Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel, StageOne, Fairfield, Connecticut, July 16, 2024
Simply put, Duane Betts is part of Southern Rock royalty. The 46 year old Betts was born in Sarasota, Florida, son of Allman Brothers Band member and co-founder the late, Dickey Betts. Duane was named after Duane Allman, Dickey’s bandmate who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1971. With such a deep musical lineage, the young boy was destined to play music. Betts initially learned drums but switched to guitar at 16. Shortly after he was already appearing on stage with the Allman Brothers. By 2005 he was touring with his father’s band Great Southern, which would last a decade. In early 2018, Betts released his own debut EP, the six-song Sketches of American Music. By the end of 2018 Duane Betts and Devon Allman, son of the Allman Brothers Band’s late organist, Gregg Allman, formally announced the formation of the Allman Betts Band. The band toured extensively and released two albums, Down to the River, and Bless Your Heart. By 2023 Betts had released his second solo album Wild and Precious Life.
Betts and his band Palmetto Motel played StageOne in Fairfield, Connecticut, to promote his latest release on one of the hottest days of the summer. The band was in the middle of a tour of the northeast and it was obvious they were firing on all cylinders. From the beginning of the set Duane Betts (guitar/vocals) and his band, Palmetto Motel, Johnny Stachella (guitar), Pedro Arevalo (bass), Vince Fossett Jr. (drums), and Max Butler (keys) made their mark on the stage. The first three songs, “Saints To Sinners”, “Stare At The Sun”, and “Talking Time” were played flawlessly. Duane and Johnny’s sublime twin leads, frequently in unison, gave Allman Brothers fans what they wanted. By the time the band concluded “Blue Sky” it was obvious the band was locked into a groove. Other highlights included “Downtown Runaround” and “Cold Dark World”. Throughout the evening, Betts provided most of the lead vocals until dreadlocked bassist, Pedro Arevalo belted out a powerful “Hoochie Coochie Man”. The set concluded with a cover of the Allman Brothers “Jessica” which brought everyone to their feet and the quintet encored with “Waiting On A Song” to conclude their exceptionally entertaining 90 minute performance.
Betts and Palmetto Motel will be on tour for the remainder of the year. This band should not be missed. The southern rock, honky tonk vibe is strong, each member compliments one another, and the rapport between the musicians is impeccable.
Setlist
Saints To Sinners, Stare At The Sun, Taking Time, Blue Sky, Downtown Turnaround, Colors Fade, Cold Dark World, Rivers Run, Hoochie Coochie Man, Shinnin’, Jessica, E:Waiting On A Song
Find their tour dates here: https://www.duanebetts.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Show Review: Allman Betts Band Showcases Their Collaborations with JD Simo opening in OKC
