Allman Brothers’ Dickey Betts Dies at Age 80

(PatriotNews.net) – Dickey Betts, the guitarist and founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, died at the age of 80, confirmed by his manager David Spero. Betts died peacefully at his home in Osprey, FL, surrounded by his family. Spero informed Rolling Stone that Betts had been battling cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In a statement, the Allman Brothers Band, along with Betts’ family and crew, expressed their deep sadness at his death, acknowledging his significant contributions to music, particularly in pioneering the Southern Rock genre alongside Duane Allman. They remembered Betts as a passionate individual who excelled in various interests, from music to outdoor activities like fishing and hunting.

After Duane’s passing in 1971, Betts took on the role of lead guitarist. The band eventually broke up in 1976, but later reunited without all its original members.

Betts’ tenure with the Allman Brothers Band faced challenges over the years, especially during the 1990s when he missed many tours due to personal issues related to alcohol and drugs. The band officially kicked Betts out of the band in 2000, marking the end of his performances with the group.

Derek Trucks, the guitarist, and his wife Susan Tedeschi, who is also a bandmate, shared on their Instagram account that Betts was among the greatest in the field.

Trucks became a member of the Allman Brothers Band in 1999, with his uncle Butch Trucks being one of the band’s original drummers.

Betts’ health had been a concern in recent years. In September 2018, he suffered a severe head injury after slipping in his backyard, leading to bleeding in the brain. Despite these health setbacks, Betts remained active in his music career, even after experiencing a mild stroke the month before the accident.

As fans mourn the loss of a musical icon, Betts’ legacy as a talented guitarist and songwriter lives on. The Allman Brothers Band and the music industry at large remember him fondly, acknowledging his lasting impact on Southern Rock and beyond.