Dickey Betts Powers Great Southern Summer Tour
On August 1 2014 at the State Theater New Brunswick erupted for classics like Blue Sky too
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
Read full bio of Sakshi
Image: Instagram
On August 1, 2014, rock icon Dickey Betts brought his Great Southern band to New Jersey’s State Theater, joining forces with the Pat Travers Band for a night that paid tribute to Betts’s Allman Brothers legacy. The sold-out crowd in New Brunswick was treated to a stellar mix of deep cuts and crowd-pleasing anthems that showcased Betts’s signature guitar work and rich vocals.
A High-energy Opening
The show kicked off with a trio of high-octane tracks: “High Falls,” the driving blues of “Statesboro Blues,” and Betts’s own “Nothing You Can Do.” Each song set the tone for what would become a marathon performance, as fans sang along to every riff and chorus.
Classic Riffs And Sing-alongs
Betts and the band didn’t let up. The setlist roared through “One Way Out,” soared on “Blue Sky,” revved up with “Southbound,” and wound to a haunting close with “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed.” For the encore, Betts delivered his 1973 smash “Ramblin’ Man,” sending the audience into a frenzy. Footage from the night can still be found on Dickey Betts’s official Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ6zfqZuzid/.
A Southern Rock Pioneer
Dickey Betts first rose to prominence as co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. His songwriting—penning classics like “Blue Sky” and “Ramblin’ Man”—and melodic lead guitar style helped define the Southern rock genre. In 1995, Betts was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his ABB bandmates.
Fans often recall stories like the one captured in this 1996 Instagram post by photographer Kirk West: Gregg Allman introducing Betts as “my partner in crime” before a show, a nod to their deep musical bond. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ4OhrSOPxK/ highlights their camaraderie on stage and off.
That night in New Brunswick wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of a living legend who continued to bring Southern rock’s spirit to life years after the Allman Brothers Band’s peak. Betts’s riffs still echoed long after the final note, reminding fans why he remains an icon of American music.
Even years later, clips from the 2014 show surface online, allowing new generations to experience the magic of Dickey Betts & Great Southern. From the thunderous opening chords to the last strains of “Ramblin’ Man,” it was a night that exemplified why Betts’s legacy endures.
Whether you were at the front row in New Brunswick or watching from home, the August 1, 2014 show stands as a testament to Betts’s undiminished talent and his place in the pantheon of Southern rock greats.
Read full bio of Sakshi
