Dickey Betts

Allman Brothers Band's Dickey Betts hospitalized after "freak accident"

Founding Allman Brothers Band guitarist/vocalist Dickey Betts has been hospitalized after a “freak accident.” A post on his website breaks the news:

Dickey Betts has been hospitalized due to a freak accident.

Betts, the “Ramblin’ Man” singer-songwriter and founding Allman Brothers Band guitarist, went out to his backyard on Little Sarasota Bay and while playing with the family dog, slipped and cracked his head, causing bleeding from the brain.

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”.

Brain surgery, to relieve swelling, has been scheduled for Friday.

Donna is by her husband’s side with Dickey’s children. ‘The family appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers during this very trying time.” Donna said. “Dickey is a notorious fighter and he is displaying that now!”

Last month, Betts suffered a “mild stroke” at his Sarasota home and had to cancel upcoming tour dates. A few weeks later, Spero announced Betts was responding “very well to treatment” and on Sept. 14 posted to Betts’ social media pages that, “Dickey Betts is raring to go. His recovery from his minor stroke is ahead of schedule and he has already started playing his guitar again.”

Now, though, Betts’ family, friends and band mates are focusing their attention on Betts regaining his health; with the upcoming November shows obviously being cancelled.

“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.”

The Allman Brothers Band also tweeted, “Please say a prayer for brother Dickey:
Dickey Betts in critical condition after accident at his Sarasota County home.” As the statement points out, all of Dickey’s upcoming shows are postponed until further notice.

We’re praying that Dickey has a successful and speedy recovery!

Watch The Allman Brothers play Dickey’s “Ramblin’ Man” in 1972: