The Allman Brothers Band release statement following Dickey Betts’s death
After the tragic passing of The Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts, the longtime Southern rock band have released a statement commemorating their musical brother’s passing.
Betts had been battling cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseasebefore away on April 18th. His family had released a statement earlier that he passed away in Osprey, Florida and is requesting for privacy at this time.
Describing him as the “family patriarch”, they went onto say that “Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt worldwide.” The Betts family also revealed, “More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.”
Now, his former bandmates, said in a statement, “With deep sadness the Allman Brothers Band learned today that founding member Dickey Betts has passed away peacefully in his home in Sarasota, Florida, following a period of declining health.”
Praising his work with The Allman Brothers Band, they continued, “Dickey wrote quintessential Brothers songs including “Blue Sky,” “Rambling Man,” “Jessica,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” and many others. His extraordinary guitar playing alongside guitarist Duane Allman created a unique dual guitar signature sound that became the signature sound of the genre known as Southern Rock.”
On a personal note, they added, “He was passionate in life, be it music, songwriting, fishing, hunting, boating, golf, karate or boxing. Dickey was all in on and excelled at anything that caught his attention.”
Poignantly, the message went on to say: “Betts joins his brothers, Duane Allman, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks and Gregg Allman, as well as ABB crew, members Twiggs Lyndon, Joe Dan Petty, Red Dog, Kim Payne and Mike Callahan in that old Winnebago in the sky touring the world taking their music to all who will listen.”
They powerfully concluded the statement by sending love to his family, writing: “Our condolences to his immediate family Donna, Duane & Lisa, Christy & Frank, Jessica, and Kim. Play on Brother Dickey, you will be forever remembered and deeply missed.”
Far from being the spotlight of the band throughout his time with the group, Betts would often be in the background in the band’s glory days while Duane Allman took lead guitar duties alongside his brother, keyboardist Gregg Allman. On one of their most celebrated albums, At Fillmore East, Betts was responsible for the long, extended solos he would play in harmony with Duane.
Betts was also known for writing some of the band’s best hits. In addition to jams like ‘In Memory of Elisabeth Reed,’ Betts wrote their biggest chart success, ‘Ramblin’ Man,’ and penned their celebrated instrumental track, ‘Jessica.’
The band praised Betts as a musician and the stamp he left on their music, explaining, “His extraordinary guitar playing alongside guitarist Duane Allman created a unique dual guitar signature sound that became the signature sound of the genre known as Southern Rock”.
While Betts would continue to tour with The Allman Brothers Band following Duane’s tragic passing, his role in the band ended in 2000. After serving a less prominent role in their live shows, the band claimed his issues with various substances led to the group kicking him out of the outfit, which Betts wholeheartedly denied.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.