Dickey Betts Talks Return From Retirement, Gregg Allman & More In New Interview

Last month, Allman Brothers Band co-founding guitarist Dickey Betts returned to the stage for the first time since 2014. Betts discussed his comeback, his relationship with the late Gregg Allman and a variety of other topics in a new interview with Billboard.

Dickey’s playing was greeted by mixed reviews at his first two shows back. The guitarist admitted he’s not at his best right now. “[I’m] a little rusty, a little unimaginative right now, but it won’t take long, I’ll work my way back out there. It’s sort of like Tiger Woods; You can’t just come back and start winning golf tournaments again,” Betts said. Dickey reported his health is not a major issue, “I had a little trouble, but it was brief and not that serious. I have a little carpal tunnel in my right hand and I have to go get therapy for once or twice a week. But I’m in good shape.”

Betts was fired from the Allman Brothers Band in 2000 leading to rancor with Gregg Allman. Dickey was able to reconnect with Gregg before Allman passed away last year. “I talked to Gregg several times in the last four years or so, before he passed away. We knew he was sick. We had hopes he would get over it. Most of us knew he had cancer, but we didn’t let that get out because he didn’t want the public to know that. But we knew,” the guitarist explained. “In the end, when he got really sick, of course I called him about every other day. The ironic thing is here’s a guy who’s got the greatest voice I’ve ever worked with, one of the greatest blues singers of all time, and he couldn’t talk on the phone. He had to whisper. It was really sad. He enjoyed talking when I called him and when we got together, so that’s what counts.”

The Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer decided to play some of the songs Gregg sang with the ABB. He had to re-learn “Whipping Post” with the help of his son Duane Betts. “It’s been 20 years since I’d played it. My son kind of had to show me what I used to do and I had to re-learn it, but it was a cool process,” Dickey revealed. “It’s fun to play it, too. It’s a powerful song.”

Head to Billboard for more from Dickey Betts including his thoughts on the enthusiastic response to his return. Betts will embark on a short run next month including appearances at the Great South Bay and Peach Festivals.

[Hat Tip – Jambands.com]