Gregg Allman Heart Tests Cause Tour Delays

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Friday, April 27, 2012

Rock and roll music superstar Gregg Allman has postponed his upcoming book tour in order to undergo preventative tests on his heart.

The 64-year-old explained Thursday that the promotional tour for his memoir "My Cross to Bear" will kick off after doctors confirm his health.

"It's just one of those make-sure tests, you know," explained Allman according to the Associated Press. "My heart goes into A Fib (atrial fibrillation) and does those beats- you know, instead of going du-dun, du-dunn, du-dunn, it goes ta-da-dat-ta-da-doot-doot .There's a little raga in there, somewhere."

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The co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band will undergo tests Friday at The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.

Just two years ago, the music man has a liver transplant due to Hepatitis C and has just recently recovered from the effects. Allman also had hernia surgery related to the transplant, but is unclear if the heart problems are connected to the transplant as well.

Last weekend, Allman felt well enough to attend Florida's Wanee Festival alongside his band mates.

"That's our festival down there," said the singer, keyboardist, guitarist, and songwriter. "The Allman Brothers started it. I didn't play the whole set, but I played both nights. In all I might've done 10 songs maybe. It was a lot of fun."

The band was formed in Jacksonville, Fla. in 1969 by Allman and his brother, Duane, who were supported by Dickey Betts, Berry Oaskley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson. In 1989, the band added new members Oteil Burbridge, Warren Haynes, and Derek Trucks.

The singer noted that his book tour will kick off May 8 as long as his health permits. Also, Allman revealed his desire to tour with the Allman Brothers this summer as a gift to fans.

"I know there's been a lot of people that have had their hearts set- God bless 'em- on seeing me and my boys perform," said the musician. "And because of this virus and all these d----- surgeries, I had to cancel. I've always really held that sacred and [a] no-show I am not. I'd like to extend my apology to them. It's just kind of a bigger bump than I expected in the road, and as of this summer I'll be there with bells on in the future."

Allman was inducted along with the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2006.