Duane Allman’s Last Show, Recorded to Cassette, to Be Released For the First Time

The Allman Brothers Band is set to release a recording of their last-ever show with leader Duane Allman, entitled The Final Note.

The set, recorded to handheld cassette by then-18-year-old journalist Sam Idas, was captured on October 17, 1971 at the Painters Mill Music Fair in Owings Mills, Maryland, and features some of the band’s most notable hits, including Statesboro Blues and Whipping Post.

Just 12 days after the show, the guitarist was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident aged only 24.

The release will include never-before-published photos from that night’s show, extensive liner notes from Allman Brothers Band archivist John Lynskey, plus a photo of the actual cassette Idas used.

“My only intention was to record the interview [with Gregg Allman],” Idas says. “This was a brand-new cassette recorder with an internal microphone, and I had one 60-minute cassette tape. I was sitting there with the recorder in my lap, and I remember thinking 'Why don't I try this out? I can record the concert!' It was a totally spontaneous decision.”

The Final Note will be available from October 16, and the setlist is as follows:

1. Statesboro Blues
2. Trouble No More
3. Don't Keep Me Wondering
4. One Way Out
5. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
6. Hot 'lanta
7. Whipping Post