At Fillmore East During this time, the group began struggling with drug addictions. Everyone in the group, with the exception of the brothers, was also struggling to make a living (vocalist Gregg Allman received more money from royalty payments and Duane more from session work). In one incident, tour manager Twiggs Lyndon stabbed and killed a promoter for not paying the band; he later claimed temporary insanity. Their fortunes began to change over the course of 1971, where the band's average earnings doubled. The Allman Brothers Band had first played Fillmore East in December 1969, opening for Blood, Sweat & Tears for three
At Fillmore East comparisons with jazz saxophonist John Coltrane (especially Duane's solo-ending pull-offs, a direct nod to the musician). The performance begins with a "long, laconic intro" by Betts employing volume swells, reminiscent of the "dreamy trumpet" used to open songs on Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" (1959). "Whipping Post" (opening in 11/4 time, unusual territory for a rock band) by this point had become one of the longest jams in the band's set; the original album version runs five minutes, while the "At Fillmore East" version exceeds 23. Aside from the opening bassline and lyrics, the two versions are completely unalike. Again,