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Gregg Allman Comments on Frankie Toler’s Passing

Former Allman Brothers Band drummer David “Frankie” Toler died on Saturday, June 4 in Bradenton, FL while in hospice care after a prolonged illness that included two liver transplants. He was 59.

The drummer and his older brother Dan Toler rose to fame as members of the classic 1970s version of Dickey Betts & Great Southern and David Toler appears on the group’s 1978 album Atlanta’s Burning Down. Both Dan Toler and Great Southern bassist David Goldflies joined the reformed Allman Brothers Band in the late ‘70s and David Toler ascended to the group’s ranks in 1980 after founding drummer Jaimoe was fired from the band. The Tolers remained with The Allman Brothers Band through their second break in 1982 and appear on the 1981 album Brothers of the Road. The album spawned the single “Straight From the Heart,” which was a radio hit at the time.

“Frankie was a big part of that era of the Brothers,” Gregg Allman told Relix shortly after Toler’s passing. “We had amazing times and we stayed great friends. I’m gonna miss him.”

After The Allman Brothers Band parted ways, Dan and David Toler continued to perform in Gregg Allman’s solo band. The brothers also continued to work with Allman in the studio and appear on his hit 1986 comeback album I’m No Angel. Though David Toler was not part of The Allman Brothers Band’s two official 1986 reunion shows, he did perform as part of an Allman Brothers Band family reunion tour that same year with his brother, Allman and Betts.

“Frankie was absolutely the best drummer I have ever played with in my entire life,” Dan Toler said in a statement. “He was a part of my life for the past 60 years and to lose him now is just devastating. But I did have the opportunity to grow up with one of the best rock and roll drummers in the world and it was truly a gift from God. I was blessed to have known him.”

The Allman Brothers Band cut ties with the Tolers after their 1989 reunion, but Dan Toler joined the reformed Great Southern in the early ‘00s. Meanwhile, David Toler continued to perform for large crowds as a member of The Marshall Tucker Band from 1992-1994. He also appears on the group’s 1993 release Walk Outside The Line and recorded a pair of albums with his brother as The Toler Brothers Band. More recently, he drummed with the supergroup the Renegades of Southern Rock as well as Dan Toler’s Toler/Townsend Band.

David Toler received two liver transplants in 2009. Around the time, musicians such as Dan Toler, the Outlaws, Gwen Fogts All-Star Band, John Townsend, Johnny Hiland Band and Michael Allman appeared at a benefit concert to help with his medical bills. Though he made a few appearances, the drummer’s declining health prevented him from touring in his final years.

He is the fifth member of The Allman Brothers Band to pass away, following founding guitarist Duane Allman, founding bassist Berry Oakley and two other former bassists, Lamar Williams and Allen Woody. The drummer is survived by his wife, Marsha and their daughter, Aja Kayle.

Comments

There are 14 comments associated with this post

Kyle June 6, 2011, 13:18:23

It doesn’t matter when you were a member…. Another individual from the best live band ever goes down….Sad news!

Hilarie June 6, 2011, 20:44:18

One liver transplant, and only one. Right before Thanksgiving 2008, so its been 2.5 years since he got his new liver. I just prefer accurate info. Frankie, you the man. Love ya. Hil

Kristina Webbb/JET A GIRL June 7, 2011, 19:48:27

Frankie was a great drummer, friend , and brother . I will always cherish his memory and his music . We went back 35 yrs and him and Dan became as much as my family as my own family . They were my family . My prayers are with the whole Toler family and a special prayer for Dan to get well soon too ! RIP Frankie , your now playing in God’s Heavenly Band !

maxthundah June 8, 2011, 08:52:59

Met the Toler bros. back in the 90’s while playing guitar for Floyd Miles…Great guys!!.Great Players!!..a true pleasure to have met them..my sincere condolence’ to the Toler family for their loss ..Rest in Peace Frankie….........

Blues_Lover June 10, 2011, 16:10:59

Mr. Gregg Allman had a Liver Transplant too and I’m reading Natalie Cole’s new book “Love Brought Me Back” who needed and had a kidney transplant. What strength these greats have in the face of health tragedies. Which people can get from a simple transfusion too. I am praying for the strength and energy of the greats. The Allmans are GREATS in my book. I KNOW Mr. Frankie Toler will be sorely missed. R.I.P.

aja toler June 18, 2011, 13:00:21

my father had only one transplant… dont know where anyone gets that he had 2.but to set the record straight he only had one. not a day goes by where i dont miss him….he was loved by so many people.

Mike Bondio June 24, 2011, 02:11:16

I met Frankie once during that time frame where he played with the Brothers at a watering hole not far from the Sanger Theather in New Orleans. About half the Band showed up an jammed with the House Band that was playing there at that time. In the back on the side of the stage I had started a conversation with Frankie. What stuck out to me mostly was he was just a very nice guy, and also seemed very genuine.
My prayers are with the Toler family tonight.

Billy Toth August 12, 2011, 15:29:15

My Band Robbers Roost opened for the Allman Bro’s back in 1981…It was Aug. 2. Hot day both bands were even HOTTER...I still have a photo of Dave on one side of me and Gregg on the other One of the Best days of my Life…R.I.P. Frankie

aj of the automatics September 24, 2011, 08:30:56

we, the automatics had the pleasure of having frankie work with the likes of bobby dilman, gregg v,wally gator, and of aj ,during our time in the quay,we will miss him, frankie you can,t be touch!

P J PAULY October 9, 2011, 20:09:23

LORD YOU ARE AN ANGEL
OF ALL THE YOUNG DRUMMERS IVE KNOWN BEFORE BELIEVE ME THERES BEEN QUITE A FEW ONE STANDS OUT BEYOND THE OTHERS FRANKIE THAT SPECIAL ONE IS YOU

Bill Kibby October 14, 2011, 15:35:48

Met Frankie “David” when he was 13 . he was drumming then . I am blessed to have known him and experienced his friendship . Brother Dan my prayers are with you and David’s family and yours. Always a friend . Bill

Gregg Dobbs October 18, 2011, 18:16:36

I know the toler brothers since childhood.Both of these men are stellar human beings! This is again proof that bad things happen to good people.Love and prayers forever for the brothers!!

Ed Zinner February 27, 2013, 22:22:01

Less than 2 years from the tragic loss of Frankie Toler, the world has lost Dan Toler as well. These two guys were amazing people and certainly great musicians. They will be missed and will live in the hearts they touched forever. The Zinner family

George Soltis February 22, 2013, 10:36:52

Met Dan whn he was in the “new” version of great southern…hung out on the bus with him….what a great guy…and I asked about Frankie and I could tell from his look that it was not a good situation…I have wondered since that day how things were going…I’m very sad to see this….he will be missed…listening to “bullets” right now in fact….