On Friday evening, a large group of Allman Brothers Band members, family, and close associates gathered in Macon, GA, the birthplace of the iconic Southern rock band, to honor founding guitarist Dickey Betts, who passed away last year. The tribute concert, titled In Memory of Dickey Betts, was a fitting homage to Betts’ legacy, with the title echoing his 1970 Allman Brothers Band classic “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” named after a headstone at Rose Hill Cemetery, just a mile from the Macon City Auditorium.
The sold-out event brought together a star-studded lineup of some of the greatest musicians to ever play guitar. Curated by Duane Betts, Dickey’s son, and featuring Gregg Allman’s son, Devon Allman, as well as Allman Brothers Band veterans like Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks, the concert showcased a blend of Southern rock legends and rising stars. Also performing were Susan Tedeschi (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), and former ABB members such as keyboardist Chuck Leavell and bassist Oteil Burbridge, with an energetic percussion section that included Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell, Frankie Lombardi, and Mark Greenberg.
The evening celebrated Dickey Betts’ influence on music, with all performers coming together to share his enduring musical impact. Notably, Duane Betts also organized the event to raise funds for the newly established Dickey Betts Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Berklee College of Music, which will support students with exceptional musical talent and financial need. For further details or to donate, visit the scholarship’s official page.
From the opening moments, the crowd was captivated by the lineup’s diverse talents. The first set began with an energetic rendition of “Hot Lanta,” followed by Jimmy Hall, former lead vocalist of Wet Willie, joining in for a spirited performance of “Statesboro Blues” and “Nothing You Can Do.” Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr then thrilled the audience with an electrifying version of Betts’ solo track “Long Time Gone,” with Chuck Leavell playing keys alongside John Ginty and Mike Kach.
As the set progressed, the spotlight turned to Leavell, who teamed up with Starr for a stirring duet of “Southbound.” Devon Allman followed with a touching tribute to his father through performances of “Melissa” and “Nobody Knows,” before closing the first set with “Jessica,” giving Leavell the chance to recreate the iconic piano solo he played on the 1973 album Brothers and Sisters.
During the intermission, fans were treated to video tributes to Dickey Betts, featuring messages from fans and notable contemporaries like Bob Weir, Willie and Lukas Nelson, Billy Bob Thornton, and Slash. The ceremony also included speeches from the Betts family and local officials, along with the official proclamation declaring February 28th, 2025, as Dickey Betts Day in Macon County.
The second set offered even more unforgettable moments. Susan Tedeschi took center stage with a soulful version of “Pony Boy,” accompanied by her husband Derek Trucks on slide guitar. Hall returned for a rendition of “No One Left to Run With,” and Leavell handled both keys and lead vocals for “Rain,” one of Betts’ solo hits. Duane Betts then led the band in a powerful rendition of “Seven Turns,” a song from the Allman Brothers’ early ’90s comeback. Warren Haynes joined in for a heartfelt performance of “Back Where It All Begins,” followed by his signature tune, “Soulshine.”
A standout moment of the evening came with a thrilling guitar duel between Haynes and Derek Trucks on “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” The audience also enjoyed a moving break from the Dickey Betts catalog, with Susan Tedeschi leading a rendition of “Midnight In Harlem,” highlighting the evolution of the band’s music. Tedeschi returned to lead another Dickey Betts classic, “Blue Sky,” before Lamar Williams Jr. took the stage for a raucous version of “Revival.”
As the show neared its conclusion, the entire ensemble returned for an unforgettable encore of “Ramblin’ Man,” with an energy and camaraderie that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the finest renditions of the song ever performed. The joy shared between the musicians and the audience was palpable, underscoring the enduring power of Betts’ music.
The tribute evening was a powerful testament to Dickey Betts’ lasting impact on music, as well as to the enduring legacy of the Allman Brothers Band. It served as a reminder of the profound connections that music and family can foster across generations.
For more about the performance, check out the detailed setlist, full pro-shot video, and a gallery of photos from the event, courtesy of Emily Butler.
Looking ahead, Haynes, Trucks, Burbridge, and Leavell will bring the momentum from this historic night to Madison Square Garden in New York for a two-night return of The Brothers on April 15th and 16th, 2025, marking their first show at the venue in five years. Tickets for The Brothers at MSG are available now. Meanwhile, Devon Allman, Duane Betts, Johnny Stachela, and John Ginty will bring The Allman Betts Band to New Orleans for Daze Between New Orleans on April 29th and 30th. Tickets for the event can be found here. In April, Duane Betts & Palmetto Hotel will also embark on a Northeast tour.
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