Friends and Collaborators to Honor Late Allman Brothers Band Keyboardist with “Johnny Neel: A Celebration of Life”
“Johnny Neel and The Dave Chappell Band Aug 5 2016” by Tojo45 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Johnny Neel, the storied musician, vocalist and songwriter best known for his contributions to the Dickey Betts Band and the Allman Brothers Band’s second reunion, passed away on October 7. At 70, the foundational figure in Southern rock had lived a life full of musical achievement, touching the lives of countless peers and listeners and embedding his distinctive blues keyboard sound into the heart of his chosen genre. Today, fans will finally have the opportunity to collectively honor Neel’s legacy, as his artistic community bands together to present “Johnny Neel: A Celebration of Life.”
Set for November 19, the tribute to Neel’s life and legacy will stage at Nashville, Tenn.’s 3rd and Lindsey, the artist’s longtime hometown haunt. The performance will feature a six-piece band of Neel’s musical friends, led by guitarist, vocalist and former Allman Brothers Band member Jack Pearson. Jimmy Hall, Adam Wakefield, Shaun Murphy, Criminal Element and Dave Pomeroy will round out the ensemble, with an array of special guests cycling in through the evening to honor the late keyboardist.
100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Neel’s family, to be used for funeral costs and general living expenses for his wife Christine, who cared for Neel in his final years. To properly reflect the bombastic character that Neel was and the warmth he brought into the lives of those around him, the benefit program will go beyond the music; on the planned festivities, Doug Jones–Neel’s close friend and collaborator who shared the news of his passing with the world–shares, “we plan to celebrate his life, Johnny Neel style, with lots of music, food and drinks, and many Johnny stories. There will be a silent auction of memorabilia and other items.”
For tickets and more information on “Johnny Neel: A Celebration of Life,” visit ticketweb.com. Donate to Neel’s family here, and read Relix’s full obituary here.
