Cash grab...? I'm sure we all know how extremely difficult it is today to make money in the music business. You make the cash or your perish. Pretty simple. Bands, individuals, do what they have to do to survive. Using one's name to gain some support is not a bad thing. It's having the name, and chops, and allowing it all to go to shit because you're too proud to use the name. That bothers me more. So kudos to these guys. I want to see, and have seen Duane and Devon... it would be ashamed to allow their talent to go by the wayside. Capitalizing on a name, especially if it's Allman, or Betts, or Oakley is good in my book. Also, this doesn't seem like a nostalgia act... ? On their current tour they play mostly covers and originals, with very few ABB tunes.
[Edited on 11/5/2018 by revonah]
I’m looking forward to hearing it.
My only quibble - & it's minor - is that the name/abbrv. is ABB. If they're really stepping out to do new music, personal stuff, & some of the original, then lose the initials. They could be AB, ABO, or just use their last names.
My only quibble - & it's minor - is that the name/abbrv. is ABB. If they're really stepping out to do new music, personal stuff, & some of the original, then lose the initials. They could be AB, ABO, or just use their last names.
I thought about that at first but then figured why not pay some respect? I just hope it’s a knock the socks off record and tour right out of the gate.
They're both good musicians. I've seen Devon a few times and his shows were fun.
Seems like a cash grab. Too bad they can't come up with something apart from the ABB.
Nah, a cash grab is the Dead's 50th Fare Thee Well Shows.
These guys have been playing all year, all over the country, in all kinds of venues, to build a following and assess their next steps. They have done nothing but be gracious to fans, and respect their fathers' legacies. They are proud of them, and proud of the heritage and also want to forge their own way. I think their aim is true, and oh...they can really play. Good for them, they carry the torch in an exemplary way
Seems like a cash grab. Too bad they can't come up with something apart from the ABB.
Nah, a cash grab is the Dead's 50th Fare Thee Well Shows.
These guys have been playing all year, all over the country, in all kinds of venues, to build a following and assess their next steps. They have done nothing but be gracious to fans, and respect their fathers' legacies. They are proud of them, and proud of the heritage and also want to forge their own way. I think their aim is true, and oh...they can really play. Good for them, they carry the torch in an exemplary way
Well said, Jonesy. Completely agree
quote:
Seems like a cash grab. Too bad they can't come up with something apart from the ABB.Nah, a cash grab is the Dead's 50th Fare Thee Well Shows.
This.
quote:
Seems like a cash grab. Too bad they can't come up with something apart from the ABB.Nah, a cash grab is the Dead's 50th Fare Thee Well Shows.
This.
X2
And, it's not Dweezil Playing Familiar Music From His Dad, it's Zappa Plays Zappa.
"Is that a real poncho or is that a Sears poncho?"
They're both good musicians. I've seen Devon a few times and his shows were fun.
That's how I feel about them as well. I saw Devon open for Gregg on New Year's eve in 2008 and it was great but I would only go to a show if it's local and not far away, and I personally would not want to pay a lot to see Devon or Duane Betts at the Beacon, but YMMV.
Seems like a cash grab. Too bad they can't come up with something apart from the ABB.
Nah, a cash grab is the Dead's 50th Fare Thee Well Shows.
These guys have been playing all year, all over the country, in all kinds of venues, to build a following and assess their next steps. They have done nothing but be gracious to fans, and respect their fathers' legacies. They are proud of them, and proud of the heritage and also want to forge their own way. I think their aim is true, and oh...they can really play. Good for them, they carry the torch in an exemplary way
Well said, Jonesy. Completely agree
I agree as well.
Saw them twice last year and they've already scheduled a return trip to Homer.
We'll be there for that one.
At first when I realized it would be called ABB again, I hesitated, especially since Jaimoe & Dickey are still living. I have to think Duane ran this by Dickey first, since they are really tight? Then I decided what the hell...all 3 of those boys can play and two out of three are named Allman and Betts, so why not? Cant run from their heritage, especially since they are all so proud of it, so might as well embrace it. They arent just a nostalgia act, either. I would hate to see the original ABB music just fade away. At least these boys will keep it alive while working on their own music, too. Its a win for everybody. Id rather see them playing their Daddy’s stuff than some cover band. It will never be like the original band, because the sons didnt write those iconic songs, but it keeps the legacy alive and I will definitely go see them. I just have no illusions that Gregg & Dickey are up there playing. That’s the hard pill to swallow.
