Allman Brother Gets A New Organ

Allman’s transplant surgery took place June 23 at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and is the latest chapter in the artist’s battle against Hepatitis C. Allman began receiving a series of treatments for the disease in 2007, but chronic liver damage resulted in doctors recommending a transplant, and the singer/songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist went on the organ transplant waiting list.

Although solo dates for Allman weren’t scheduled to happen until fall, The Allman Brothers Band has a date on the books that’s a bit sooner – this Saturday at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival at Chicago’s Toyota Park. Whether the band will appear sans its only Allman has yet to be disclosed.

Allman founded the Allman Brothers Band with his brother Duane in 1969. Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident in 1971.

“I feel pretty good, considering everything that’s happened,” Allman said. “Everybody involved here, my doctors and nurses in the hospital and all the Allman Brothers fans, they’ve just all been great.”

Back in the ‘70s Allman was making headlines for his hardcore partying ways as much as he was for his music. However, that was then and now he’s pretty much a walking example of what’s possible once a person conquers his or her demons.

“I changed my ways years ago,” Allman said. “But we can’t turn back time. Every day is a gift, and I can’t wait to get back on the road making music with my friends.”

Click here for the Gregg Allman website and here for the Allman Brothers Band website.