Dickey Betts in ‘Critical Condition’ Following Fall

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Dickey Betts (Photo from his website)

Allman Brothers Band founding member Dickey Betts is reportedly in critical condition following a fall at his Sarasota, Fla. home. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune wrote this afternoon (September 19) that Betts fell while playing with the family dog in his backyard and “cracked his head, causing bleeding in his brain.”  The paper added: “Brain surgery, to relieve swelling, has been scheduled for Friday.”

The guitarist’s website confirmed the story.

Betts has been sedated at an undisclosed local hospital following the accident Monday evening at the Osprey home he shares with wife, Donna.

David Spero, Betts’ longtime friend and manager, said the beloved rock legend is “listed as in critical but stable condition.”

Donna Betts is by her husband’s side with Dickey’s children. “The family appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers during this very trying time,” she said. “We are by his side giving him the strength to pull through this.”

Update (Sept. 21): Betts’ brain surgery “a success”

“It was just a few days ago that Dickey was telling me how excited he was to get back in front of the fans on November 1,” Spero said. “It is very unfortunate, for all involved, that we need to cancel those shows. Please add Dickey into your thoughts and prayers.”

It’s not known whether the fall had anything to do with the stroke that Betts suffered last month that caused him to cancel several concerts. Just days ago, on September 14, the musician’s Facebook page noted he is “raring to go” following the “minor stroke” he suffered in late August. “Dickey Betts is raring to go,” the post said. “His recovery from his minor stroke is ahead of schedule and he has already started playing his guitar again.”

This afternoon, the Allman Brothers Band’s social media accounts urged fans to “Please say a prayer for brother Dickey.”

The original news of his stroke came on August 24: “After describing to his physicians certain post-stroke repercussions, he was strongly advised to give himself more time to recuperate. Doctors have assured Betts that after three to five weeks he will be 100 percent recovered and can resume his touring schedule.”

On August 28, Betts’ manager, David Spero provided an update to the news of his client’s stroke: “Dickey is responding very well to treatment and is very encouraged by the results. He was overwhelmed by the good wishes and prayers sent his way. He told me today that he can’t wait to see his fans on November 1st!”

Spero was referring to a performance in Augusta, Ga., the first of four that month that were scheduled to mark Betts’ return to the stage. Those November dates have been cancelled.

Perhaps Betts’ most well known compositions as a songwriter are “Jessica” and “Ramblin’ Man” for the Allman Brothers Band. The latter was an anomaly: the rock band, never known for Top 40 singles, reached #2 with the song in 1973.

He came out of retirement earlier this year, when he performed on May 15 and on subsequent dates this summer.

Watch Betts perform his biggest hit at the Peach Music Festival on July 22, 2018

Betts turns 75 later this year. He was born December 12, 1943 in West Palm Beach, Fla.

 

Best Classic Bands Staff

4 Comments so far

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  1. Nestley
    #1 Nestley 19 September, 2018, 19:08

    Dickie: My prayers are with you & your family! Get well soon! We always loved you!

    Reply this comment
  2. bulldawg
    #2 bulldawg 19 September, 2018, 19:49

    God Bless…speedy recovery, please!

    Reply this comment
  3. katie
    #3 katie 20 September, 2018, 14:03

    thoughts and prayers to Dickey and family. been a fan since the beginning.

    Reply this comment
  4. Columbo
    #4 Columbo 24 September, 2018, 10:33

    Always the Best wishes for you and the Brothers Family..Always wished you never left … Get Well Soon

    Reply this comment

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