Just Before the Bullets Fly

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Just Before the Bullets Fly" by the Gregg Allman Band from their 1988 album of the same name. This bluesy rock anthem, written by Warren Haynes, John Jaworowicz, and Williams, is a gritty tale of dodging danger and living on the edge. According to the lyrics, the song’s narrator is hightailing it out of a risky love affair, singing, “Well you’ve got this jealous husband / And I’m far too young to die.” It’s got that classic Allman vibe—soulful, raw, and full of swagger. The Los Angeles Times called the track “a fine, contemporary blues with an affirmatively chunky rhythm conveying the confidence of a well-tested survivor,” perfectly capturing its road-hardened spirit.

One juicy tidbit about the album comes from Gregg Allman’s memoir, My Cross to Bear, where he shares that another track, “Ocean Awash the Gunwale,” was inspired by a near-death experience after an overdose. While this doesn’t directly tie to the title track, it gives you a sense of the heavy, personal stakes behind the album’s creation. On X, a 2017 post from @GreggAllman asked fans for their favorite track from the album, sparking love for “Just Before the Bullets Fly” among diehards. Fans on Amazon reviews also rave about the song, with one calling it a standout for its “great singing, great playing,” alongside other favorites like “Slip Away” and “Island.”

Now, let’s rewind to how Gregg Allman got his start. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1947, Gregg was raised alongside his brother Duane by their mother after their father’s tragic death. Music became their refuge. As teens, they formed early bands like The Allman Joys and The Hour Glass, with Gregg’s soulful voice and keyboard skills complementing Duane’s blazing guitar. According to The Allman Brothers Band official site, these early groups laid the groundwork for their groundbreaking sound. In 1969, they founded The Allman Brothers Band, blending rock, blues, country, and jazz to birth Southern Rock. Gregg’s songwriting shone through hits like “Whipping Post” and “Midnight Rider,” cementing his legend status.

After Duane’s tragic death in 1971, Gregg forged a solo career, releasing his debut album Laid Back in 1973, which earned critical acclaim for its eclectic mix of rock and R&B. His 1987 solo hit I’m No Angel went gold, paving the way for Just Before the Bullets Fly. Gregg’s resilience and passion for music kept him performing with both The Allman Brothers Band and his solo outfit, Gregg Allman & Friends, until his passing in 2017.

For more on Gregg, check out his official website at greggallman.com. Connect with fans on Facebook, Instagram, and X. You can also join the vibrant community at The Allman Brothers Band official site or dive into fan discussions on The Allman Brothers Band Fans Facebook group. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!