Billy F Gibbons has commented on the passing of his longtime friend Gregg Allman. In a statement the ZZ Top frontman said, “The sudden passing of Gregg Allman leaves us at a loss yet, at the same time, we stand alongside the millions thankful that Gregg was in our lives. Gregg was, of course, a brilliant and intuitive player with a depth of soul reflected in his works in a truly moving manner. Brother Gregg was generous with his talent, his spirit and, of course, his great voice. We were fortunate enough to have been touched by him and those moments remain treasured encounters. Some truly positive, uplifting experiences. Gregg will be remembered as someone who made a big difference in the lives of many and whose sonic legacy continues that memorable course.”

Like the Allman Brothers Band, ZZ Top will be remembered as architects of the Southern rock movements. Gibbons and Allman crossed paths numerous times during the past few decades and Allman toured with ZZ Top as recently as last year. During the Allman Brothrs Band’ 40th anniversary run at New York’s Beacon Theatre, all the members of the Allman Brothers Band even dressed in fake beards when Gibbons sat in for a few selections.