_Dino Perrucci_

Gregg Allman and his band were set to kick off their unprecedented ten-night run at New York’s City Winery tonight, but Allman has announced he will not be playing the first two shows of the run tonight and tomorrow.

In a statement posted on Allman’s website, the band said that the singer is taking a few days off due to a vocal chord bruise but plans to return to the stage for the rest of the run starting with the third night of the run on November 9. The first two shows tonight and tomorrow will now be free shows featuring Allman’s band, let by guitarist Scott Sharrard.

“We ask all the Gregg Allman Band fans to come join us and celebrate the music of Gregg Allman, The Allman Brothers and the members of the current Gregg Allman Band tonight and tomorrow at City Winery,” Sharrard says in a statement. “I know that Gregg is very disappointed by the circumstances but he needs a couple days of vocal rest. We are gonna carry on and get the joint warmed up for him. We are also reaching out to some good friends to come down and join in. Let the music play on and you will see us back up there with Gregg come mid week.”

For his part, Allman talked up Sharrard’s gifts as both a accompanist and solo band leader, saying, “I know all about guitar players —I’ve seen the very best — and Scott Sharrard is the perfect guitarist for my band. He understands that you don’t need to play just for the sake of playing; Scott isn’t one of those guys who thinks they’re getting paid by the note. He never steps on the vocals, and leaves plenty of room for everyone else to do their thing, but when it’s time to solo, Scott delivers, boy.”

Although the first two shows of the run are now free and first come, first served, those who purchased tickets to the shows will be given priority. Refunds for the tickets are available through City Winery, and any questions can be directed to [email protected].