End of the Line

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning "End of the Line" by The Allman Brothers Band from their 1991 album Shades of Two Worlds, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. This track, a gritty blues-rocker, was penned by Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Allen Woody, and John Jaworowicz. According to Warren Haynes in a 1991 interview with Guitar World, the song came together during a late-night jam session, capturing the band’s raw energy after their reunion. Haynes noted that the lyrics reflect a sense of resilience, mirroring the band’s own comeback after years of turmoil. The song’s driving rhythm and soulful vocals made it a fan favorite, often kicking off their live sets during the Shades of Two Worlds tour, as seen in a setlist from their November 28, 1991, show at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto.

Another cool tidbit comes from drummer Butch Trucks, who told the Los Angeles Times in 1991 that the recording of Shades of Two Worlds, including "End of the Line," felt like a return to the band’s roots. After parting ways with keyboardist Johnny Neel, the band slimmed down to a six-member lineup, echoing their original 1969-1976 era. This shift brought a renewed sense of freedom and improvisation, which you can hear in the song’s tight yet loose groove. Fans on the Allman Brothers Band Family Facebook group often rave about how "End of the Line" showcases Gregg Allman’s raspy, emotive vocals, with some calling it one of his best performances on the album.

Now, let’s dive into how The Allman Brothers Band got started. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969, the band was the brainchild of brothers Duane and Gregg Allman. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, the siblings moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, as kids, where they fell in love with music through local rhythm and blues clubs. Duane honed his guitar skills as a session musician at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, backing artists like Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. Gregg, meanwhile, developed his soulful voice and keyboard chops. After playing in various bands like The Allman Joys and Hour Glass, the brothers united with guitarist Dickey Betts, bassist Berry Oakley, and drummers Butch Trucks and Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson to create something new. Their manager, Phil Walden, convinced them to relocate to Macon, Georgia, where they signed with Capricorn Records and debuted with their self-titled album in 1969.

The Allman Brothers Band blended blues, jazz, country, and rock, pioneering the Southern rock genre. Their early years were marked by relentless touring and epic live performances, culminating in the 1971 classic At Fillmore East, which showcased their jam-band style. Despite tragedies like Duane’s death in 1971 and Oakley’s in 1972, both in motorcycle accidents, the band persevered, with Gregg and Betts leading through decades of lineup changes and breakups. Their legacy includes seven Gold and four Platinum albums, a 1995 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and a 2012 Lifetime Achievement Grammy.

Want to keep up with The Allman Brothers Band? Check out their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also connect on the Allman Brothers Band Family Facebook group or visit The Big House Museum website for memorabilia and history. For more fan-driven content, Hittin’ The Web is a great spot to explore. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!