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It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard 'Dickey' Betts (December 12, 1943 - April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old. The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family. Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide. At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.
I first saw the ABB at the Fillmore East in March ‘71 when they were recording the live album there. They opened for Johnny Winter. I wasn’t ready for how great a rock band could sound. DA and Betts’ guitar interplay was stunning. Two nights later Winter opened for the Bros. He knew too.
Ah, RIP.
I was fortunate to see him play several times, including with ABB (post Duane). The time that burns brightest in memory was at a smallish bar in the warehouse district of New Orleans, I think it was still called Chevys then, and at one point had lasers! This was late ‘85 or maybe early 1986. He came out on the small and low stage absolutely blazing from the first note, starting with Freddie King instrumentals. Played fantastically, right in your face! Looked like he was having a great time, as did the crowd. He was playing a vintage gold top with bigsby and HBs through vintage Marshall half stack, even in that small room. One detail I remember was that the Bigsby had individual rollers on the front bar for each string that went under, does that help identify a specific goldtop he had? Anyway, sounded magnificent!