“Ramblin’ Man,” “Jessica” and “Blue Sky” singer, songwriter and guitar great has spent past three years in retirement at his Sarasota County home.
SARASOTA COUNTY — The Allman Brothers Band that Dickey Betts propelled to pop stardom with his song “Ramblin’ Man” played its final shows in October of 2014. Soon after, the singer-guitarist also responsible for writing the classics “Jessica,” “Blue Sky” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” decided to retire from his own, separate touring career following a hometown performance at Robarts Arena.
Three years later, on Tuesday, his 74th birthday, Betts announced he’s returning to the road. Described by his longtime manager David Spero “as a birthday present to himself” the rock icon has decided “to go out and play a select group of dates.” An email blast has been sent to concert promoters to see what options are available.
“Everywhere I go fans keep saying they want me to get out and play again,” Betts said from his Sarasota County home. “I think the time is right.”
Raised in Manatee County and a resident of Sarasota County in recent years, Betts split with the Allman Brothers Band in 2000 after a ’90s comeback that found the group releasing several acclaimed new studio albums, winning a Grammy for a live performance of “Jessica,” and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Betts would spend the next 14 years mostly touring as Dickey Betts & Great Southern with a first-rate roster of musicians including Betts’ son, Duane Betts, sharing lead guitar duties with him. During that period, Betts only performed his own originals or the blues songs he helped arrange during his years with the Allman Brothers Band.
Before Gregg Allman died May 27, he and Betts rekindled their friendship that dates back to when the two men were among the six founding members of the Allman Brothers Band.
“I’m so glad I was able to have a couple good talks with him before he passed,” Betts said in a statement posted the day Allman died. “In fact I was about to call him to check and see how he was when I got the call. It’s a very sad thing. I, along with the entire Great Southern family, pass along my deepest sympathies to Gregg’s family, friends, and fans.”
The 2018 concert dates will feature Betts peppering his setlists with songs written by Allman, whose credits include “Midnight Rider,” “Melissa” and “Whipping Post.” The 23-minute live version of “Whipping Post” from the Allman Brothers Band’s masterful, breakthrough album “At Fillmore East” famously features the dual lead guitar playing of Betts and Duane Allman.
“I think the fans deserve to hear a few of Gregg’s song as well, so I’m pulling out some classics,” Betts said.
Gregg’s older sibling, Duane Allman died in a motorcycle crash in 1971 and then bassist Berry Oakley met the same tragic fate about a year later. Drummer Butch Trucks died earlier this year.
Betts and drummer Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson are the only surviving members of the original Allman Brothers Band, which pioneered the Southern rock movement with an inspired blend of rock and blues, informed by country and jazz.
“We really gave this a lot of thought as to how and what the show will be,” Spero said. “Even I can’t wait to see it.”
The Dickey Betts Band that will hit the road in 2018 will consist of Dickey and son Duane sharing lead guitar duties.
“Dickey is talking to some of the guys he has played with,” Spero said. “We should know in a couple of weeks who will comprise the band.”
Hell yes.
excited for this. really excited actually. i see it as the last time to see the man live and in person.
so so exciting ... also bringing Melissa , Whipping Post, Midnight rider...
This should be epic on all fronts...
Make no demands I’ll be happy with whatever DB and Band produce .. I was around in the earlier
Days ( for his and mine ) none of us are the same as we really age ... so with that in mind waiting
On the list of dates and places
[Edited on 12/12/2017 by rainy]
Hell yes. I hope he gets some (relatively) heavy hitters in his band so he can fill some larger venues that he deserves to be playing at, and not 500-750 seat clubs/theaters as his last few tours seemed to take him. Whether other ABB alumni or whatever. In any event, I will be looking forward to this for sure.
Happy Day. Hoping he put's together a good band around him. If he doesn't come to the Boston area, I would travel to see him one last time.
Great news that's even better because it was so unexpected. Gregg's passing has made us even more aware of how fleeting time is and how little of it is left to most of us. I'm glad we're getting this chance to see Dickey at least one more time, even if he isn't the home-run hitter he used to be.
