Allman Brothers fans had a rough go of it in 2017. First Butch Trucks died, then Gregg Allman himself passed. I guess Dickey knew we needed some healing. He came out of retirement for what would be his last tour. My wife Chris and I decided to fly down to Macon to see him. What better spot than where it all began? I was bummed though when I saw that we missed out on the meet and greet tickets. I would have given my right arm!!! So I wrote Dickey a long letter. In it, I wrote about the l9 times I saw the Allman Brothers Band live, the ten times I’d seen Gregg solo, and the nine times we’d seen Dickey solo. I wrote about the most memorable shows, and how much the music had meant to me in my life. The day before we left, I received an email from his wife, Donna. She wrote, “Dickey loved your letter. You will have two tickets waiting for you and two backstage passes. Can’t wait to meet you in person!”
Wow! We flew down to Macon, an incredible bastion of exceptional music. What a weekend it was. Dickey sold out the Macon Colosseum. Jaimoe, the great drummer of the Allman Brothers Band, scheduled a performance of his Jasssz Band after Dickey’s show. Berry Oakley, Jr. and Johnny Neel played both nights at Grant’s Lounge. And the incredibly talented sons of Gregg, Dickey, and Berry Oakley senior played at the opera house the last night. But, of course, the main act was Dickey himself.
Then, 74 Dickey sounded as good as ever to us. Duane and Devon joined him on stage. A special highlight was when Dickey paid tribute to his brother who crossed over a bit before the rest of us, Gregg Allman. Jaimoe joined him for Whippin’ Post on stage. It was the first time they’d performed together since the breakup.
Afterwards, Donna met us, and escorted us to meet Dickey. Donna told me Dickey called my letter the book. She said, tell him you are the guy that wrote the book. He’ll know who you are!
And so I did! Dickey said, “Oh yeah, that was a real nice letter. Donna read it to me. I made it through most of it. Real sweet.” Chris told him how her dad always wanted to play guitar like him. I shared that we had played Blue Sky when we renewed our vows at our church wedding in Columbus, Georgia. That’s real sweet, he said. I said I felt like we were old friends, because I grew up with his music. He said, well, I guess we are. Dickey had deep, soul-filled eyes. They revealed a very intelligent, caring soul.
It warmed many an Allman Brothers fan’s heart to know that Gregg and Dickey renewed their friendship towards the end of Gregg’s life. They were even talking about touring together again. Gregg said he’d love to play and tour with Dickey again and that he missed him. Dickey responded saying he always liked Gregg Allman and that he’d love to play with him again. Gregg said when we do play together, it’ll be a sold out stadium tour.
It would have been too. But, alas, it never happened. I suspect though there's a great concert going on tonight in Heaven.
Thank you, Alan, for being the historian of our favorite band.
Mr. Paul, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for authoring so much history about the Allman Brothers and the individual band members. I felt like I knew them and their history after reading your work. God rest the soul of Dickey Betts.
My younger brother Michael managed to develop a friendship with Dickey’s road crew by hooking them up with bakery items from our sister’s bakery in Summit NJ. Some of those items made their way to the band which prompted Dickey to call my sister and thank her for the generosity. The crew was equally generous in giving us access to stage door entry at venues in NJ. The man and his band were on top of their game. I am sorry for the news of his passing and send my condolences to his family and friends.
Too funny! I would be happy to hook you up with a fluff! Next time you have a gig in NJ we can make it happen. Plain, chocolate marble, blueberry or apple. Your choice!
I can pay. :) Only ever had plain i think. didn;t even know the others existed... have not had as much since my sister moved out of Short Hills 5 years ago. She wa the source. But I stop and get one whenever I'm nearby. Delicious. Come to my birthday gig - 9/7 at SOPAC. Not announced yet... and my little band playing 5/10 in S Orange and some others to come.
Rest in peace Dickey! You were a powerhouse in music and part of my life since Live at the Fillmore East. There one helluva jam session going on in Heaven
First saw Dickey and the ABB July 1989 AJ Palumbo Theater Pittsburgh Pa Before that night I was a casual fan of the songs but came out of that show blown away. They have been my band ever since and Dickey my all time favorite guitarist. Actually quit going to ABB shows from 2001to 2009 because I was pissed about Dickey’s exit from the band. This does hit hard, like losing a family member. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bett’s family and thank you Dickey for making the good times better and the sad times a little easier with your music
I saw the original ABB in the 60s. Have endured the losses of Duane, Berry, Gregg, Butch, and now Dickey. Only Jaimoe with us now. More of my childhood has disappeared. Thank you, ABB, for the music and the life. Thank you, Alan, for the stories.
