Allman Brothers Band Pays Tribute to Jack Bruce
The death of Jack Bruce yesterday (Oct. 25) caused many to pay tribute to the bassist/singer in their own way. Some chose words, but others, like the Allman Brothers Band, did so musically. Last night, they performed Cream's 'Politician,' which can be viewed above.
Jambase notes that the cover was worked into their performance of 'In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,' which was towards the end of the show. Warren Haynes took over lead vocal duties on the song, as Gregg Allman sat out the second set for an undisclosed reason. The band also paid tribute to their old friend Bill Graham, who died on that day in 1991, with a cover of Van Morrison's 'Into the Mystic,' a favorite song of Graham's.
'Politican' was released in 1968 on Cream's 'Wheels of Fire' record, which also featured classic rock radio staples 'White Room' and 'Crossroads.' The song was co-written by Bruce and Pete Brown. In addition to 'White Room,' the duo also collaborated on such Cream classics as 'I Feel Free' and, with Eric Clapton, 'Sunshine of Your Love.'
The Allman Brothers Band's concert was the fourth of six shows at New York's Beacon Theater -- which has become a second home to them since 1989 -- that will serve as their last-ever shows in their remarkable 45-year career. They will wrap things up on Tuesday, Oct. 28.