My dream tour (which would include Philly area, of course) would have Warren join Dickey for a few shows and Derek join him for a few shows and Jack join him for a few shows and Chuck join him for a few shows. And a percussion unit that included Jaimoe and Marc would be sweet, as well.
Hey, I said it was a dream...
Niiiice.
Count me in if plays in Western New York. He usually likes Rochester and Syracuse, NY.
How about Buffalo this time Dickey?
Nice, I'll be there.
I am so happy that Dickey provides a birthday present on his birthday to all of us. I hope European promotors also show some interest.... I saw DBGS the last time in 2012 in Nuremberg after headlining the Burg Herzberg festival which exists since 1968. I gave him a hug after the Nuremberg concert in the hotel bar. Would like to do it again... Anyway, I might see him on one of my business trips to the US...
I'd be happy to try and see him wherever is closest to me whatever band or setup he chooses to do. I'll keep it positive and say I'm looking forward to it.
Al Paul told me Dickey would be heard from again in a previous post. Thanks Al...I knew you would have the scoop. Wherever Dickey ends up playing...sign me up...I'll be there.
I will go if he is playing close enough to me. I just hope he rehearses.
goddamn Dickey we love ya brother, this is fuck'n awesome news!!! Back Where It All Begins again brother Dickey, this is great!!! try and make it over to New Orleans pleeeeeze! We love ya in the south brother !!!
Niiiice.
Count me in if plays in Western New York. He usually likes Rochester and Syracuse, NY.
How about Buffalo this time Dickey?
He played Syracuse three times one year.
Great news.Looking forward to seeing you on Long Island.The Great South Bay Music Festival would be perfect for you to headline!!!You have alot of fans on the island.Have a great birthday.
“We should know in a couple of weeks who will comprise the band.”
Hope for the best!
He wants to see his fans, that's his present for himself, so give yourselves a big round of applause, and like Gregg said "y'all a great bunch". Happy Birthday Dickey!
Honestly didn't expect Dickey to get back out there. Seems like I saw where he was selling a bunch of gear on the S. FL craigslist fairly recently?? Now it looks like the road might go on a little further! It doesn't get any better than a legend making another run. I hope they make it the most doable tour possible for Dickey wherever those dates may be. Here's hoping time loves a hero and he kills it.
Would love a stop at The Beacon 🙂
maybe he could just pop into the Sunshine fest & do a jam with Derek just to loosen up. After all it is just up the road from him & would be a great beginning next month.
If Dickey does end up playing some shows again, I hope he can get some guys who will challenge him musically. I would love to see a lineup that includes Berry oakley jr on Bass and jack pearson.
[Edited on 12/13/2017 by fender31]
Great topic, Great hopes, This is like digging an old pair of boots you love out of the back of the closet, one more ride.... The unfolding details should be interesting!
It's a fascinating question - would he use the same musicians he has had in GS, or look elsewhere?
Would he ask any of the ABB crew? That could be Chuck Leavell, Jaimoe, Quinones...I'm assuming Warren and Derek have their hands full.
Will we get a Warren or Derek sit-in? It seems like it would have to happen.
Will it be mostly ABB greatest hits, like his sets from his last years of touring, or would we get some surprises?
Only one way to start the DB 2018 tour. At the Beacon on 12/31/17 with the Mule. Hope DB's management sees this. BTW, first post, but first show was 12/70. Been reading you guys since day one. Much joy, especially in '09 and '14.
Glad You jumped in otiel2014! Stop back and hang with us on this one, exciting for for Dickey fans everywhere..........Peace.......joe
I hope that Dickey indeed members of the last GS incarnation, in particular Andy Aledort.
They were smoking in 2008, check the Rockpalast DVD.
I hope Dickey plays at Wanee.
I hope that Dickey indeed members of the last GS incarnation, in particular Andy Aledort.
This is just the type of thing that will keep me at home. Too much of an attempt to sound like the old Brothers.....No thanks.