Devon & Duane put on a great show and write good material of their own .....So more power to them.
This band is literally the answer to my prayers. It always makes me happy to see kids carry on the musical legacy of their fathers. I'm especially glad to see they're going to tour.
Devon, if you're out there, please bring this tour to the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival! I'm looking forward to seeing the Allman Betts Band this summer!
At first when I realized it would be called ABB again, I hesitated, especially since Jaimoe & Dickey are still living. I have to think Duane ran this by Dickey first, since they are really tight? Then I decided what the hell...all 3 of those boys can play and two out of three are named Allman and Betts, so why not? Cant run from their heritage, especially since they are all so proud of it, so might as well embrace it. They arent just a nostalgia act, either. I would hate to see the original ABB music just fade away. At least these boys will keep it alive while working on their own music, too. Its a win for everybody. Id rather see them playing their Daddy’s stuff than some cover band. It will never be like the original band, because the sons didn't write those iconic songs, but it keeps the legacy alive and I will definitely go see them. I just have no illusions that Gregg & Dickey are up there playing. That’s the hard pill to swallow.
I understand the 'what about Dickey?" feelings people have. I also know that there have been inconsistencies in his playing over the years. Some nights he is spot on and nobody can touch him, other nights no. He just had neuro surgery he needs to get back in his groove. If he sits in with them, it would probably blow the roof off the place, but the rigorous tour schedule that they are doing might be too demanding right now.
Dickey needs to decide what he wants to do musically, and he has his own band. I'm sure he'll be checking out his son and see what he's up to, and be the proudest papa in the house. It is a great compliment to see your son want to play your music and actually do justice to it.
As to the name of the band, both earned the rights to put their last names into it. It's not like they are calling it The Brothers, it is a compilation of the music of both of them merging together, playing off each other. I think it is a good decision. It lets you know, hey we are here, and it will give them the recognition they need. There is nothing wrong with that. They are on parity with each other it is Allman and Betts as a combined band. It's good, so are they, rock on!
[Edited on 11/7/2018 by gina]
I am excited for this. Already got my tickets for the Huntington show in April.
My only quibble - & it's minor - is that the name/abbrv. is ABB. If they're really stepping out to do new music, personal stuff, & some of the original, then lose the initials. They could be AB, ABO, or just use their last names.
Yeah that could rub some the wrong way. On the other hand, it could be a sign of respect. Not sure if this is applicable but what about The Count Basie Orchestra? That has gone on for decades hasn't it?
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
Devon was OK in NYC in July, but I didn't see an improvement over what I saw a few years ago. I thought he looked disheveled and not in best shape. Duane Betts came across much more professional. I hope they do well, but what happened to woodshedding in retreat and surprising people with creative output? Go rent a Big Pink and disappear for awhile, boys......
My only quibble - & it's minor - is that the name/abbrv. is ABB. If they're really stepping out to do new music, personal stuff, & some of the original, then lose the initials. They could be AB, ABO, or just use their last names.
Yeah that could rub some the wrong way. On the other hand, it could be a sign of respect. Not sure if this is applicable but what about The Count Basie Orchestra? That has gone on for decades hasn't it?
Lots of the so-called Big Bands changed personnel throughout the years so there was never a fixed band and a few continued w/o the original leader after his death.
As I said, it's a small quibble that might bother purists especially since DB is still performing. Calling it The Allman Betts Band ignores Berry Oakley Jr. if he's a full time member as the article says. Whatever they call themselves, they're not going to be confused w/the ABB.
It is kind of a bummer Berry isn't mentioned in the name of the band, knowing what his dad was to the original ABB (if he is a full time member) --
I love what they're doing -- there can be no greater tribute to one of the best bands ever, & It's Not Just Copying Them Either 
-- they too can really play, the Allman Betts Band will have its own sound -- thank you Devon, Duane, Berry et al! -- Keen to see the show!
Nothing wrong with tapping into a built in audience and creating new music in the meantime. From what i understand, they will be recording a new record at Muscle Shoals in the capable hands of Matt Ross-Spang. None other than Chuck Leavell will guest on the record. Not too shabby. I'm really rooting for the boys to have big success and keep the music that greases all our wheels alive.
