Search - LIVE AT THE BEACON THEATRE on DVD

Missing a Few Classics But Still Rates 5 Stars

William F. Thompson | Altamonte Springs, Florida United States | 09/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An excellent live concert release from one of the original jam bands. Here The Allman Brothers Band present an uncut 2 Hour and 48 minute concert recorded in March 2003 at The Beacon Theater in New York. Although a few Allman Brothers classics like Ramblin Man, Jessica, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, and Revival are not here they are included on other video releases and what is included here is excellent and worthy of 5 stars. The 5.1 sound and video quality are excellent and the band is as tight as they have ever been. This version of the Allman Brothers Band (Founding members Gregg Allman, Jaimoe, and Butch Trucks, along with longtime band members Warren Haynes, Marc Quinones, and Oteil Burbridge, and more recent addition Derek Trucks doing a good job filling Dickie Betts' shoes) seem to be really enjoying themselves on stage and it comes through in the quality of the music. Besides the concert, the double DVD release also includes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of interviews and behind the scenes footage. There is a also a very good dressing room performance of Old Friend by Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks along with a photo gallery and discography.Here is the Track Listing:1. Ain't Wastin' Time No More
2. Black Hearted Woman
3. Statesboro Blues
4. Woman Across The River
5. A Change Is Gonna Come
6. Maydell
7. Come & Go Blues
8. Rockin' Horse
9. Desdemona
10. Don't Keep Me Wondering
11. Midnight Rider
12. Soulshine
13. High Cost Of Low Living
14. Leave My Blues At Home
15. Old Before My Time
16. The Same Thing
17. Melissa
18. Instrumental Illness
19. Worried Down With The Blues
20. Dreams
21. Whippin' Post
22. One Way Out"

If "Live At The Fillmore" is one of your favorite albums

Richard Smith | Knoxville, Tennessee United States | 10/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Then you've got to buy this DVD. I grew up listening to the Fillmore album for years, and actually owned it initially in 8 track format (that shows my age). I've followed the Allman Brothers through the years and I've never felt that they returned to the magic they had after Duane tragically died. However after watching the DVD I have no doubt that the magic is back.
I always cringe when people refer the Brothers as a "jam band" because most of the modern so called "jam bands" seem to mindlessly riff and wear out the same pentatonic scale in different keys. Duane Allman was a genius and I never thought I would hear a player that could match him in this format. With this lineup the band has returned to form with a skill and mastery of the blues that is phenominal.
From the start it's clear that Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes are a spectacular pair of guitar players. Trucks seems to prefer slide and plays with a reckless abandon that stunned me. Haynes is a more traditional lead player but has an absolute mastery of the techniques and skills necessay to be a great player. The band weaves in and out of songs from their early albums in the 70's to material from their most recent CD "Hittin The Note". Quite frankly I think this band is even better than the original lineup.
I would say I was slightly disappointed with the video, but I enjoyed the audio mix, especially the way they brought Greg's keyboard into the sound.
These guys can play, and for an old fan like me this was an absolutely wonderful experience."

If you loved them before, try this out

Phil Cummings | Memphis, TN United States | 02/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The reviews I've read have mostly been dead on, this DVD rocks. Whether you saw them in the late '60's (lucky you) or just started listening, you MUST see this DVD. I've seen this band countless times since 1990, and this is their best lineup. I hate Dickey isn't there anymore, but those things have passed. One thing you can say, they don't sound like an old band hanging on to the old days. Derek Trucks is probably as good as or even better than Duane (and I've been in fist fights over Duane's abilities vs. other guitarists), Warren Haynes should be cloned and put in about 10 other "jam" bands. The rest of the band is as solid as it gets: Oteil, Jaimoe, Butch & Mr. Quinones and of course, one of the greatest singers in rock 'n roll - Gregg Allman. He sounds clean, refreshed and even looks like he is really enjoying himself for the first time in a while.
If the Allman Brothers band on this DVD changed their name and put out some new albums and toured under that new name, they would be a top 10-20 attraction, but they have the stigma of an old band it hurts them now, too many people think of "Ramblin' Man". Their sound is out of sight now, very jazzy and bluesy on each song's requirements, with a sound that is so crisp and clear, it is just pure dynamite.
I recently took 5 friends to their first show, though they have seen WSP, DMB and others, very established and talented bands, etc 100's of times, they were flat blown away. Their quotes were "you know exactly what is going on because they are so clear and precise", "why aren't there more people here to witness this?".
I've heard every song on here several times (especially the old ones) and this lineup gives an energy that puts this band in a category all alone. PLEASE buy this and PLEASE go see them next time they're in your neck of the woods."

Like Being There

Craig Pinson | Scottsdale, Az. | 09/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having recently seen ABB at the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix I can attest to the fact that this is as close to an actual show you can find without being there. As for the setlist, it is indicative of the sets they have played on their entire tour. The mixture of their older songs, along with the newest additions prove that the Brothers are as vital and strong as ever. If you need proof of who is the greatest white blues singer ever, just listen to Gregg singing Old Before My Time or High Cost of Low Living. The interplay by the two guitarists show where the energy and inspiration the band has found has come from. From the young in years but mature in talent slide playing of Derek Trucks, to the incredible song writing and playing of Warren Haynes shows why he was the person that the band brought in to replace Dickie Betts. But all of this, along with Gregg's soulful keyboards, is anchored by two drummers and a percussionist who lay down a thunderous wall of sound you could walk on. With their latest CD providing a fertile field of new ABB classics, plus the classic ABB songs on this DVD you can immerse yourself in an incredible musical experience. So if couldn't make any shows on this tour this DVD will give you a sample of the beauty and power of the Brothers live, and if did see them you can relive the experience. This one rocks."