Gregg is my favorite member of ABB, but I always seemed to like Dickey's songs the best. Back Where It All Begins is my absolute favorite. Listened to it on repeat today for about an hour after hearing the news. Jam on Dickey...jam on....
I first heard Dickey with Great Southern in 82-83, in Columbus Ga opening for Merle Haggard. I knew who the Allman Brothers were and had heard his playing but didn’t know much about him. I loved Merle, but after Dickeys set Merle was an afterthought. Dickey blew me away and blew Merle and his Strangers away too, and I set in to learn all I could about him and the ABB. I’ve been a Dickey Betts fan ever since, seen him in his solo career and numerous times with the Brothers. Got to meet him very briefly in Bham Al.
My friend all your comments and beliefs about D.B. are noteworthy and well deserved. I grew up an ABB fan attending many, many concerts. It wasn"t until I heard "In Memory of Elizabeth Reade" Live at the Filmore East :did I gain a personal affinity for his talent. He was always my favorite member of ABB. I was numb when I read of his passing. As long as he was alive I always felt connected to the past. He should always be remembered as one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Rest in peace Dickey, thanks for the memories. Your music lives on
Alan, thank you for your kind words regarding Dickey. Since I was sbout 10 (1970) hearing 'You Dont Love Me' from Fillmore on an 8 track player, I was hooked, up to Great Southern' Bougainvillea, about did me in.
Melodic is a great word to describe his music which means 'soulful, from the heart. I wish he was able to continue that melodic blissfulness with the Brothers till Gregg's unfortunate departure. I really think that was lacking since Dickey left the band. I had a chance to meet Duane Betts along with Devon in SLC in 2018, and let him know that, his dad was 'thee' major influence in my musical journey. RIP Dickey Betts!
Duane is the legend and Gregg was the rock star but my friends and I always related the most to Dickey. He seemed like one of us- as strange as that may sound. Saw him 65-80X between the ABB and his other bands but wished I got to see him on that last ill fated tour. RIP Dickey!
Actually makes sense to me. Don’t feel bad about not seeing the last tour. I saw three - Macon, Beacon, Peach. They were cool in their own way, but honestly kind of rough.
I had read and seen that they were a bit rough but would just liked to have seen him once more. Spent so much of my life going to see him and listening to his music. On a somewhat related note, I hadn't seen "Skynyrd" since about 1991 and started thinking I should go see them just to see Gary one last time in person. Never made it, but in a coincidence was in Jacksonville and saw the house the ABB first jammed in, RVZs house, and the graveyard on the day Gary died.
By that point married with kids. He was in Greenville SC about the time of my divorce and I've always regretted not going to the show. You always think there will be another chance...
I had just turned 20 in 1989 when two very important events in my life happened. Fatherhood wouldn't happen for over a decade. First was the Dreams box set. I knew of ABB classic songs, but man did that collection really expand my musical knowledge. I was hooked. The next thing was the ABB Twentieth Anniversary show I attended in Charlotte NC late that summer. It was amazing. I had certainly not seen anything like it. Again I was hooked and over the next eleven years, I attended 17 shows in the Carolinas and Georgia. In May of 2000 in Asheville NC, the band was with fresh blood Derek Trucks and I would have never known this would be the last time I would see Dickey. Another great show. Crazy Love made the set for the first time for me. Of course I was disappointed with the news that Dickey was out of the band. I did go to my final ABB show in 2001 and as much as I enjoy Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, it just wasn't the same. Not blaming anyone for keeping the ride going but I was done. Thank you Dickey Betts, I will remember all the good times when I look at my DB signed ABB bandana (he tossed those out at many shows) I have framed in my office. It is a prized possession. RIP DB
Allman Brothers fans had a rough go of it in 2017. First Butch Trucks died, then Gregg Allman himself passed. I guess Dickey knew we needed some healing. He came out of retirement for what would be his last tour. My wife Chris and I decided to fly down to Macon to see him. What better spot than where it all began? I was bummed though when I saw that we missed out on the meet and greet tickets. I would have given my right arm!!! So I wrote Dickey a long letter. In it, I wrote about the l9 times I saw the Allman Brothers Band live, the ten times I’d seen Gregg solo, and the nine times we’d seen Dickey solo. I wrote about the most memorable shows, and how much the music had meant to me in my life. The day before we left, I received an email from his wife, Donna. She wrote, “Dickey loved your letter. You will have two tickets waiting for you and two backstage passes. Can’t wait to meet you in person!”
