Dickey Betts, the guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band who penned the group's signature songs "Ramblin' Man" and "Blue Sky," is out of the brotherhood. But whether or not his departure is permanent or only a summer vacation remains to be seen.

A statement released by the Allman Brothers Band confirmed that Betts will not be with the band on its summer tour, which kicks off on June 16 in Virginia Beach, Va., but it did not say whether he had left the band for good or had been fired. "Sadly, there are creative differences," read the statement. "However, the band hopes that their good friend and brother will be back on the road with them in the fall."

In the meantime, Betts' guitar playing shoes will be filled by Atlanta-based guitarist Jimmy Herring, a veteran of gigs with Phil Lesh, Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Gov't Mule and Derek Trucks. Herring will tour with the Allmans through the completion of their summer tour on Sept. 4 in Long Beach, Calif.

RICHARD SKANSE
(May 20, 2000)