Well, last night in Macon was worth every penny. And sounds like it was a big jump up in precision. But it was also a lot more than that, too. Very spiritual night all around.
It makes me very sad to see how little respect Dickey gets on this site from so called ABB fans. This tour isn't about wether Dickey can still bring it or not. This tour is Dickey's way to round things out and perhaps his farewell to the extended family. To see Dickey and Jaimoe together on stage again....in Macon...back where it all began....surrounded by so many excited fans.....brings tears to my eyes. I'm sure Duane, Gregg, Berry and Butch smiled down on them! It's healing time folks! Some people get it, some narrow minded do not.
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by Werner]
It makes me very sad to see how little respect Dickey gets on this site from so called ABB fans. This tour isn't about wether Dickey can still bring it or not. This tour is Dickey's way to round things out and perhaps his farewell to the extended family. To see Dickey and Jaimoe together on stage again....in Macon...back where it all began....surrounded by so many excited fans.....brings tears to my eyes. I'm sure Duane, Gregg, Berry and Butch smiled down on them! It's healing time folks! Some people get it, some narrow minded do not.
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by Werner]
Great post
I drove 1000 miles round trip to see the Macon show. I wasn't expecting 1973 Richard Betts but It was worth every penny I spent and I'd go back tomorrow if I could. There were rough moments and there were moments when Dickey was as Duane once said " The good one" He sounded like a 74 year old man but his voice was strong. It did kind of bum me out to him have to sit down on a stool from time to time. But I need to sit sometimes too and I'm only 60.
He certainly got a lot of respect from his peers. Bonnie Bramblet sang with him, Jaimoe played on Whipping post. I saw Jack Pearson, Johnny Neel, Chris Anderson and Lamar Williams Jr. in the crowd.
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by fast43]
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by fast43]
Werner it's because this site seems to involve a lot of people who for them the Allman Brothers is the last line up. It must be they discovered the band around 2001 or later and were dazzled by Warren, Derek and Otiel like I was dazzled by Duane, Dickey and Berry on the front line when I first saw the band in 1970.
Dickey was much better in Macon. I didn't see the Florida show but the videos of it I watched were hard to hear as the sound was apparently recorded from the audience but one could tell Dickey struggled and even had to sit on a stool. But the years of hard living were showing in 2014 and earlier. Gregg was having the same just not as much until it became impossible to play period.
Dickey has a beautiful home and is a millionaire 40 times over. He is attempting this limited tour because people keep pushing him to play again and to pay tribute to Gregg.
No other lineup can deliver the old songs like the original lineup and the proof is on the live cuts on Eat A Peach and of course At Fillmore East.
If there is a version of Liz Reed by the last line up that equals or tops the original lineup I haven't heard it.
Somebody link it for me so I can stand corrected.
Dickey and Jaimoe are ABB royalty and with Dickey time and lifestyle have taken their toll but he is a huge part of the ABB sound, legacy, history and original material.
If Duane and Berry had lived they may be struggling now. Who knows how the original band would sound today. My brother saw Frank Sinatra not long before Frank died. His voice and range was pretty much gone and he couldn't remember the words so he looked at a TV monitor and still blew the lyrics on one of his famous songs. He stopped and said " I'm sorry folks. I'm so sorry
". A man in the balcony stood up and yelled " That's alright Frank. We are here because we love ya" and he began clapping. Then the entire audience stood and Frank got a 5 minute standing ovation which brought tears to his eyes. Harry Connick,Jr. could have nailed all the lyrics without a TV monitor and sang circles around an 80 year old Frank who smoked and boozed it for decades. But the crowd was there to see a legend one more time. I saw a late BB King show just a couple years before he died. He had to sit and he hit some clams on his guitar and dropped a lyric a couple of times. If it were a new singer/guitar player I would have wanted my money back. But I didn't because I was seeing BB King.
Dickey was much better in Macon. I didn't see the Florida show but the videos of it I watched were hard to hear as the sound was apparently recorded from the audience but one could tell Dickey struggled and even had to sit on a stool. But the years of hard living were showing in 2014 and earlier. Gregg was having the same just not as much until it became impossible to play period.
Dickey has a beautiful home and is a millionaire 40 times over. He is attempting this limited tour because people keep pushing him to play again and to pay tribute to Gregg.
Dickey is playing these gigs for the fans - many of us are lifetime fans who have followed the band since the '70's. Also there are younger fans who have joined the ride as the years progressed. As you pointed out, he's set financially and doesn't need the several thousand $ that these gigs would pay him. Sure - it helps the band mates, but it is Dickey's willingness to go out and play for those who have appreciated him through the years.
To have Duane Betts & Devon Allman along with Jaimoe on the shows is a plus. That says something in itself.
I only wish there would have been a show near me, but it isn't in the making at least for now.
If I had a chance to tell DB "thanks", it would be for the great tunes he has penned and for his unique style of guitar playing.
There are a bunch of musicians on this site who have learned much from Dickey. I for one, hope that I can still be playing guitar and singing at 75 years old.
Thank you, Dickey Betts.
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by MartinD28]
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by MartinD28]
I have seen the videos and at this point I am better off just not saying anything. It is what it is. He is 74 years old. I wish him nothing but the best and will see him perform at a festival in July. My expectations are extremely low so maybe by then with more gigs played I will be pleasantly surprised??? If not I can always cut out early and beat traffic being they are the headliner for the day. I also get Devon and Duane that day along with Little Feet and Hot Tuna so all will be good either way.
It makes me very sad to see how little respect Dickey gets on this site from so called ABB fans. This tour isn't about wether Dickey can still bring it or not. This tour is Dickey's way to round things out and perhaps his farewell to the extended family. To see Dickey and Jaimoe together on stage again....in Macon...back where it all began....surrounded by so many excited fans.....brings tears to my eyes. I'm sure Duane, Gregg, Berry and Butch smiled down on them! It's healing time folks! Some people get it, some narrow minded do not.
[Edited on 5/19/2018 by Werner]
It’s not disrespect, it’s an honest critique of what people are getting for their money...nothing.
Sorry you can’t handle the truth.
Dickey and Jaimoe are ABB royalty
'Nuff said!
Werner it's because this site seems to involve a lot of people who for them the Allman Brothers is the last line up. It must be they discovered the band around 2001 or later and were dazzled by Warren, Derek and Otiel like I was dazzled by Duane, Dickey and Berry on the front line when I first saw the band in 1970.
This isn't the case at all. I've never seen one person here claim the final lineup was the best. For decades fans have come here to chat about Dickey and Duane and Berry, so we all know the legends and histories that you feel the need to recount and retell every other post for some reason. Most of the folks here know and love those well-worn tales, but we all also live in the present, and it's more exciting to discuss the music that is currently being made, that more people here likely witnessed. Most folks are incredibly excited for the remaining ABB family reunion that is happening this year, but there are always going to be a few vocal cranks who will complain that it isn't 1971, or even 1992 anymore. I'm just glad that even in 2018 there is still a little magic to witness from these guys.
