Yeah, looks like there has been some pm harrassment going on, noticed another member with same complaint.Shrug it off man. The web tends to bring out the worst in us, probably because we aren't accountable.
Btw I read the Alan Paul Guitar World article where Joshua Jacobson mentioned you introduced him to Betts, who then recorded on his record. Pretty cool! A guitar player's dream break.
Congrats on having Dickey Betts appear on your album. How did he end up playing on “Pistol Packin’ Papa”?
I met Dickey through a mutual friend who Dickey calls "Luke the Drifter." Luke called me years back and told me he was cooking for Dickey at his Myakka River party [in Florida] and told me if I ever wanted the chance to meet the cat, this was it.
I flew down and Luke called Dickey at home to tell him he had a friend coming who plays “all of that Robert Johnson and Blind Willie McTell stuff.” Dickey told him to come on over, and we showed up with a 5-gallon bucket full of Bud and my old Stella 12-string.
____________________________________________
Good stuff Luke, keep on keeping on man!
[Edited on 5/31/2018 by Wayne]
Positivity is way better than negativity
and it’s a healthy choice
Oh and yes great insite on Luke 
I finally saw some video of the Macon show. First, I’m a HUGE Dickey Betts fan. I’ve seen the Allmans over 50 times, but only got to see Dickey play with them once, which was my first ever Allmans show in 1999, along with Derek I believe. Nobody was better than Dickey. I think it’s obvious to everyone with ears that he can no longer play, but that’s not the point. I think it would be kind of foolish to buy a ticket to see him and then be shocked that he doesn’t sound like Live at the Fillmore. I’m still thrilled that he’s playing, for nostalgia reasons. If he’s doing the tours as a farewell, I’m on board with going to see him, which will be in July at Peach. I say he should play until the good Lord tells him otherwise.
Yet this abject fawning does him and his legacy a disservice: better he just held court at The Big House Museum, sort of like a book-signing
After watching video of both the "Practice" show and the Macon performance, I thought the same thing. Now, the videos are out there and well, I hope someone close to him cares enough to speak the truth. I choose to remember the Dickey I saw at Winterland, with the Bros. and as Richard. The "WLD" Tour or being at the KMET Live simulcast w/Great Southern in 1977. The ABB I saw numerous times in 1979 and again in 1980. The Dickey Betts band where I first heard and saw Warren Haynes in 1989 just before the band's relaunch that same year when I was in the crowd at The Shoreline Ampitheater...and on and on....But this was not even close.....
He can still play. I watched him up close playing rhythm and also saw some moments of brilliance at other times. I couldnt help but wonder what was going on behind those solemn eyes while he was there, He must have had nerves of steel to tamp down the emotions that came with that particular venue and being only 1 of the 2 surviving band members...then to be paying tribute to Gregg by playing a couple of his songs he hasnt played in 18 yrs. If it was overwhelming for most of the audience, just think about what it was for him, looking back at all of it as a senior. Like somebody else here said....if you cant take anything into consideration other than ticket price and your desire for him to live up to your overblown expectations for a 75 yr, old., then do yourself a favor and stay home. Dont disparage the man and make a point of trying to ruin it for everybody else. Anybody who actually expects him to be the axe slinging, renegade of his youth deserves to be disappointed, because they havent grown up yet themselves and experienced what comes with age. His catalog alone gives him the right to say a hardy f-you to any of his detractors. I do, however, miss the days when he would probably drop-kick your ass across the room if you said something stupid.
I haven’t really gotten this involved in yrs but
Well I love reviews from people at shows and even then our interpretations of what we see n hear are different . Sounds are different in the locations of the theater as well .
Do you really think that DB doesn’t know that he’s 74 on the heels of 75 ... that he’s not what he once was ???? he said it in an interview . Did you miss that . Why must people bring up when he was 34 44 54 64 etc None of us are what we were when we were young .. stop
You look ridiculous when you make comparisons from then to now .
If you don’t like the man stay off the topic create another one that interests you . DB interests most of us on the ABB site ... ya dig
I’m fan of his I will support him forever .
He reaches right in there where some of us live n breath n touches a musical cord no one else can . I’m sorry for you if you haven’t experienced that . That could be why your so bitter
Blue sky’s baby let your soul shine
No one knows what these original men meant to each other . Only they know ... the connection between Gregg n DB was healed n that makes me very happy .
Maybe you should go to a show , see a musical legend in the caliber of DB n ask him to sign your precious guitar .
Loved to see you post a picture of that.