Wow! We flew down to Macon, an incredible bastion of exceptional music. What a weekend it was. Dickey sold out the Macon Colosseum. Jaimoe, the great drummer of the Allman Brothers Band, scheduled a performance of his Jasssz Band after Dickey’s show. Berry Oakley, Jr. and Johnny Neel played both nights at Grant’s Lounge. And the incredibly talented sons of Gregg, Dickey, and Berry Oakley senior played at the opera house the last night. But, of course, the main act was Dickey himself.
Then, 74 Dickey sounded as good as ever to us. Duane and Devon joined him on stage. A special highlight was when Dickey paid tribute to his brother who crossed over a bit before the rest of us, Gregg Allman. Jaimoe joined him for Whippin’ Post on stage. It was the first time they’d performed together since the breakup.
Afterwards, Donna met us, and escorted us to meet Dickey. Donna told me Dickey called my letter the book. She said, tell him you are the guy that wrote the book. He’ll know who you are!
And so I did! Dickey said, “Oh yeah, that was a real nice letter. Donna read it to me. I made it through most of it. Real sweet.” Chris told him how her dad always wanted to play guitar like him. I shared that we had played Blue Sky when we renewed our vows at our church wedding in Columbus, Georgia. That’s real sweet, he said. I said I felt like we were old friends, because I grew up with his music. He said, well, I guess we are. Dickey had deep, soul-filled eyes. They revealed a very intelligent, caring soul.
It warmed many an Allman Brothers fan’s heart to know that Gregg and Dickey renewed their friendship towards the end of Gregg’s life. They were even talking about touring together again. Gregg said he’d love to play and tour with Dickey again and that he missed him. Dickey responded saying he always liked Gregg Allman and that he’d love to play with him again. Gregg said when we do play together, it’ll be a sold out stadium tour.
It would have been too. But, alas, it never happened. I suspect though there's a great concert going on tonight in Heaven.
Thank you, Alan, for being the historian of our favorite band.
Thank you for sharing Great story.
Mr. Paul, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for authoring so much history about the Allman Brothers and the individual band members. I felt like I knew them and their history after reading your work. God rest the soul of Dickey Betts.
As you said in your comments, it wasn't a total shock, but to me it still is. What a loss. But his music Lives On.
and will forever
My younger brother Michael managed to develop a friendship with Dickey’s road crew by hooking them up with bakery items from our sister’s bakery in Summit NJ. Some of those items made their way to the band which prompted Dickey to call my sister and thank her for the generosity. The crew was equally generous in giving us access to stage door entry at venues in NJ. The man and his band were on top of their game. I am sorry for the news of his passing and send my condolences to his family and friends.
thanks for sharing. amazing. Natale's?
Yep.
where's my Philly fluff? I'll let you in sidestage. Your family is a NJ legend!
Too funny! I would be happy to hook you up with a fluff! Next time you have a gig in NJ we can make it happen. Plain, chocolate marble, blueberry or apple. Your choice!
I can pay. :) Only ever had plain i think. didn;t even know the others existed... have not had as much since my sister moved out of Short Hills 5 years ago. She wa the source. But I stop and get one whenever I'm nearby. Delicious. Come to my birthday gig - 9/7 at SOPAC. Not announced yet... and my little band playing 5/10 in S Orange and some others to come.
Where in SO on the tenth? I’ll block 9/7 for SOPAC. Great venue!
5/10 - village Hall, beer hall... really nice place... outside, so weather dependent.
Rest in peace Dickey! You were a powerhouse in music and part of my life since Live at the Fillmore East. There one helluva jam session going on in Heaven
First saw Dickey and the ABB July 1989 AJ Palumbo Theater Pittsburgh Pa Before that night I was a casual fan of the songs but came out of that show blown away. They have been my band ever since and Dickey my all time favorite guitarist. Actually quit going to ABB shows from 2001to 2009 because I was pissed about Dickey’s exit from the band. This does hit hard, like losing a family member. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bett’s family and thank you Dickey for making the good times better and the sad times a little easier with your music
RIP...You helped create the soundtrack of our lives...You Sir shall be missed....✌️🫶💪😎🍄🍊🙏🙏💔🎸😇
I saw the original ABB in the 60s. Have endured the losses of Duane, Berry, Gregg, Butch, and now Dickey. Only Jaimoe with us now. More of my childhood has disappeared. Thank you, ABB, for the music and the life. Thank you, Alan, for the stories.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Allman_Brothers_Band_1969.jpg/390px-Allman_Brothers_Band_1969.jpg
A musical giant he was and always will be. Stunning talent.
