Photo by Gilbert Lee, via DickeyBettsOffical on Instagram
The Devon Allman Project’s Dec. 31 show in Macon, Ga. was a family affair, with special guests Duane Betts and Berry Oakley Jr. as well as a surprise appearance by Allman Brothers Band co-founder (and Duane’s father) Dickey Betts.
The audience gathered at the Grand Opera House knew they were in for a great show; not only is Macon, Ga. the Allman Brothers’ adopted hometown, but 2019 marks the ABB’s 50th anniversary. And although The Devon Allman Project was the marquee act, the set felt more like a dress rehearsal for the impending Allman Betts Project, featuring Devon Allman, Duane Betts and Berry Oakley Jr. as a next-generation, de facto spiritual successor to the ABB.
For the NYE gig, Dickey Betts emerged to help the musicians count down to Midnight and then stuck around for the following “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” wherein he, his son and Oakley Jr. traded licks back and forth.
The appearance also caused many fans to take a sigh of relief, as Dickey had recently cancelled some tour dates and grappled with varying health issues, from a minor stroke in late-August to a head injury in mid-September.
7 Comments comments associated with this post
Yvonne L.
January 4, 2019 at 3:44 pmBetter news on Dickey ”s recovery than I could have hoped for. I guess several months of being cooped up recuperating made him all the more eager to get back out there. I also would like to find a video. ???
John J
January 3, 2019 at 6:22 amDevon Allman, Duane Betts and Berry Oakley Jr. on stage jamming with Dickey ? It makes me sick to know I missed it !
Danny
January 2, 2019 at 10:30 pmWhat a joyous surprise! It really bothered me to think of Dickey going out on terms other than his own. I watched video of his appearance on Liz Reed and it was flowin’ real nice. So, so, so glad to see him up and rollin’ in such a short amount of time. That’s one tough dude!
Buck Ricks
January 3, 2019 at 8:43 amWhere can I find a video of Dickey Betts playing on New years Eve this past new year?
Karl Zaremba
January 2, 2019 at 4:33 pmIf they didnt think they were gonna get a Great Show they probably would not have gone in the first place. Maybe a slightly funny comment but pretty snarky.
RST
January 2, 2019 at 11:31 amHow exactly is the author of this aware of the extent to which those in the audience knew they were “in for a great show?” Was there some sort of pre-show survey?
Art Glick
January 2, 2019 at 1:42 pmDuh. If you’ve ever heard Devon and the folks he pals around with you would know the answer to your question. Apples do not fall far from trees.