Allman Betts Family Revival
The Beacon Theatre – NY, NY – December 7, 2024
Review & Photos – Rebecca Wolf
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The Allman Betts Family Revival (previously the Allman Family Revival) returned to the Beacon Theatre in NYC on December 7th for an 8th year of celebrating the musical legend, Gregg Allman. The first Allman Family Revival in 2017 was arranged by Devon Allman as a one-time performance to celebrate the life and legacy of father, for what would’ve been his 70th birthday. However, one show would never be enough to celebrate the beloved music of such a legend. Gregg Allman and the Allman Brothers Band have had a devoted fanbase for decades and losing Allman did not diminished their passion. Rather, the opportunity to experience the next generation performing the music of the Allman Brothers and to honor Gregg Allman has continued to bring fans out in droves…now a full-fledged tour each fall. In 2023, the tour was renamed the Allman Betts Family Revival and since the passing of Dickey Betts in April 2024, both iconic artists are honored during this musical celebration of the legendary Allman Brothers.
Each year an incredible range of artists, a group of extended Allman Brothers Band family members, join forces to carry on the tradition. Some are staples of the tour, performing yearly throughout the tour, while others make appearances once or drop in at various stops. With The Allman Betts band at the core (including Devon Allman and Duane Betts), Luther and Cody Dickinson, Jimmy Hall, Alex Orbison, Lamar Williams, Jr., Larry McCray, Jackie Greene, and Anders Osbourne have been consistent revival performers. This year additionally brought Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Sierra Green, Lindsay Lou, and G. Love to the Beacon Theatre stage.
This year’s two-set performance was arranged to showcase music from the 1970’s Duane Allman era in the first set, with the second set featuring songs from the ABB’s 1990’s return. A rotation of musicians traveled on and off stage for each number, adding a layer of excitement and intrigue. “Stateboro Blues” featured Jimmy Hall, while “Trouble No More” brought Lamar Williams Jr. and Robert Randolph to the stage, the later joining Sierra Green for “Please Come Home.” Jackie Greene,” sang and played guitar on a beautiful rendition of “Melissa,” as well as frequently accompanying John Ginty (Allman Betts’ keyboardist) on the keys. Lindsay Lou and Anders Osbourne joined forces for a powerful performance of “Southbound” and Larry McCray brought his dynamic musical energy to “Stormy Monday.” A highlight of the first set, among many, was Luther Dickinson’s incredible guitar exchange with Devon Allman during “Dreams,” showcasing an extended, breathtaking eye and ear-catching guitar performance by Dickinson. Of course the 70s era included fan favorite “Blue Sky,” performed by Duane Betts, sounding incredibly like his father, the song’s writer and singer, which had the audience on their feet, joyfully singing along. The first set ended on an emotional high with “Jessica,” leaving the theater abuzz was that overwhelming spirit of The Allman Brothers Band.
The second set opened with “Nobody Knows,” the psychedelic colors and patterns on the illuminated backdrop setting the vibe for dynamic, moody guitar riffs (sometimes fierce, sometimes hypnotic) performed by Allman, Betts, Johnny Stachela, slide guitar, Justin Corgan, bass, and percussionists, John Lum, Cody Dickinson and David Gomez. The more than 10 minutes of spirited instrumental music was followed by a beautiful Duane Betts performance of “Seven Turns,” which he noted was a favorite of his father. Lamar Williams Jr. returned with his passionately powerful voice on “Good Clean Fun,” while newcomers to the stage, Sierra Hull and G Love, performed “One Way Out,” the cadence of G Love’s vocals, as well as his harmonica, creating a spirited, rockabilly energy and sound. Anders Osbourne commanded attention at centerstage, as he sang The Allman Brothers’ iconic number “Ramblin Man,” which not surprisingly brought the crowd to their feet. Lest anyone think the “elder statesman” of the group might not still have it in him, Jimmy Hall reemerged for another highlight of the second set (if not everything was already a highlight), with an incredibly enthused, diehard performance of “Whipping Post.” Hall put blood, sweat and tears into his vocals as he criss crossed the stage, his microphone and arms raised in the air, singing to the skies and to the crowd below. With the second set coming to and end the band exited the stage to the rapturous applause of the sold out Beacon crowd.
Allman, Betts and Sierra Hull returned to the stage to begin the encore. “Thanks for coming out tonight, NYC!” Devon said to the cheers of the crowd. “Thank you for celebrating with us. It means a lot to us to play this music for you!” With Devon and Duane on acoustic guitars and Sierra on mandolin the trio played a beautifully stirring performance of “End of the Line,” with Hull’s rich, warm vocals and Allman’s harmonies giving further depth and meaning to reaching the “end of the line.” The evening culminated with all performers returning to the stage for a musical bash…a song no Allman Brothers Band show is truly complete without….“Midnight Rider.” With Allman on lead vocals the more than 20 musicians and vocalists onstage were on fire, as was the adoring crowd who passionately sang along. As the song came to the end the music continued in the background as Allman introduced each esteemed performer and shared “Peace and Love” to end the incredible night of music. “We’ll see you next year,” said Allman to the cheers and applause of a crowd that was surely planning to be there next year to again share in honoring the music of Gregg Allman, Duane Betts and the legendary Allman Brothers Band.
