Southern rock pioneers the Allman Brothers Band have been named recipients of Billboard magazine’s prestigious Legend of Live Award for 2008, to be presented at the Billboard Touring Awards show on November 20 at New York City’s Roosevelt Hotel.
The honor is given annually to music business professionals who have made a significant, long-term impact on the concert industry.
Now in their 39th year, the Allmans continue to be one of rock’s most popular and consistently compelling live acts. The band’s At Fillmore East is only one of two live albums to rank in the top 50 of Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”
“The Allman Brothers Band has rocked the house for four decades,” notes Ray Waddell, Billboard’s executive director of content and programming, touring and live entertainment. “They’re an American institution and concert icons, and Billboard is thrilled to honor them as this year’s Legend of Live.”
The Allman Brothers band lineup features original founding members Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks and Jaimoe, along with longtime members Warren Haynes, Marc Quinones, Oteil Burbridge, and Derek Trucks. ―Jerry McCulley