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 Phil Walden explained to executives that the band were less of a studio band and that live performances were most important to them. In all, the album featured seven songs spread over four vinyl sides. The album received strong initial sales. While previous albums by the band had taken months to hit the charts (often near the bottom of the top 200), the record started to climb the charts after a matter of days. "At Fillmore East" peaked at number thirteen on "Billboard" Top Pop Albums chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America that October.