Gregg is my favorite member of ABB, but I always seemed to like Dickey's songs the best. Back Where It All Begins is my absolute favorite. Listened to it on repeat today for about an hour after hearing the news. Jam on Dickey...jam on....
I first heard Dickey with Great Southern in 82-83, in Columbus Ga opening for Merle Haggard. I knew who the Allman Brothers were and had heard his playing but didn’t know much about him. I loved Merle, but after Dickeys set Merle was an afterthought. Dickey blew me away and blew Merle and his Strangers away too, and I set in to learn all I could about him and the ABB. I’ve been a Dickey Betts fan ever since, seen him in his solo career and numerous times with the Brothers. Got to meet him very briefly in Bham Al.
Dickey - you’re missed - rest easy.
My friend all your comments and beliefs about D.B. are noteworthy and well deserved. I grew up an ABB fan attending many, many concerts. It wasn"t until I heard "In Memory of Elizabeth Reade" Live at the Filmore East :did I gain a personal affinity for his talent. He was always my favorite member of ABB. I was numb when I read of his passing. As long as he was alive I always felt connected to the past. He should always be remembered as one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Rest in peace Dickey, thanks for the memories. Your music lives on
Spoken from the heart. Bernie Y.
Alan, thank you for your kind words regarding Dickey. Since I was sbout 10 (1970) hearing 'You Dont Love Me' from Fillmore on an 8 track player, I was hooked, up to Great Southern' Bougainvillea, about did me in.
Melodic is a great word to describe his music which means 'soulful, from the heart. I wish he was able to continue that melodic blissfulness with the Brothers till Gregg's unfortunate departure. I really think that was lacking since Dickey left the band. I had a chance to meet Duane Betts along with Devon in SLC in 2018, and let him know that, his dad was 'thee' major influence in my musical journey. RIP Dickey Betts!
Duane is the legend and Gregg was the rock star but my friends and I always related the most to Dickey. He seemed like one of us- as strange as that may sound. Saw him 65-80X between the ABB and his other bands but wished I got to see him on that last ill fated tour. RIP Dickey!
Actually makes sense to me. Don’t feel bad about not seeing the last tour. I saw three - Macon, Beacon, Peach. They were cool in their own way, but honestly kind of rough.
I had read and seen that they were a bit rough but would just liked to have seen him once more. Spent so much of my life going to see him and listening to his music. On a somewhat related note, I hadn't seen "Skynyrd" since about 1991 and started thinking I should go see them just to see Gary one last time in person. Never made it, but in a coincidence was in Jacksonville and saw the house the ABB first jammed in, RVZs house, and the graveyard on the day Gary died.
By that point married with kids. He was in Greenville SC about the time of my divorce and I've always regretted not going to the show. You always think there will be another chance...
I had just turned 20 in 1989 when two very important events in my life happened. Fatherhood wouldn't happen for over a decade. First was the Dreams box set. I knew of ABB classic songs, but man did that collection really expand my musical knowledge. I was hooked. The next thing was the ABB Twentieth Anniversary show I attended in Charlotte NC late that summer. It was amazing. I had certainly not seen anything like it. Again I was hooked and over the next eleven years, I attended 17 shows in the Carolinas and Georgia. In May of 2000 in Asheville NC, the band was with fresh blood Derek Trucks and I would have never known this would be the last time I would see Dickey. Another great show. Crazy Love made the set for the first time for me. Of course I was disappointed with the news that Dickey was out of the band. I did go to my final ABB show in 2001 and as much as I enjoy Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, it just wasn't the same. Not blaming anyone for keeping the ride going but I was done. Thank you Dickey Betts, I will remember all the good times when I look at my DB signed ABB bandana (he tossed those out at many shows) I have framed in my office. It is a prized possession. RIP DB
why didn'tyou go see dickey's solo band? they toured a lot for over a decade.