo during such songs as “No One To Run With,” “Blue Sky,” “Into The Mystic” and “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed,” Trucks would effortlessly kick into another gear and unleash a torrent of notes. Also, Derek Trucks may get the most attention for his leads, but he’s also an incredible rhythm guitarist who lays an ideal canvas for the lead soloist to paint upon.

The pair also had several opportunities to showcase the chemistry that came from being the longest-tenured guitar duo in the 45-year history of The Allman Brothers Band. Haynes and Trucks’ dual leads on “Jessica,” “Mountain Jam” and “Liz Reed” were transcendant. The latter song also saw Warren Haynes and Oteil Burbridge trade licks in one of the most memorable moments of the night.

Burbridge was in his happy place at The Garden. Oteil help provide the essential stability that freed the guitarists to take risks. He also seemed to be living in the moment and faced Leavell with a shit-eating grin on his face as the pianist took his iconic “Jessica” solo towards the end of the first set. Additionally, Burbridge showed off sweet dance moves during “Black Hearted Woman,” which featured a bit of a “The Other One” jam as the ABB tended to do in late years.

The Brothers paced the show well, taking attendees on a roller coaster of tempos. “Statesboro Blues” opened, as it has hundreds of ABB shows, and “Mountain Jam” bookended the second set. Leavell came out towards the end of the first set for a run of “Blue Sky,” “Gambler’s Roll,” “Come & Go Blues,” “Guilded Splinters” and “Jessica,” before returning for the “Into The Mystic,” “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” and “Mountain Jam” reprise that punctuated the closing stanza. The ABB’s keyboardist from 1972 – 1976 also added to the evening’s “Whipping Post” encore.

“Gambler’s Roll,” “Guilded Splinters,” “Stormy Monday,” “You Don’t Love Me” and “Into The Mystic” were the only songs played last night that The Brothers didn’t perform in 2020. “Into The Mystic” and “Into The Mystic” became staples of ABB setlists after debuts in 2003 and 2004, respectively. The latter saw Leavell deliver a fine piano solo at The Garden and was a great song choice.

At age 80, Jaimoe enjoyed the fruits of his labor. When he wasn’t behind the kit, he could often be seen strolling around the stage. “You don’t have to leave, if they lock the door you can’t get out!” the drummer exclaimed when bidding the crowd farewell after asking if they’d return on Wednesday.

There’s still a few favorites left on the table for night two, including “Revival,” “Melissa” and “Soulshine.” Watch Wednesday’s finale live or on demand via nugs.net.

Videos

Setlist

Set One: Statesboro Blues, Trouble No More, No One To Run With, Hot ‘Lanta, Midnight Rider, Black Hearted Woman, Blue Sky*, Gambler’s Roll*, Come & Go Blues*, I Walk On Guilded Splinters*, Jessica*

Set Two: Mountain Jam > Stormy Monday, You Don’t Love Me, Dreams, In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed, Into The Mystic*, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More* > Mountain Jam*

Encore: Whipping Post*

* – with Chuck Leavell on piano