After a brief hiatus to explore solo projects, the Allman Betts Band is returning to the stage with its signature blend of soulful country rock at Riverfront Live this June. Formed in 2018 by three sons of the Allman Brothers Band members — Devon Allman (son of Gregg Allman), Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts) and Berry Duane Oakley (son of Berry Oakley) — the Allman Betts Band has released two critically acclaimed records, Down to the River (2019) and Bless Your Heart (2020).
For those who grew up on classic Allman Brothers records like Eat a Peach and At Fillmore East, the Allman Betts band picks up where the originals left off, following the passing of founding members Butch Trucks, Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Songs such as “Magnolia Road” from Bless Your Heart are a refreshing departure from the formulaic trends dominating mainstream country radio.
The band doesn’t consist of all Allman offspring, though. After the passing of original drummer R. Scott Bryan in 2023, the band recruited Alex Orbison, son of the legendary Roy Orbison, to play drums alongside second drummer John Lum. Apart from a handful of reunion concerts with various iterations of the original lineup, the Allman Brothers Band effectively called it quits in 2014. And though the Allman Brothers band may be irreplaceable, the Allman Betts Band is doing its best to keep the legacy alive while putting its own unique spin on timeless American music.
Guitarists Devon Allman and Duane Betts have perfected the clean tones and serpentine soloing of Berry Oakley and Dickey Betts while staying true to their own visions. At times, with Duane Betts on lead guitar or keyboardist John Ginty doing his best Gregg Allman impression, a listener might assume they’re hearing an unreleased track from, say, Brothers and Sisters. But then there are songs like “Pale Horse Rider” that feel miles away from the Allman Brothers Band. Fueled by heavy distortion, anthemic choruses reminiscent of My Morning Jacket and moody minor chords, the Allman Betts Band proves it isn’t content to rest on its fathers’ laurels.
The Allman Betts Band plays Riverfront Live on June 17 at 7 p.m. More info: riverfrontlivecincy.com.
This story is featured in CityBeat’s June 11 print edition.
This article appears in Jun 11-24, 2025.