New York Daily News – by Nicole Bitette
Butch Trucks, one of the founding drummers of the Allman Brothers Band, reportedly took his own life.
A detailed police report and dispatch call obtained by the Daily Mail reveals that Trucks’ wife Melinda frantically called 911 saying her husband had just shot himself in the head.
The musician’s rep confirmed he died on Tuesday, but did not publicize his cause of death, asking fans to respect the family and band’s privacy.
Melinda was unable to form complete sentences when speaking with dispatchers and it was noted in the report that the she had witnessed her husband of more than 25 years pull the trigger, the Mail reported.
The call was made around 6 p.m. on Tuesday and he was still breathing when emergency personnel arrived to his West Palm Beach condo, but died moments later at 69, according to the Daily Mail.
Melinda and her son were waiting in the hallway of the condo when responders arrived. The pair had two adult children together and Butch also had two other children from a previous marriage and four grandchildren.
It is unclear the rocker’s motive for suicide, but reports show Butch — whose real name was Claude — was having financial trouble.
He reportedly sold a Palm Beach mansion for $2 million in 2011 to pay off a mortgage.
The IRS also filed two liens against the West Palm Beach condo for owed taxes totaling more than $500,000, the Mail reported.
Butch was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and first encountered Gregg and Duane Allman at a gig in Daytona Beach, according to Rolling Stone.
The brothers called Trucks to play with them one night after meeting and, years later, they would form the official Allman Brothers Band.
Both Butch and drummer Jai (Jaimoe) Johnny Johanson worked to create the classic southern-rock sound the percussion provided to the Allman Brothers Band’s music.
Butch was named one of the top 10 drummers in rock history by Rolling Stone.
Gregg Allman, who lost his brother Duane in 1971, said he lost another brother this week.
“I’m heartbroken,” Gregg said in a statement. “I’ve lost another brother and it hurts beyond words. Butch and I knew each other since we were teenagers and we were bandmates for over 45 years. He was a great man and a great drummer and I’m going to miss him forever.”
The group broke up and then reunited three times during their run and Trucks went on to play music in his own group, Butch Trucks and the Freight Train Band, after they went their separate ways.
“He reportedly sold a Palm Beach mansion for $2 million in 2011 to pay off a mortgage.
The IRS also filed two liens against the West Palm Beach condo for owed taxes totaling more than $500,000, the Mail reported.”
He had the jews to thank for that, then. Shoulda went on a killing spree against them instead.
Or the IRS.
RIP, Claude.
“tied to the Whipping Post.”
Never was a big fan, Millard. I have their greatest hits cd, that’s it. ‘Midnight Rider’ was probably my favorite.
Oh, so there’s a few fans in the trenches. I’m in good company. Thanks Angel-NYC. 😆
Didn’t the Allman Brothers have 2 drummers? They were a very tight band. Ain’t but one way out babe.
I think that first video Angel-NYC put up is a nice review.
The only band I’ve ever seen live with 2 drummers was Quicksilver Messenger Service, Wade. Don’t know about Allman Bros., though.
probably the last act of defiance to do it in front of his Feminazi wife
like ive said before ,, women can drive a man off to the wacky farm or cause him to do crazy shit like this all because of their drama and constant nagging