My cell phone started going off tonight with multiple calls from Macon, and as I stired from a nap, I turned on my computer to find an email from a friend telling me that Red Dog passed at home with family and loved ones around him in peace at 7 PM tonight. Joseph will be well missed by many, but he is no longer in pain suffering from cancer and is with Duane Allman again. Red Dog was a roadie for The Allman Brothers Band for over thirty years. He wrote “The Legendary Red Dog: a Book of Tails” about his years as a roadie. In the movie Almost famous Zack Ward played the character “Red Dog” dedicated to Campbell.
Before Campbell became a roadie, he was a decorated Vietnam veteran going to college. After hearing the striking slide-guitar piece that Duane Allman added to Aretha Franklin’s recording of “The Weight”, Red Dog was enticed to see Allman perform solo. After a show, he was so impressed he felt compelled to pay Allman his respects. He still speaks of Duane with great respects today. When Duane’s licks struck his ears he recalled it as if the Pied Piper was calling him. Before then music just never sounded that way and just took up space.
In the early days, Red Dog would contribute his disability checks from the government to the band, who considered its road crew a part of the Brotherhood. Red Dog was a much loved person in the town of Macon, Ga, with most recently everyone banning together to throw shows for him to help with medical bills. I myself was very blessed to be able to befriend him and spend time with him before his parting. He was a very sweet, energetic man, even in his hardest days. i remember sitting with him at Grant’s Lounge and fussing over him about staying so long. He was tired and you could tell, but was there to support the bands. The family and closest friends plan an informal get together to celebrate his life, one that was well lived, and to scatter his ashes around his dear friend Duane Allman’s grave. I myself am preparing to head to Macon now. Red Dog will be missed and remembered, but he is now back with Duane, laughing, carrying on and healthy. “The Road Goes on Forever”.
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Excellent tribute to Red Dog! Thank you, Kim, & we will both know that we’ll be reunited one day with him in our heavenly home. Red Dog will never be forgotten even though he is now in the valley of angels.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Ferrasci, Kimberly James. Kimberly James said: Joseph “Red Dog” Campbell Passes. The Road Most Certainly Goes on Forever. | Bold Spicy News http://t.co/00ViWAV via @AddThis [...]
Wonderful piece on a wonderful person.
R.I.P. “Augie”, you will certainly be missed but never forgotten.
The friends and family of Joseph “Red Dog” Campbell are hosting a musical memorial weekend to honor and celebrate his life. On Friday, April 22, 2011 at the Cox Capitol Theatre, there will be a ceremony honoring Red Dog’s Marine Corps service followed by a night of music in tribute to his life-long passion for music and his selfless contribution and service to the The Allman Brothers Band. On Saturday, April 23 the tribute will continue at The Big House Museum with an afternoon of more music and a special evening concert by Col. Bruce Hampton.
Net proceeds to benefit The Estate of Joseph Lawrence “Red Dog” Campbell and Pine Pointe Hospice, Macon, GA. Entry to The Big House Museum on Saturday is $10, however, presenting your ticket stub from the concert at the Cox Capitol Theatre on Friday will give you free admission until 5 pm. At 5 pm the museum will close until 6 pm when the gates to the backyard will open for a Col. Bruce Hampton show. Admission to this show is $10.
Here are the details:
Friday, April 22 2011
The Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second Street, Macon, GA
Tickets on sale now at http://www.coxcapitoltheatre.com or at the box office or by calling 478-257-6391
$20 general Admission, $12 admission if under 21 years of age
Tables and floor seating $50 a seat
7pm Doors open
7:30 Color Guard Ceremony
8pm Musical tribute featuring:
Trufflelina
Xavii
The Lefty Collins Band
Bonnie Bramlett
Dustin McCook
Paul Hornsby
Plus very special guests
Saturday, April 23 2011
The Big House Museum, 2321 Vineville Avenue, Macon, GA
Doors open at 9am
Admission $7 or free with concert ticket until 5pm
Gates to backyard open 6 pm
7 pm – special performance by Col. Bruce Hampton
$10 admission