Gregg Allman Remembered During Emotional Onstage Tributes [Watch]
Travis Tritt called him an influence. Jason Aldean says Gregg Allman was a hero. In the days after the Southern rocker's death, stars like Eric Church and Keith Urban took to the stage to honor him in song.
Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band and Aaron Lewis were three others to take a moment to sing an Allman Brothers Band song or reflect on what an influence the 69-year-old had on their lives or music. Most chose "Midnight Rider." In this video you'll find clips of Lady A and Church covering the song during separate weekend performances. Lewis also delivered a slow, bluesy version of the classic rock mainstay. Lady A picked up the pace, while Urban weaved lyrics of his own "You Gonna Fly" into the track's opening melody.
Country Stars Pay Tribute to Gregg Allman
Zac Brown Band chose "Whipping Post" as their tribute song to Gregg Allman, playing the song during a show in New Hampshire over Memorial Day weekend. The Allman Brothers Band came out of Macon, Ga., a fact that Aldean says made a major difference in his life.
"He was such an inspiration to so many of us that tried so hard to imitate him but could just never quite do it the same," Aldean wrote. "Thanks for the music and thanks for making me believe I could achieve my music dreams too. RIP Gregg Allman."
The exact cause of Allman's death was not originally revealed, but CNN reports that he died of complications from liver cancer. He'd battled various health issues for years. Rumors that he'd entered hospice surfaced in April, but his team vigorously fought them off, saying he was just resting. In March he canceled all 2017 tour dates.
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