All of you old timers ( looking at you Bird! 😮 ) should get behind this project 100% and support the effort. If they fall on their collective faces, oh well... they tried.
Lastly, how about that Johnny Stachela on slide guitar? West Coast legend who I've attended many shows with. This kid can bring it. I'm excited!!
Too bad they can't come up with something apart from the ABB.
Yeah, I'm wondering why the band name has to include their last names?..Sure they're paying homage and keeping the music alive...But, would it not have meant more for their success as individuals if their playing and songwriting skills were up front?..Causing people to take notice because of the music?..and not their last names?...Isn't that how their Parents did it
Devon was OK in NYC in July, but I didn't see an improvement over what I saw a few years ago. I thought he looked disheveled and not in best shape. Duane Betts came across much more professional. I hope they do well, but what happened to woodshedding in retreat and surprising people with creative output? Go rent a Big Pink and disappear for awhile, boys......
I have to admit, when I saw this post by our own beloved, out spoken and wizened bird72, it burned my ass! Why? Because I am fond and somehow feel protective of Devon, my wife and I introduced ourselves as being on the web site here back in 2006 at a bash for one of his buddies birthday. Honeytribe performed, 10$ cover. Anyway Devon made us his personal guest, let us have run of his dressing room, all drinks on house (LOTS) etc! After show we look to find him to say goodbye, he outside 10 degrees, on his phone saying goodnight to Family and Kids. Left us with a hug and now we are aquatences of the road!!! He's a fine Young Man!
Thing is, bird's post is pretty much on the money, from what I saw this summer. Duane Betts is deadly serious about his music, he has great chops, great and familiar yet individual tone, his axes sound great, he has access by blood to one the finest American song list! He is the damn spitting image of his Dad. I don't view Devon as a vituoso musician like his Dad or Uncle, but why not view him as himself, kind of a Ronnie Hawkins type band leader, he has a more than adequate guitar and vocal gift and I feel exceptional entertaining, writing, band leading and the ability to assemble a great and entertaining cast of talent, there were probably 8 musicians traveling with the tour this past summer, I would love to see every single one of them on the road as the same type traveling caravan again, plus the addition of Berry Oakley jr.............Peace..........joe
Seems like a cash grab. Too bad they can't come up with something apart from the ABB.
They were born with their names and have every right to use them professionally.
Musically, they also earned the right (competency wise) to play ABB songs and keep the music alive in the hearts and minds of fans who love it as well as fans who are new to the music. The legacy of the music continues because of them, so this notion of 'cash grab' is unfounded.
Too bad they can't come up with something apart from the ABB.
Yeah, I'm wondering why the band name has to include their last names?..Sure they're paying homage and keeping the music alive...But, would it not have meant more for their success as individuals if their playing and songwriting skills were up front?..Causing people to take notice because of the music?..and not their last names?...Isn't that how their Parents did it
I remember some people talking crap when Duane died saying that the band should not call themselves the Allman Brothers because they only had one Allman left in it. Should they have changed the name of ABB when he died?
Sometimes I wondered if they should have changed it because the band was so different different. There was an energy they just didn't have anymore and never had again. Butch and Jaimoe mentioned that several times. In one interview Jainoe said after Duane AND Berry split the vibe changed and we lost an energy that was gone and no matter how well we played it was not the same.
But change it to what? After Jerry died the Grateful Dead became The Dead.
The band had pretty much decided on Beelzebub but Phil Walden wanted Duane's name used. They had Allman Act and Allman band in the mix and they voted and Allman Brothers Band was in the hat more than others. I cant think of which members voted for that but according to Alan Paul's fine book Dickey much later said he regretted voting for that name. But personally I've never seen Dickey interviewed where he objected to the name.
I just thought of the instrumental Berry Oakley wrote right before Christmas. The Road to Calico. But it evolved into Standback when Gregg got hold of it and added some changes and words.
I recall when "The Brothers" was being thought about because the rest of the band were all brothers of the band, but they decided to just keep it as it was. The band evolved because different people came and went so of course it had to change.
Duane Betts and Devon Allman's band is their own. It is not a metamorphosis of ABB, it embraces what ABB was and keeps the music alive, but they have their own stuff to present. People should accept it and enjoy it.
