The Allman Brothers Band is no stranger to misfortune, but they were never devastated by fate — never taking a full count, always springing back like silly putty. The Allmans have weathered the bad beatings, salving their wounds with a heavy dose of determination and love. Remember how blood Allman brother Duane used to pride himself on the longevity of the band, puffing out his rangy chest, boasting that, “We’re allies working together.

There is a land of the living

and a land of the dead

and the bridge is love,

the on/y survival, the on/y meaning.

Thornton Wilder

There’s a mutual love we share.” Four years later, Chuck Leavell credits that same formula. Smoothing his grey pinstriped pants he leans forward with conviction, saying, “The reason we stick it out is just this love. A real love and devotion for one another, and the respect we have. That’s what keeps us together. And, damn it feels so good.”