I don't find it that surprising. His manager is behind it. And, now, because the iron is hot.

[Edited on 7/17/2018 by jparadise]

I enjoyed Macon. It was a fun, emotional night....but a DVD right now is not a good idea.

It is odd in that I don't know that he's playing much that is new or different, and he doesn't need the money, and my guess is that few people even buy DVDs anymore. Hmm.

I watched and listened to YouTube's of the hometown and Macon shows. In a word . . . Rough. I, personally, don't need a DVD from the current time period as I've got several great in person memories . . . I'd most like and much prefer to remember DB from the last time I saw him live in June of '04 or with ABB in '98 or '99. Or the Greatwoods '91 DVD or the vhs I have of '98 Greatwoods PPV. There's also plenty of YouTube's of Dickey in his prime I can access too. I generally like to try to keep an optimistic view . . . Must be my Sagitarrius traits . . . On the upside if the performance is terrible maybe it will be a motivator to DB and they can just leave it on a hard drive forever and try again after he's practiced more? . . . It's not like DB can't afford to hire a film crew a second time . . . But again I personally don't have the need for more footage . . . There's plenty of older performers who I *love* and have never seen ams would rather remember in their prime than see them on a bad night. I get it is the year before the 50th . . . DB needs to get his name back out there after it not really being in the news the last 3-4 years. Jaimoe and JJB would definitely benefit packaging themselves on a co-bill tour with DB next year . . . Wanee, Peach, Lockn' would all be big stages next year for an ABB tribute . . . But . . . Not if it sounds bad. I saw the Jefferson Airplane 50 tribute at Lockn' 3 years ago. It WAS great. Dave Frey abs Peter Shapiro along with Jorma and Jack didn't want to do it and have it sound less than stellar and tarnish the image/legacy. Did it have Grace? No. Did it have Marty? No. Paul? No? Were they all 3 alive. Yes(Kantner on his last legs having suffered a heart attack that year though)! It was Jorma and Jack and when they introduced it was introduced as Hot Tuna and Friends not JA50 as it had been announced on print ads and banners long before the show(Probably to avoid legal issues with Grace, Paul, and/or the Thompson estate). They had GE Smith on the 12 string(that normally woulda been Paul's instrument). Larry Campbell on guitar and wife Teresa Williams on vox and Rachel Price and the lead/background vocalist from Furthur doing Marty's vocals. If there's any sort of ABB tributes next year for the 50th at the bigger more jam themed/ABB themed fests then hopefully it won't be something that ends up tarnishing the legacy.

Not a perfect scenario . . . But . . . If DB doesn't or can't seem to get his performance level on guitar up then maybe just let Duane and Damon handle the guitar duties? . . . and maybe just sit on a stool and sing the songs he's known to do the lead vox on and tell stories from the old days before or after the ones that Mike Kach sings?

I would rather dickey release a new EP of 4-5 new songs. A DVD is not going to sell.

I'd like to see a Best Betts box set release -- box sets I know haven't been in vogue for years
but most of all, a great show tonite -- with (what is reported to be) a sold-out house, this would really be the perfect occasion for past/present friends to show up with love for, & impromptu sit-ins with, this great musician
I guess Saturday too w/the film crew there, but have a great time folks!! Keen to hear about Tucker's set too

[Edited on 7/18/2018 by Stephen]

Actually box sets are a much bigger thing now than in the past. Seems like everyone is putting out a Deluxe Edition, Super Deluxe Edition, Mega Deluxe Super Edition set of everything. As these artists are cleaning out the vaults that is the one thing that is still drawing attention in the physical media market.

Looks like the dvd is going to be filmed July 21st in Staten Island.

http://1071theboss.com/dickey-betts-to-film-live-concert-dvd-at-staten-island-tour-stop/

I think he has the right to do what he wants... if he wants to film the show, more power to him. I hope it is a good night & people show him some love.

If you don't want to buy it...don't. That is your prerogative as well.

I think he has the right to do what he wants... if he wants to film the show, more power to him. I hope it is a good night & people show him some love.

If you don't want to buy it...don't. That is your prerogative as well.

nobody was discussing his right to do it. The topic relates to the timing oddity of filming a DVD given his long layoff, and lack of any shows under his belt. He was clearly rusty.

Anyway--I still think the timing is odd, no matter who is behind it. Nevertheless I hope it is a fine showing. He has a good band

I doubt Dickey is behind the DVD. Some outfit approached the Betts camp just as several did for Dickey to play live again after his Rolling Stone interview.

I read an interview with Duane Betts the other day and he revealed two things. This may not happen next year and they had to slow the tempo down on several of the songs. Said his father is having trouble remembering the changes especially Whipping Post and his Carpel Tunnel problem is bothering his right hand.

If they can't get enough decent performances recorded the DVD probably won't come out. And Gregg and Dickey use to bragg about their live stuff being exactly as it went down with no repairs in a studio later. I did read Gregg rerecorded one of his vocals on 2nd set. But they laughed in one interview saying by the time some bands finish reworking stuff on a live album in the studio, the only thing left live is the audience. Dickey could do that if he struggled that night but it's not his style. If they put out the DVD, I hope he does go in and repair if he needs to.

Dickey was one of the best guitarists ever. His solos were unique, melodic and took you on a mind trip. His tone was the best and his style was his own. Only Dickey played like Dickey. Don't put out a DVD that would mess with the legacy of who may be my favorite guitarist, song writer. I'd have to think about it. If it's not Dickey he would be in the top 3. And as bands go, number 1 for me is the ABB.

I look forward to it. I hate to read that he is slipping on some things and they are slowing stuff down but I hope it’s a great show. Carry on Sir Dickey.