Just received a notice from a Rocky Mount, Virginia (just south of Roanoke) venue that Dickey Betts has canceled his May shows and is no longer touring until further notice. The death of his brother Joel, with whom he was very close and shared the same birthday, was cited as being a big reason as to why Dickey is not up to making personal appearances this year.
I wish him the best, and hope this doesn't keep him off the road for an extended period of time.
Love the music he has given us for years....but he should just hang it up.
Your fans love you bro -- best wishes always and thank you isn't enough for the music you've given us
Cancel's more than he performs. I think advance sales are just not there.
Sounds like a good man, that lived a good life.
"Joel Betts, 77 of Myakka Florida, beloved husband and best friend of Marilyn Funderburk Betts for fifty-four years, passed away peacefully surrounded by the ones he loved and lived for on March 5, 2015. As a child he spent his youth hunting and exploring the wilderness of Florida. After spending 4 years in the US Navy Joel went on to become Assistant Director and chief helicopter pilot for Manatee County Mosquito Control. Joel was a skilled carpenter and builder, constructing the house that he and Marilyn have lived in for the past 15 years. Joel was an artist, musician, and thoughtful storyteller, which led him to author a great western novel that he took great pride in. Another of Joel's many talents led him to be featured in Mechanix Illustrated for developing an amphibious all-terrain vehicle that would navigate the marsh lands of Florida. Although Joel's talents were many, his greatest accomplishment was how he lived as a husband, father and wise mentor not only to his family but to all he came to know and love."
sounds like his brother led a good life... I looked at the obituary & the picture blew me away ~ some strong genes in that family ~ looks so much like Dickey & Duane
[Edited on 4/16/2015 by peachygurl]
Had tickets to see him at Ridgefield Playhouse May 30th 🙁
RIP Joel Betts and my condolences to Dickey.
He is entitled to take however much time HE needs to grieve. There is no set timetable for people. Everyone handles loss in their own way and time. For anyone to complain because he cancelled it seems uncaring.
Dickey is a blessed and talented musician, but like everybody else, sometimes life gets in the way when you are doing your job. Right now he needs this time to grieve and help with family affairs. When HE is ready, he will be back on the road again because he is a musician and that's what he does; and those who love his music will be there when he comes to share that with them.
For now I wish him peace.
[Edited on 4/16/2015 by gina]
It's a fine line to walk when discussing this situation. Having lost a brother earlier this year, I understand what he is going through and how rough that is.
However as a fan I also understand that it's frustrating, no matter how legit the reason, that something always comes up and shows always get canceled.
My condolences to the Betts family, but for disappointed fans I understand that as well.
This from Dickey's Facebook page.
This has been a very tough year so far for Dickey Betts. At Christmastime, his brother Joel was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. A few weeks ago, Joel passed away. Dickey and Joel were very close, in fact sharing the same birthday.
Dickey advised me that he has decided to discontinue touring until further notice.
He also wanted everyone who posted condolences to know it meant a lot to him to read them. I hope you join me and respect the privacy of the Betts family at this time.
Signed,
David Spero
Thoughts are with Dickey having lost a brother, father and uncle within 6 months it takes stime to heal. Leave it to phillybob to make an typical dig.
My condolences to Dickey and The Betts Family.
But why stop ridin the horse that got cher here?
This would be a perfect time for Dickey to relax and do an acoustic solo project?
My condolences to Dickey and The Betts Family.
But why stop ridin the horse that got cher here?
This would be a perfect time for Dickey to relax and do an acoustic solo project?
What does Cher have to do with this?
But seriously... my condolences and wishes for peace to the Betts family.
Griff you have a pretty good idea there. I saw Arlo Guthrie's solo acoustic tour a couple years back. He told the audience he had to find his way after his wife passed and that hitting the road was the only thing he knew to do.
It's a fine line to walk when discussing this situation. Having lost a brother earlier this year, I understand what he is going through and how rough that is.
However as a fan I also understand that it's frustrating, no matter how legit the reason, that something always comes up and shows always get canceled.
My condolences to the Betts family, but for disappointed fans I understand that as well.
Point well taken, fans do get disappointed when a show is cancelled because they are looking forward to it. When he performs he is sharing what's inside himself. Right now he is grieving, that takes precedence. When he is the frame of spirit to perform the shows will be rescheduled.
[Edited on 4/17/2015 by gina]
My condolences to Dickey and The Betts Family.
But why stop ridin the horse that got cher here?
This would be a perfect time for Dickey to relax and do an acoustic solo project?What does Cher have to do with this?
But seriously... my condolences and wishes for peace to the Betts family.
Griff you have a pretty good idea there. I saw Arlo Guthrie's solo acoustic tour a couple years back. He told the audience he had to find his way after his wife passed and that hitting the road was the only thing he knew to do.
I don't think he meant Cher, I think he meant cha, the horse that gottcha here. As for that horse, Dickey will be back, even if Pony Boy has to bring him to the gigs.
I don't think he meant Cher, I think he meant cha, the horse that gottcha here.
Yeah, I get that.
