The Allen Collins Band was an American Southern‑rock group formed in 1982 by guitarist Allen Collins, formerly of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band emerged after the dissolution of the Rossington‑Collins Band, a prior project that also featured former Lynyrd Skynyrd members.
History
- Formation: Early 1982, following internal tensions and lineup changes within the Rossington‑Collins Band.
- Members: Core personnel included Allen Collins (lead guitar), Barry Lee Sullivan (bass), Derek Hill (keyboards), and Billy McCarter (drums). Several vocalists contributed on a rotating basis; notable guest singers included Gary Miller and Dale Krantz.
- Recordings: The group released one studio album, Here, There & Back (MCA Records, 1983). The album featured tracks such as “Jerusalem,” “American Rainbow,” and “Saddle Up.”
- Touring: After the album’s release, the Allen Collins Band toured the United States, performing a mix of original material and Lynyrd Skynyrd classics.
- Disbandment: The band dissolved in late 1983–early 1984, largely due to Collins’ growing health concerns and legal issues stemming from a 1986 automobile accident that left him partially paralyzed. Following the breakup, Collins did not pursue further long‑term band projects, though he made occasional guest appearances with Lynyrd Skynyrd reunions.
Musical Style
The Allen Collins Band continued the Southern‑rock tradition associated with Lynyrd Skynyrd, emphasizing dual‑guitar harmonies, blues‑based riffs, and lyrical themes reflecting Southern culture and personal introspection.
Legacy
Although short‑lived, the group's sole album remains a documented entry in the post‑Skynyrd careers of its members and is of interest to collectors of 1980s Southern‑rock recordings. The band's brief existence is also noted for illustrating the transitional period in the careers of several Lynyrd Skynyrd alumni during the early 1980s.
