Marking the first anniversary of Dickey's death with a reflection on the life and legacy of the ABB guitarist and vocalist, after 30 years of interviewing and writing about him.
Great Tribute to Dickey. Thanks Alan. Remember my rule of thumb after 2000, was; If Dickey's playing within 500 miles of me, I'm there. I was just smiling, thinking of a show in Indy, maybe 2001-2? Kris Jensen blasting away on the sax. Packed house. The Independent Indy newspaper "NUVO" review heading was... "Dickey Betts shows the Allman Brother's Band what they're missing" This was a great show. Dickey was healthy and in a good mood. At the break, he said .."ok..were going to take a little break but we'll be back, go have a beer...burn one." And of course, we did. He was an original. Have a sweet Easter weekend Brothers and Sisters. KB
Right on... Dickey could really be uneven and a few solo runs damaged his reputation, which is a shame, because when things were right, he could light up a room and elevate an audience like few others.
Thank you, AP, for the deep dive into DB's story. You have filled a knowledge gap that I have missed through the years. I am not a musician, merely a fan hoping to learn more about the life and times of artists I have long admired.
As a broke college student in Bloomington IN, and one who was introduced to the great musicians of the late 60's early 70's, I was fortunate to be invited to accompany friends on road trips to Purdue University, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville. In Lafayette, I sat on huge amps, stage left, and was spellbound by the ABB. To this day, I regret that I hadn't been more savvy about who they were and what they played. Their music brings me back to those innocent times.
(Backstage meet and greets at Indiana University with Elton John, Richie Havens, ABBA, and more - wow, what a sheltered life I had led.)
Same was true seeing Humble Pie and King Crimson. Watching them jam in the hotel bar after the shows, running into them on the elevator, visiting with Steve Marriott in his room after that. I was so naive. Looking back at those golden moments, I cherish that I was present. (And no, I was NOT a groupie. Just hanging out with friends who had connections. A fly on the wall, so to speak.)
Now as a gray-haired 70-something woman, your experiences and insight bring me joy. I'm looking forward to reading more of your writing - thank you!
PS Your son is fortunate to benefit from your connections. I hope he realizes it while he is young.
Alan, thank you for these awesome stories. Been a huge ABB fan since early 80’s. I’m pretty much trying to read everything you’ve ever published about the ABB…got both books and devoured them with great joy. Have you got a story about how you got started in your career as a music journalist? Ah, to write about what one loves. I’d love to read it so that I can continue to lament (lol) my choices and what I could have been doing all these years!! Keep it going brother, you have real talent and passion!
Another great tribute. Thanks Alan! I started listening to the ABB in the late 70's and they quickly became my favorite band. One of my favorite memories was seeing Dickey and Warren in a tiny bar in San Jose touring to promote "Pattern Disruptive". I think it was 1988. I was standing right in front of the stage and when he came out he reached down and shook my hand, then told the audience, "thanks for coming, we're going to play a good long time tonight!" They put on a show and Dickey had that unique ability to take you for a ride on every solo he took. He was one in a million!
Saw the mid-90s iteration of the band with Dickey and Warren.... 3.5 hour show, punctuated by a 45 minute acoustic set with Dickey, Warren, and Gregg. Phenomenal and unforgettable.
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking. Dm me if interested in a recommendation swap — we’re growing fast!
Great Tribute to Dickey. Thanks Alan. Remember my rule of thumb after 2000, was; If Dickey's playing within 500 miles of me, I'm there. I was just smiling, thinking of a show in Indy, maybe 2001-2? Kris Jensen blasting away on the sax. Packed house. The Independent Indy newspaper "NUVO" review heading was... "Dickey Betts shows the Allman Brother's Band what they're missing" This was a great show. Dickey was healthy and in a good mood. At the break, he said .."ok..were going to take a little break but we'll be back, go have a beer...burn one." And of course, we did. He was an original. Have a sweet Easter weekend Brothers and Sisters. KB
Right on... Dickey could really be uneven and a few solo runs damaged his reputation, which is a shame, because when things were right, he could light up a room and elevate an audience like few others.
Thank you, AP, for the deep dive into DB's story. You have filled a knowledge gap that I have missed through the years. I am not a musician, merely a fan hoping to learn more about the life and times of artists I have long admired.
As a broke college student in Bloomington IN, and one who was introduced to the great musicians of the late 60's early 70's, I was fortunate to be invited to accompany friends on road trips to Purdue University, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Louisville. In Lafayette, I sat on huge amps, stage left, and was spellbound by the ABB. To this day, I regret that I hadn't been more savvy about who they were and what they played. Their music brings me back to those innocent times.
(Backstage meet and greets at Indiana University with Elton John, Richie Havens, ABBA, and more - wow, what a sheltered life I had led.)
Same was true seeing Humble Pie and King Crimson. Watching them jam in the hotel bar after the shows, running into them on the elevator, visiting with Steve Marriott in his room after that. I was so naive. Looking back at those golden moments, I cherish that I was present. (And no, I was NOT a groupie. Just hanging out with friends who had connections. A fly on the wall, so to speak.)
Now as a gray-haired 70-something woman, your experiences and insight bring me joy. I'm looking forward to reading more of your writing - thank you!
PS Your son is fortunate to benefit from your connections. I hope he realizes it while he is young.
That's all awesome Happy to help fill in the blanks My son knows this! and my other son was with me Saturday night.
My turn next time! ;-)
I cried when he died. Could be crazy as a loon at times but man could he write and play.
Alan, thank you for these awesome stories. Been a huge ABB fan since early 80’s. I’m pretty much trying to read everything you’ve ever published about the ABB…got both books and devoured them with great joy. Have you got a story about how you got started in your career as a music journalist? Ah, to write about what one loves. I’d love to read it so that I can continue to lament (lol) my choices and what I could have been doing all these years!! Keep it going brother, you have real talent and passion!
Thanks. I made my way here through the usual mix of hard work, passion and good luck. it is a worthy story to be told.
Some of Dickey’s songs are the most beautiful ever written. “Bougainvillea “ comes to mind.
Another great tribute. Thanks Alan! I started listening to the ABB in the late 70's and they quickly became my favorite band. One of my favorite memories was seeing Dickey and Warren in a tiny bar in San Jose touring to promote "Pattern Disruptive". I think it was 1988. I was standing right in front of the stage and when he came out he reached down and shook my hand, then told the audience, "thanks for coming, we're going to play a good long time tonight!" They put on a show and Dickey had that unique ability to take you for a ride on every solo he took. He was one in a million!
Saw the mid-90s iteration of the band with Dickey and Warren.... 3.5 hour show, punctuated by a 45 minute acoustic set with Dickey, Warren, and Gregg. Phenomenal and unforgettable.
Love this! I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking. Dm me if interested in a recommendation swap — we’re growing fast!
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com
I would do that. Message me. didn't see how to write you.
DM'ed