Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer GREGG ALLMAN is both a founding member of one of the biggest and most important American bands of all time, the still-active and thriving Allman Brothers Band, and a critically acclaimed solo talent. A natural artist gifted with a beautifully soulful and distinctive voice as well as brilliant keyboard and guitar expertise, Allman is a legendary performer who, more than 30 years down the road, still loves making music as much as ever. The current GREGG ALLMAN band lineup performing in 2007 is: BRUCE KATZ (keyboard), JERRY JEMMOTT (bass), STEVE POTTS (drums), MARK McGEE (guitar), JAY COLLINS (sax) and FLOYD MILES (percussion).
At the start of his enduring career, Gregg Allman and his brother Duane put together a number of different groups, including their very first professional ones, The Allman Joys and The Hour Glass. Whatever the configuration, Gregg’s powerful lead vocals, emerging songwriting and keyboard prowess perfectly complemented Duane’s now-legendary guitar virtuosity.
In 1969, their brotherhood made history with the formation of the massively influential act that both kick-started the entire genre of Southern Rock and defined an era of ‘70s rock ‘n roll with its freewheeling yet musically masterful sound, The Allman Brothers Band. The band’s unique amalgam of rock, blues, country and even jazz flourishes expanded the boundaries of rock music and their signature, extended onstage jamming set new standards for live concert performance. In addition to his singing and playing, Gregg wrote many of their most memorable signature hits, including the classics “Whipping Post” and “Dreams” from their self-titled debut album, “Midnight Rider” and “Please Call Home” from their second LP, Idlewild South and “Melissa” from 1972’s Eat A Peach.
In 1971, at the height of fame, and just two weeks after their legendary live record At Fillmore East was certified Gold, The Allman Brothers Band suffered the tragic and untimely passing of Duane Allman, and the very next year, of bassist Berry Oakley. Despite the losses, Gregg dedicated himself to keeping The Allman Brothers tradition alive, and to this day, the band remains a musical powerhouse, acclaimed both on record and onstage.
In March 2003, the group released their first album in nine years, Hittin’ The Note (Peach/Sanctuary) following it up with several U.S. tours throughout 2003-2004. The group recorded their annual New York City March Madness run and later that year released the Live At The Beacon Theatre DVD, which was quickly certified gold. March 2004 marked the release of One Way Out, a live album from the same ’03 Beacon stand. In addition to Gregg and original members Butch Trucks (drums and tympani) and Jaimoe (drums) the current ABB line-up boasts Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks on guitar, Oteil Burbridge on bass and Marc Quinones on congas and percussion.
The first of Gregg Allman’s six albums to date outside of his work with ABB, Laid Back, was released in 1973, the same year that The Allman Brothers Band’s monstrously successful Brothers & Sisters topped the album charts. Laid Back’s subtly textured eclectic mix of rock, folk, R&B and gospel inflections drew rave reviews and instantly put Gregg on the map as an accomplished touring solo artist.
Subsequent solo releases include the live Gregg Allman Tour ’74, (recorded at Carnegie Hall) and 1977’s Playin’ Up A Storm (which also featured the musical artistry of greats Dr. John and Little Feat’s Bill Payne). In 1987 Gregg released his second gold album I’m No Angel, which generated a 1 Album Radio hit with the unforgettable title track, a self-meditation on Allman’s often bad-boy ways. After that hit’s follow-up, 1988’s Just Before The Bullets Fly, Gregg Allman directed his energy to the reformation of the ABB. That effort resulted in multiple Grammy nominations and ABB’s induction into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1997 Gregg released Searching For Simplicity, the album he feels represents some of his very best work. “I really took my time with that one,” says Gregg. “It took me three years just to write the songs and gather the material…I put the record together in a manner so that each tune knocked my socks off.” Obviously, there’s a major difference for Gregg between his solo endeavors and the Allman Brothers Band efforts. “There’s only one cook in the kitchen,” he says, “only one chef. I let the soloists do their thing – you’ve gotta let a man do a solo the way he wants – but as far as picking the tunes and working on the arrangements, I take full responsibility for it.” On Searching For Simplicity, as well as his other solo albums and tours, Gregg Allman indeed found a recipe that works. Gregg Allman is a survivor; having weathered many tragedies in life--as well as the occasional pitfalls and detours of a full-tilt rock ‘n roll lifestyle--he’s continued to grow both personally and musically.
