Allen Collins, a pivotal and integral founding member of the renowned rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, initially became a part of the group in Jacksonville, Florida, a mere two weeks after the initial gathering of Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Bob Burns, and Larry Junstrom, which marked the inception of the band in the sweltering summer of 1964.
Ronnie Van Zant, the lead vocalist of the legendary Southern rock band, shared a profound creative bond with their guitarist, Allen Collins, resulting in the co-authorship of numerous chart-topping hits that have become synonymous with the band's enduring legacy. Among these iconic masterpieces are the unforgettable "Free Bird", a song that has transcended generations and become an anthem of sorts, as well as the equally legendary "Gimme Three Steps" and "That Smell". As the band's national recognition began to take shape in the year 1973, they found themselves opening for none other than The Who, the renowned British rock band, on their groundbreaking Quadrophenia tour.
In the year 1970, a significant life event took place for Allen, as he embarked on the journey of matrimony with Kathy Johns, with every member of his band serving as a groomsman in this special occasion.
As Kathy was concerned that the band's unconventional hairstyles would potentially offend her parents, Allen and his bandmates took a unique approach to address this issue. In a clever display of camaraderie and showmanship, the band members donned wigs for the wedding ceremony, ensuring that Kathy's family would not be taken aback by their iconic long locks.
The wedding reception, marked by a celebratory atmosphere, played host to a milestone moment in the band's history. It was during this gathering that one of their most beloved and enduring songs, "Freebird", made its debut in front of a live audience. The song's characteristic extended guitar solo, which has since become an integral part of its appeal, captivated the crowd and cemented the band's reputation as masters of their craft.
Allen's family underwent a significant expansion with the joyful arrival of his two lovely daughters, Amie and Allison, whose presence undoubtedly brought immense happiness to his life.
However, fate had other plans, and a devastating event occurred on October 20, 1977, when the Skynyrd plane, carrying the renowned band members, including the esteemed Ronnie Van Zant, catastrophically crashed into a dense forest in Mississippi, claiming the lives of three band members.
Allen Collins, a member of the band, suffered severe injuries in the crash, including two broken vertebrae in his neck and extensive damage to his right arm. Medical professionals advised him to undergo amputation of his arm to prevent further complications, but his father, steadfast in his determination to preserve his son's well-being, refused to consent to the procedure.
Undeterred by the daunting challenges ahead, Allen Collins persevered, and with unwavering dedication, he eventually made a remarkable recovery, his arm miraculously spared despite the initial dire prognosis.
Phil Collins' life took a drastic turn in 1986, when a devastating car accident occurred, resulting in the loss of his girlfriend's life and a profound physical transformation for himself. The catastrophic event left him paralyzed from the waist down, severely limiting his mobility and rendering his arms and hands largely useless. In the aftermath of this tragedy, Collins was forced to confront the consequences of his actions, pleading no contest to the charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol. This harrowing experience had a profound impact on his life and career, ultimately leading to his decision to never again perform on-stage as a guitarist, a profession that had once brought him so much joy and success.
Notably, the life of Allen Collins, a renowned figure, came to a sorrowful end on January 23, 1990, as a result of chronic pneumonia, a severe and debilitating complication that arose from his prolonged paralysis.
He is laid to rest in Jacksonville, Florida, alongside his beloved wife, a poignant reminder of the enduring bond they shared during their lifetime.