Geez
Thanks again to Southernfan
Like somebody else here said....if you cant take anything into consideration other than ticket price and your desire for him to live up to your overblown expectations for a 75 yr, old., then do yourself a favor and stay home. Dont disparage the man and make a point of trying to ruin it for everybody else.
Agreed. I'm not sure what some cranks get out of repeatedly ragging on a concert that they weren't even at. They are totally missing the point.
He can still play. I watched him up close playing rhythm and also saw some moments of brilliance at other times. I couldnt help but wonder what was going on behind those solemn eyes while he was there, He must have had nerves of steel to tamp down the emotions that came with that particular venue and being only 1 of the 2 surviving band members...then to be paying tribute to Gregg by playing a couple of his songs he hasnt played in 18 yrs. If it was overwhelming for most of the audience, just think about what it was for him, looking back at all of it as a senior. Like somebody else here said....if you cant take anything into consideration other than ticket price and your desire for him to live up to your overblown expectations for a 75 yr, old., then do yourself a favor and stay home. Dont disparage the man and make a point of trying to ruin it for everybody else. Anybody who actually expects him to be the axe slinging, renegade of his youth deserves to be disappointed, because they havent grown up yet themselves and experienced what comes with age. His catalog alone gives him the right to say a hardy f-you to any of his detractors. I do, however, miss the days when he would probably drop-kick your ass across the room if you said something stupid.
Good post.
For those who want to bring "truth" to the forefront...c'mon. It's highly doubtful that DB doesn't know that his playing isn't like it was 10, 20, 30, etc. years ago. So what. For those who want to enjoy and pay tribute to someone who has inspired many, then let it be. Let DB give us a few shows w/out being overly analyzed. I've seen the vids & would still go see him. I don't see the need for some to compare him to yesteryear or versions of the band from years ago.
What is surprising & laughable is that some "critics" seem to want to make Dickey's shows and their criticism of his playing to be more about them than Dickey. It's like some big letdown to them. Got news for them - it's not about you; it's about Dickey. Let him enjoy himself and play for his fans.
GO F YOURSELF!
Plain and simple.Your a liar,loser,coward,POS Leafy!
Ain't got the nut's the size of a cock roach.
It was a nice thread discussing the legend that is Dickey Betts, and some people have to go and type stuff like this. What a shame.
At the end of the day, these guys are in their golden years, and have just a few left. Why spend them at home doing nothing? If it's a bucket list item for him to get out there and do it one more time, I'd like to see it. I do hope he gets into better playing shape, but if he doesn't, I'll be having fun watching a legend. He was up front and admitted he can't play anymore recently, so the quality of playing isn't the point. He's someone who is going to do what he loves doing and doesn't care what people think, and again, I'll enjoy watching that aspect of it.
GO F YOURSELF!
Plain and simple.Your a liar,loser,coward,POS Leafy!
Ain't got the nut's the size of a cock roach.It was a nice thread discussing the legend that is Dickey Betts, and some people have to go and type stuff like this. What a shame.
At the end of the day, these guys are in their golden years, and have just a few left. Why spend them at home doing nothing? If it's a bucket list item for him to get out there and do it one more time, I'd like to see it. I do hope he gets into better playing shape, but if he doesn't, I'll be having fun watching a legend. He was up front and admitted he can't play anymore recently, so the quality of playing isn't the point. He's someone who is going to do what he loves doing and doesn't care what people think, and again, I'll enjoy watching that aspect of it.
It's a Dickey thread. Not the first time and it won't be the last 😛 The Road Goes On Forever!
That being said, nice to see some familiar faces around here. I joined the great ABB.Com in 2005 and for a couple of years, this was my favorite place to hang out in my free time. Made friends and connections, made donations to people I never met, traded cds (which I will never part with), made trips to visit fellow posters; things I haven't done with other websites I participate on. During the last conversation I had with TanDan, he said it best: "When you talk about the Allman Brothers with a fellow fan, there's a connection; not like with other bands." Dan was so right. (We all miss him too.)
Keep playing it Loud and Proud everyone. We're all Brothers and Sisters.
[Edited on 6/1/2018 by StratDal]
He was up front and admitted he can't play anymore recently, so the quality of playing isn't the point. He's someone who is going to do what he loves doing and doesn't care what people think, and again, I'll enjoy watching that aspect of it.
