Allman Brothers Band drummer and founding member Butch Trucks died Tuesday in West Palm Beach, FL at the age of 69.
While the cause of his death has yet to be confirmed, Trucks is survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren.
“The Trucks and Allman Brothers Band families request all of Butch’s friends and fans to please respect our privacy at this time of sadness for our loss,” announced the group. “Butch will play on in our hearts forever.”
Donations and remembrances in Butch’s name may be made to The Big House Museum in Macon, GA.
"I'm heartbroken,” says Gregg Allman. “I've lost another brother and it hurts beyond words. Butch and I knew each other since we were teenagers and we were bandmates for over 45 years. He was a great man and a great drummer and I'm going to miss him forever. Rest In Peace Brother Butch."
Trucks crossed paths with Gregg and Duane Allman in the mid-1960s before helping them form The Allman Brothers Band in his hometown of Jacksonville, FL with guitarist Dickey Betts, bassist Berry Oakley and fellow drummer Jai Johanny Johanson in 1969, the same year they would release their self-titled debut.
The dual drummer lineup thrived on improvisation in concert in an effort to expand compositions into uncharted waters and new heights. The group’s legendary reputation was cemented through constant touring and the release of 1971’s double live set, “At Fillmore East”, which became their commercial breakthrough when it peaked at No. 13 on Billboard's Top Pop Albums chart.
The Allman Brothers Band persevered through the tragic motorcycle deaths of Duane and Oakley in Macon, GA in 1971 and 1972, respectively.
Three break-ups and several lineup changes would follow through the years, including the addition of guitarist and Trucks’ nephew, Derek, in 1999.
“Rest in Peace Uncle Butch,” tweeted Derek on Wednesday along with a photo of the two in rehearsal.
After 45 years together, The Allman Brothers Band performed its final show on October 28, 2014 at the Beacon Theater in New York City.
In recent years, Trucks would continue to perform under his own name while occasionally teaming up with members of his former band.
Rest in Peace Uncle Butch pic.twitter.com/AkGOmG4j52
— Tedeschi Trucks Band (@DerekAndSusan) January 25, 2017
See also:
Gregg Allman cancels remaining 2016 concert dates
Gregg Allman issues health status update
Gregg Allman cancels tour after being hospitalized with serious health issues
Allman Brothers Band to reissue classic albums on vinyl
Search The Allman Brothers at hennemusic
