Allman plays on ? better than ever

“There’s going to come a day when I can only sit back and watch,” said Allman. “I want to get in as much playing as I can.”

That’s not physically easy for the legendary Allman who leads his band through two-plus hour shows that are a mix of classic tunes (“Midnight Rider”) and his newer work. Unlike some players that are shadows of their former musical selves, Allman and his band continue to win critical kudos from Rolling Stone (which named the band among the “Greatest Artists of All Time”) and others.

“Kicking off with ‘You Don’t Love Me Anymore,’ with Allman crooning and playing in top form, the night hinted at more blue-hued songs,” wrote Jason Blevins of The Denver Post after the group’s recent show at the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre. “Sorry to take another swing here at the sacred cows, but the Allmans have more talent in their intros and outros than Widespread Panic can muster in the middle of its deepest, yawning jams. Seriously, if you want southern-battered roots rock-n-roll, the search begins and ends at the Allmans.”

Allman spoke about that show, noting that he has a great kinship with the other players that have resulted in the best set of players since his brother died in 1971.

“When we’re together there is no bull****, no paranoia, no credit grabbing,” said Allman. “It’s just seven guys wanting to play music.”

What began as a band built on brotherhoods had its share of turmoil and drama through the years. Allman speaks openly about his past addictions to heroin, cocaine and alcohol. His number one advice to his five kids is to learn from his mistakes.

“I tell them ‘Don’t put anything in your mouth that will shorten your life,’ ” he said. “If you don’t do it, then what I’ve been through hasn’t been in vain.

If you go

The Allman Brothers Band and Phil Lesh & Friends