This is troublesome -- if Dickey is openly saying he can't play any more, then things IMO need to be rethought
people going to a Dickey Betts gig, only to not listen to his music -- it doesn't add up
I love Dickey Betts, as I've posted thousands of times -- guessing he & the band will really hit rehearsals -- I believe Dickey cares enough to want to give people their money's worth
[Edited on 6/1/2018 by Stephen]
Could someone post a link to the interview quote where Dickey “admitted that he cant play anymore”? I’ve read most, if not all of his interviews, including the one with Rolling Stone about his retirement, not long before he agreed to do another tour. His statement about touring was reiterated on Jambase from that same article. There are no statements by Dickey saying he cant play. I will be the first to say I was wrong about his quote, if it exists. Throwing around those kind of statements, referencing them as coming from the horse’s mouth, w/o referencing the article/interview is akin to somebody alluding to a stroke, who as Dave Spero said, “doesnt know shit”. So, please point me to Dickey’s quote. As Stephen said, “it doesnt add up”.
"My career is over," Betts said in November 2017. “It's a little bit of burnout, a little sour grapes, a little bit like a boxer who gives it up. It's pretty tough, to tell you the truth. Everyone wishes they could be young forever. But I feel like I did my work, and I'm not gonna do anything that's gonna top what I'm known for. So why don't you just stay home?"
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/dickey-betts-2018-comeback-show/
To me, this is his admission. We can all interpret it as we wish I guess.
[Edited on 6/1/2018 by BoytonBrother]
Without re-reading that interview, I think he was deciding whether or not to tell the interviewer the story about a backstage altercation where he knocked a guy onto Bob Dylan’s lap. I think he said...”oh what the hell...my career is over”. If you take that in context, the only thing I read into this is that he is done touring....burnt out on the whole thing. Any hope of reuniting with Gregg ended at his death and Gregg talked up reuniting with him at one point.. If he wrote new music, his age and fan base have reduced, so why bother...is what I’m interpreting. The recent offers from promoters and urging from his fanbase gave him the push he needed. Betts is a pretty sharp character. If he thought he couldnt do it at all, I dont think he would have said yes. I dont think his kids or his wife would have encouraged it, either, let alone his long time manager. Seemed to me at the Macon show that it was more about a passing of the torch to Duane and Devon, in a way, along with a tribute to Gregg and donation to The Big House. Now it continues with a few more shows to say goodbye. His brother died, Butch shot himself, Gregg died and his wife was in big trouble with the law. Sounds like some good reasons to feel like you are done. Maybe that’s all it was.
"My career is over," Betts said in November 2017. “It's a little bit of burnout, a little sour grapes, a little bit like a boxer who gives it up. It's pretty tough, to tell you the truth. Everyone wishes they could be young forever. But I feel like I did my work, and I'm not gonna do anything that's gonna top what I'm known for. So why don't you just stay home?"
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/dickey-betts-2018-comeback-show/
To me, this is his admission. We can all interpret it as we wish I guess.
I never interpreted this as "can't play" (he had recently guested on an album referenced earlier in this thread), only that the road is for the young and he's content staying home retired.
When I say "can't play", I'm using it in the same context as an athlete or boxer way past their prime, and not in a literal sense. And I think Dickey is saying the same thing when he said, "I'm not gonna do anything that's gonna top what I'm known for." Just my 2 cents.
Whatever the real meaning is...all the more reason to honor this legend at his final shows. I’m having an early afternoon brew listening to the live in Germany Liz Reed we al know & love. Go see him and appreciate all he gave us. Once it’s over....it’s over. Let him know what his music meant to all of us.
Agreed. I can't stop watching the Brothers of the Road DVD. I believe that's Dickey at his best.
Unfortunately, as someone said above, this is not unusual for a Dickey Betts thread.
When I watched the videos, my first reaction was not about Dickey's playing, but concern for the declining state of his health. I don't expect him to play at the level he did 20 years ago, so I would not criticize his for that.
I reminds me a bit of Hubert Summlin's last couple of Beacon sit-ins. Lots of people complained about his playing, but the smiles on the faces of Warren and Derek spoke indicated how happy they were to share the stage with a piece of blues history.
For me, going to see one of Dickey's current shows will be an emotional experience, maybe the last chance I will have to see an icon/idol of my youth.
Agreed. I can't stop watching the Brothers of the Road DVD. I believe that's Dickey at his best.
Ok, I'm going to have to disagree with you there.
Ok, I'm going to have to disagree with you there.
I get that it's nothing like LAFE or some 90's stuff, but I thought Dickey played strong on those shows. But I admit that I'm not a Dickey expert, since I didn't see the band before '99. What do you recommend I find to hear Dickey at his best? I love exploring.
If anyone has links or suggestions, please post.
[Edited on 6/1/2018 by BoytonBrother]
Ok, I'm going to have to disagree with you there.
I get that it's nothing like LAFE or some 90's stuff, but I thought Dickey played strong on those shows. But I admit that I'm not a Dickey expert, since I didn't see the band before '99. What do you recommend I find to hear Dickey at his best? I love exploring.
