The Allman Betts Band proved they are more than their fathers’ names by delivering a stunning southern rock jam session at The Fillmore in Detroit.
Members of The Allman Betts Band may have had some doors opened for them in the music industry thanks to their parentage, but their musical chops are the real deal. Anchored by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, sons of Allman Brothers keyboardist Gregg Allman and guitarist Dickey Betts, the band formed in 2018 and has released two full-length studio albums and have toured extensively carrying on their fathers’ traditions of performing timeless, southern-tinged roots-rock.
It should be no surprise that the band attracts a slightly older crowd, but it was different to see the floor of The Fillmore filled with seats on what is usually the general admission area. They mostly weren’t needed, as many fans stood while enjoying a roughly even split between original songs and hearing the band pay tribute to The Allman Brothers.
Original works led the way with a long jam session of “Wash in G,” which provided the opportunity for both Devon and Duane to show off their impressive guitar talent right out of the gate. Next, it was two songs from their 2020 album Bless Your Heart. Heads bobbed throughout the crowd to “King Crawler,” a blues-rock tune where keyboardist John Ginty shined through. That was followed by “Airboats and Cocaine,” another bluesy song that tells the story of a girl born into a drug smuggling family.
The band went on to pay tribute to their heritage with Allman Brothers’ classics “Seven Turns” and “Midnight Rider.” At the end of the latter song, Devon pointed up to the sky as the crowd hollered in appreciation to the memory of the great Dicky Betts who passed away at the end of April this year.
It was then back to their own material for a few songs. “Savannah’s Dream” and “Rivers Run” were again from the Bless Your Heart album while “Down to the River” was the namesake song from the band’s 2019 debut album.
Colorful psychedelic graphics danced behind the band throughout the show while the distinct smell – and haze – of cannabis filled the air. For many in the crowd, it was clear to see that these effects brought the extended jam session on The Allman Brothers’ “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” to a different level. Those who were still seated gave a well-deserved standing ovation.
For the encore, the band offered more tributes to The Allman Brothers capped off with their 2020 single “Pale Horse Rider.” On the covers’ side, Devon and Duane gave fans some more jammy renditions of “Blue Sky” and “Melissa” while dual drummers Alex “Orby” Orbison, who also happens to be the son of music legend Roy Orbison, and John Lum nimbly kept time as the band switched between solos.
The Allman Betts Band has a few more shows on the books early this summer before heading to Japan for the Fuji Rock Festival at the end of July. After that, classic roots-rock lovers will need to keep their eyes out for the next tour announcement. Hopefully, there will be plenty more to come while the weather is still nice because this is the type of feel-good music that deserves to be heard under a warm setting sun with a cold beverage in hand.
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