Monday, August 1, 2011

UPDATED 8/10: Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dan Toler battling Lou Gehrig's disease

Dan Toler publicity photo
courtesy of Catbone Unreleased Music & Film, LLC.
Photographer: Jeffery Scott Frayer.
UPDATED 8/10: Check out the new website HelpDanToler.com. Also, please note the photo credit below.


UPDATED 8/2: "Former Allman Brother battles ALS"
-----
Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist and Manatee County resident Dan Toler has gone public about his worsening battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease).

His younger sibling, drummer David “Frankie” Toler, died June 4 at Tidewell hospice care in Bradenton after a prolonged illness following a liver transplant.
 
He was 59.


Danny and Frankie had played together in the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern as well as several other projects.

Allman Brothers Band featuring Dan and Frankie Toler performing "Whipping Post" live in Gainesville, 1979




A swollen vocal cord has made it impossible for Toler to speak above a whisper in recent months.

So he has used Facebook to issue a stirring "Note to Family, Friends & Fans:"

"First of all I thank each and every one of you for being such good people and I want all of you to know I love you very much with all my heart and soul," Toler writes.

After acknowledging his friend, fellow local guitarist Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt (Iron Butterfly, Captain Beyond), Toler continues: "We are both fighters and a couple of strong willed men that happen to love playing music for our family, friends and fans. We both have been dealt a tough way out of this life.

Dan Toler  honoring his brother Frankie on June 25, 2011. By Wade Tatangelo

"Jesus Christ is going to take care of the both of us and just maybe a cure will come along. Rhino has the liver to deal with and I have been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Neither one of us know how much time we have left but then again this is true with each and every one of us. I know in my heart without God I am doomed. I thank my wife Debby Toler for taking care of me like no other person in this world could. She has been my rock for many many years and I love Debby with all my heart and soul. Thank you Lord for having Debby in my life.


I hope you people come out to Aces on Aug. 13th as there will be some killer picking happening for sure with (performers) like Greg Poulos, Sean Chambers, Tony Tyler, Tucci Band, Matt Facciolla, my band will be there performing, Mike "Louie the Lip" Logan and a possible jam at the end with other fine pickers. Should be fun. Maybe Larry Reinhardt might sit in and pick one with me. Who knows who will show up and play.

I love doing benefits for people that need help and I never ever thought a benefit would have to be held for me. It definetly breaks my heart but I want to thank everyone helping out with this event. Chaz Trippy, Angie and Todd Cook, Tom Mossman, Don Carrington (Mr. Pink Ball) Steve Tucci, Glenn Halverson and I know I am leaving out some names therefore please forgive me.

Without our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ there is no reason to exist and He is offering everlasting life to all who believe in Him. Trust in the Lord. May God bless you all and keep you forever, Amen.

Your Friend,

Dan Toler"


Benefit for Danny Toler
Starting at 4:00 p.m. with Greg Poulas & Friends, Mike Kach, Greg Voorhees, Frankie Lombardi, Tucci Band; at 5:00 p.m. Billy Rice 6:00 p.m. Jack Elka, Bill Huff, Todd Cook, Chaz Trippy, Matthew Facciolla Band, The Dan Toler Band (Dangerous Dan Toler, Chaz Trippy, Gary Guzzardo, Jeff Artabasy, Mike Hensley, Tony Tyler, Dani Jaye, Lauren Mitchell) and the Sean Chambers Band.
4 p.m. Aug. 13 to 1 a.m. Aug. 14
Ace's -Bradentons Live Music Venue
4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton
Information: (941) 795-3886 or http://4aceslounge.com.

If you are unable to attend Danny's Benefit but would like to make a donation you can send a check payable to Dan Toler and send it to:

Ace's Bradenton's Live Music Venue
Dan Toler
4343 Palma Sola Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34209

12 comments:

terry sack said...

Love You -=DDT=-

~ cap'n

Anonymous said...

*Please Try To Join Us Folks On 08/13/2011 For This Special Benefit, For Such A Great God Love`n Friend Of Mine An Many Others. . Hope To See U'All There! Saturday, August 13 at 4:00pm - August 14 at 1:00am
Thanks, An Say A Prayer For Dan An His Family, An Also One For Your Many Friends. . U Never Know What's Around The Corner Day By Day. .
Luv Ya All. . LD

Anonymous said...

Danny,
Enjoyed watching your band play and
how young we all use to be! Hang in
there!I can't be at your benefit but will be thinking about you and praying for you.
Love your cousin,
Carlene

Anonymous said...

Uncle Danny,
Sorry I meant to put from your neice
Carlene
It is that old timers!! Ha

Anonymous said...

Danny, You know how far back we go and all the memories we shared together. I love you brother and am praying for you with everything I got. I feel so fortunate to be able to call you my friend. I know God, Debbie, Danielle, and all your friends will give you the care, love, and strength you need!! Love ya!! Matt Peterson

william mcclay said...

hi danny i hope to see you soon when you come up to indiana.i dont like to say half brother to you.to me you are my brother and i hope you the best.delores wishes you the best .wild bill

Anonymous said...

We will definitely be there!!
We live about a mile from Aces. I would NOT miss out on helping out someone who brought so much entertainment to my life!! These folks that performfor us never really know what impact they have on our lives....Will be there and posting to my Facebook so all my local friends will see also!!
Hang in there!!!
Blessings to your and your family!
Karen R.
Bradenton FL

pstrphil said...

Bro. Dan,

Your friends at Christian Retreat love you and are praying for you! God is going to do it! We miss you in the CR Worship Band and look forward to seeing you on the 13th. Keep the faith and that loving smile!

Blessings,

Pastor Phil & Jannette

Anonymous said...

Big Dan, Just wanted to send a little love. You, Frankie & Debbie have alway been very kind to me (& my brother Jay). We had some great times, Thank you!

Gary Allen

rusty garner said...

thinking of you....prayers to you.
met you,frankie and the rest of the band years ago with greg allman in montgomery alabama.
you were a real good guy...made a lot smile.....best wish's to you.

jack said...

God speed Dan, im still hurting over the loss of your brother, please accept my condolences on that and my prayers for you and your family, respectfully okie jck, nashville tn

Anonymous said...

Im your biggest fan ive seen you play over 200 times. ive spoken to you several times. your playing on mathews arrival always amazed me. i loved when you and frankie would do the wild jam together on whipping post. new years eve at center stage atl., dothen ala.,lanierland with steppenwolf,orlando jazz fest,orange peel asheville,1979 legend valley ohio, im on the gainesville fla video,so cool how your guitar is reflected in sunglasses.thank you.you were always very nice when i spoke to you dmckee@pisgahinstitute.com