If anyone has links or suggestions, please post.
I would start with what I believe to be Dickey's "Home Base" Richard Betts "Highway call"...Pretty Sweet Country-Bluegrass work here. His roots are in old school country and this was the perfect vehicle. You'll hear a lot of runs and licks here that are very "Allman Brothers like"...Then I would get the 1st "Great Southern" CD...There he is aggressive and almost fearless in both playing and singing...and 3rd...Find a copy of "Pattern Disruptive"...Fans hearing the return of dual guitar leads and our introduction to Warren Haynes...More than a couple of cuts here are ABB worthy...Start with "Duane's Tune"....
I get that it's nothing like LAFE or some 90's stuff, but I thought Dickey played strong on those shows. But I admit that I'm not a Dickey expert, since I didn't see the band before '99. What do you recommend I find to hear Dickey at his best? I love exploring.
Dickey was always great, but even though Dickey absolutely tore it up when he was the only guitarist in the Allman Brothers, I really think Dickey was at his best as a guitarist when he was pushed by another great guitarist. The Duane/Dickey albums are out there, but those early-mid 1990s shows with Warren were absolute beasts. Play All Night is a great example, the band was so locked in during that period. There's a London 1991 show that's pretty incredible, the late, great TanDan's favorite as I recall. Shows with Jack Pearson were just as great, just a little less heavy.
Play All Night:
Cow Palace, 1973:
As BIGV mentioned, his solo stuff is definitely worth checking out. It features a sweeter side, and that tour was great for anyone who digs Dickey's lighter country and western swing side:
https://www.wolfgangs.com/music/dickey-betts/audio/2391-1830.html?tid=21606
The Collectors Vol. II is a great record too that I would name without hesitation
Agreed. I can't stop watching the Brothers of the Road DVD. I believe that's Dickey at his best.
Ok, I'm going to have to disagree with you there.
Definitely Dickey at his fastest.
Turbo Jessica comes to mind.
Ha, yeah. Their performance of "Southbound" on SNL later that month is one of the most coked out things ever.
The Collectors Vol. II is a great record too that I would name without hesitation
That's a great one, I LOVE Dickey's "Tangled Up In Blue". It's a shame there wasn't another volume but this radio broadcast from 1974 that I posted last week is fantastic.
https://www.panicstream.net/vault/dickey-betts-ultrasonic-studios-east-hempstead-ny-11-03-1974/
Dickey at his best? interesting possibilities.
I first saw Betts with the ABB in 1973 and he was fantastic. However the next year I saw his "All American Music Show" and there is some fantastic listening there.
But-- the first incarnation of Dickey Betts and Great Southern was Dickey on the top of his game. He was confident, growing, and dominant. Take a look at this show (I saw this version of the band at least 5 times including the reunion concert in Central Park in 1978)
Dickey at his best? interesting possibilities.
I first saw Betts with the ABB in 1973 and he was fantastic. However the next year I saw his "All American Music Show" and there is some fantastic listening there.
But-- the first incarnation of Dickey Betts and Great Southern was Dickey on the top of his game. He was confident, growing, and dominant. Take a look at this show (I saw this version of the band at least 5 times including the reunion concert in Central Park in 1978)
Thx for posting that link. Had never seen that. Powerful & they were really locked in. I've seen many incarnations of Dickey's bands beginning with the band he toured with in support of Highway Call. That too was special.
Whatever the real meaning is...all the more reason to honor this legend at his final shows. I’m having an early afternoon brew listening to the live in Germany Liz Reed we al know & love. Go see him and appreciate all he gave us. Once it’s over....it’s over. Let him know what his music meant to all of us.
BULLSEYE!!!!
Leafy,when ya gonna quite hiding hind that keyboard son?Ya come on here and send me PM's saying your Rob Prine,your gonna kick my as*,all i gotta do is name the place and time.Ya tell me Betts don't know who the F i am ,and i ain't his friend.And all i ask of your little clown as* is to tell me the name of your last dog,the breed,and what was the name of the bar down here that Betts got busted at years ago.Your classy response via PM is F YOU! GO F YOURSELF! etc etc.Man you are one warped person.As far as the Betts knowin me etc.Why don't ya call him on the phone and ask him is Luke his friend.If ya ain't gonna do none of that,well then please do us all a favor ,and go check the batterie's on your butt plug.Your a little person with a small mind dude.
And don't send me none of them stupid lame PM's.Put your gig out here for the world to see ,,LIKE A MAN!Or is that too much for ya to handle Leafy?
