Gregg Allman, the legendary singer-songwriter and co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band, passed away “peacefully” at his home in Savannah, Ga., over the weekend. He was 69.
“Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years,” read a statement on Allman’s official website Saturday. He was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1999 and underwent a liver transplant in 2010. “During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest of times.”
The soulful singer-songwriter and rock ‘n’ blues pioneer composed such classics as “Midnight Rider,” “Melissa” and the epic concert jam “Whipping Post.” He fronted his band for 45 years, first alongside brother and co-founder Duane until he was killed in a motorcycle accident November 1971.
The music world was quick to react with grief upon hearing the news. See the tributes as they pour in on social media below.
Rest in peace Greg Allman peace and love to all the family
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 27, 2017
Just got the word
Greg Allman has passed away
Rest in peace brother
You were the best
Dixie had
You will be missed— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) May 27, 2017
My heart breaks today at the passing of soul brutha Gregg Allman. Blessings and peace to all the Allman family. – KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) May 27, 2017
So sad to hear Gregg Allman passed away I admire him so much & had the honour of jamming wth him recently. A gentle soul with so much soul.
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) May 27, 2017
My southern-rock heart is breaking….#GreggAllman https://t.co/VkkzDYF1R0
— Melissa Etheridge (@metheridge) May 27, 2017
RIP Gregg Allman, what a voice… Listening to Allman Brothers “Live at Fillmore East,” a record that never gets old.
— James Valentine (@jamesbvalentine) May 27, 2017
May the Midnight Rider finally cruise next to his big brother Duane on that heavenly road infinity. RIP Greg Allman.
— Tyson ritteR (@tysonritter) May 27, 2017
Prayers and thoughts go out to the @GreggAllman family, friends and fans. Heaven has another amazing musician. God Bless you Gregg. L&R
— MichaelSweet Stryper (@michaelhsweet) May 27, 2017
Gregg Allman, Classic Rock Legend Of The Allman Brothers Band, Dead RIP, Gregg…Our Prayers Are With You, Bro… https://t.co/RwURmekP89
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) May 27, 2017
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Gregg Allman. He was a legend pic.twitter.com/v0CvuZfLYX
— Todd Dammit Kerns (@todddammitkerns) May 27, 2017
IVE TRIED…
WORDS ARE IMPOSSIBLE GUI GUI
FOREVER,
CHOOCH— Cher (@cher) May 27, 2017
never forget….gui
chooch pic.twitter.com/q3BWnnNohp— Cher (@cher) May 27, 2017
This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.