Former Allman Brothers guitarist ‘Dangerous’ Dan Toler has died at the age of 65.
The southern rock veteran had been fighting motor neurone disease, which causes difficulty in moving, swallowing, speaking and even breathing.
Despite being confined to a wheelchair he’d continued to play and perform, until his illness made it impossible in recent months. His friends had arranged a number of benefit shows to help with his medical bills.
A statement on his Facebook page says: “It is with great regret and sadness that our dear friend and loved one, Dan Toler, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. Future service to be announced.
“Please keep Debby and the family in your prayers. We would also ask at this time that you would respect the family’s privacy. The Toler family thanks you for all your love and support.”
The musician joined Dickey Betts and Great Southern in the mid 1970s before joining the Allmans alongside Betts and his brother David ‘Frankie’ Toler in 1979. He appeared on their Enlightened Rogues, Reach For The Sky and Brothers Of The Road albums.
He later played with the Gregg Allman Band alongside Frankie, recording I’m No Angel in 1986 and Just Before The Bullets Fly two years later. After a stint in the Renegades of Southern Rock he formed the Townsend Toler Band with John Townsend in 2009.
He announced his illness shortly after Frankie’s death in 2011, and had most recently been working with his Toler Tucci Band, featuring Chaz Trippy from Gregg Allman’s outfit.
His description of himself on Facebook reads: “God is my love. Debby, my wife, is the woman I love. Playing guitar for my friends and fans is what I love to do. Bringing people to the Lord is my biggest wish to fulfill. Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I do believe.”
source: classicrockmagazine.com