Gregg Allman Band Releases Previously Unheard Live Album Great As Ever: Live In Philadelphia ’86

Gregg Allman Band Releases Previously Unheard Live Album Great As Ever: Live In Philadelphia ’86

Release date: april 10, 2026​
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​The enduring musical legacy of the late Gregg Allman lives on with the release of Great As Ever: Live In Philadelphia ’86, a previously unreleased concert recording arriving Friday, April 10 via Sawrite Records, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s posthumous label.

The album is introduced by a powerful rendition of the instrumental classic “Don’t Want You No More,” showcasing Allman’s signature mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ. The track is available now across all major digital streaming platforms.

Recorded on January 11, 1986, before a sold-out crowd at Chestnut Cabaret, the album captures the Gregg Allman Band at peak performance. Despite freezing temperatures outside, the band delivered a fiery, high-energy set inside the intimate venue—refined through years of relentless touring into a tight, dynamic live force.

The lineup featured Allman (vocals, Hammond B-3, acoustic guitar), alongside the Toler Brothers—Dan (lead guitar) and Frankie (drums)—as well as Bruce Waibel (bass), Tim Heding (keyboards), and Chaz Trippy (percussion). Together, they tore through a 13-song set packed with standout performances, including beloved The Allman Brothers Band classics and early versions of future solo material.

Highlights include a stirring “It’s Not My Cross to Bear,” marked by Allman’s soulful delivery and a blistering solo from Dan Toler, a heartfelt rendition of “Melissa” dedicated to bandmate Dickey Betts, and a standout performance of “Queen of Hearts” from Allman’s 1973 solo debut Laid Back. The set also features an early take on “I’m No Angel,” which would go on to become Allman’s biggest solo hit.

Following years of constant touring, the band would soon achieve commercial success with 1987’s I’m No Angel. Yet, this newly unearthed recording proves that it was on stage—night after night—where the Gregg Allman Band truly excelled.

In addition to the album release, this summer will see the premiere of the highly anticipated documentary Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul, directed by acclaimed filmmaker James Keach. The feature-length film traces Allman’s life and career through personal hardship, artistic triumph, and enduring influence on American music. Featuring rare archival footage and previously unseen interviews, the film offers an intimate portrait of the artist, exploring his journey through loss, addiction, and redemption—including the impact of losing his brother and bandmate Duane Allman.

The documentary will be released in theaters across North America via Subtext later this summer.
Born December 8, 1947, in Nashville, Gregg Allman remains one of the most influential figures in rock and blues. As a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band and a celebrated solo artist, his unmistakable voice and songwriting defined a generation. His contributions were recognized with the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards in 2012.
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Allman chronicled his life in the critically acclaimed memoir My Cross To Bear, offering a candid account of a career shaped by both extraordinary success and personal struggle.
Gregg Allman passed away on May 17, 2017, at his home in Savannah due to complications from liver cancer. His legacy continues through his extensive catalog of recordings and ongoing philanthropic efforts, including scholarship funds established in his name at the University of Georgia and Syracuse University.
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Tracklist:
Don’t Want You No More
Ain’t My Cross The Bear
Sweet Feelin’
Hot ‘Lanta
Need Your Love So Bad
Trouble No More
Things You Used To Do
Queen of Hearts
Melissa
Midnight Rider
Just Ain’t Easy
I’m No Angel
Recorded January 11, 1986, at Chestnut Cabaret, Philadelphia, PA
Produced by Gregg Allman

Website:
greggallman.com


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