Having searched for blissful simplicity in life as in art, Gregg Allman now lives peacefully in Georgia with his wife, his dogs, a new home studio and several “cherry” Harley Davidson motorcycles. Simple as that.
Demons
The Gregg Allman Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Surrounded by four walls that can't be seen
He knows this dude that lives uptown and he delivers
He often calls him for that perfect dream
But oh, he's got his demons
And they stay right by his side
Through his everyday hell, yeah
He buys them everything just to stay around
He's got it made cause his daddy's got a bundle
He seldom reaches out but there's no one to be found
Except oh, he's still got them demons
And they stay right by his side
In his man-made hell
Oh, he's got his demons
And they by his side
Another day in the life of the lonely
All alone in a sold out crowd
He can always buy some cheap thrills with his money
His world of silence has become much too loud
But ho, don't forget them demons
They're still right by his side
Causing all kinds of hell, yeah
The Gregg Allman Band's song Demons delves into the internal struggles of a wealthy man who appears to have it all, but is plagued by his own personal demons. The opening line, "Another day in the life of a stranger," suggests that this man feels disconnected from his own life and perhaps from himself. He is surrounded by four walls that cannot be seen, which could represent the invisible barriers he has created in his own mind.
The singer of the song turns to alcohol, women, and drugs to numb his pain and fill the void in his life. He has the financial means to indulge in these vices and surround himself with people, but ultimately he is still all alone, as suggested by the line "All alone in a sold out crowd." Despite his external comforts, he cannot escape the demons that haunt him, who remain "right by his side" through his "everyday hell."
Line by Line Meaning
Another day in the life of a stranger
The song refers to a person's life as a stranger's experience- detached and distant.
Surrounded by four walls that can't be seen
The person is in a situation where they are metaphorically trapped and without escape.
He knows this dude that lives uptown and he delivers
The person is familiar with a drug dealer, who provides them with drugs.
He often calls him for that perfect dream
The person frequently calls their drug dealer to buy drugs to experience temporary pleasure.
But oh, he's got his demons
The person is struggling with their inner demons, likely their addiction to drugs and alcohol.
And they stay right by his side
Their demons are constantly present, following them wherever they go.
Through his everyday hell, yeah
The person's addiction and the consequences that follow make their life a living hell.
He loves his wine and his pretty women
The person takes pleasure in drinking alcohol and being with attractive women.
He buys them everything just to stay around
The person uses their wealth to keep their companions happy and ensure they don't leave.
He's got it made cause his daddy's got a bundle
The person is financially well-off because of their father's wealth.
He seldom reaches out but there's no one to be found
The person doesn't reach out for help with their addiction, potentially because they have no one close to turn to.
Except oh, he's still got them demons
The person's addiction and inner demons continue to afflict them despite their material wealth.
In his man-made hell
The person has created their own personal hell due to their addiction and its consequences.
Another day in the life of the lonely
The person continues to feel lonely despite their addiction and wealth.
All alone in a sold out crowd
The person is surrounded by people in a crowded place but still feels alone.
He can always buy some cheap thrills with his money
The person can purchase temporary pleasure with their wealth, perhaps referring to buying drugs or other vices.
His world of silence has become much too loud
The person's inner turmoil has become overwhelming, overpowering their thoughts and senses.
But ho, don't forget them demons
The song warns listeners not to forget the person's inner demons and resulting struggles with addiction.
They're still right by his side
The person's demons continue to be present and have a hold on them.
Causing all kinds of hell, yeah
The person's addiction and inner demons continue to cause them misery and suffering in their life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Daniel Toler, David Toler, Gregory Allman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind