An Interview with Devon Allman

<p>The Allman Betts Band began their inaugural world tour in March of 2019. After spending a year touring as the Devon Allman Project with special guest Duane Betts, forming the band was just the natural next step.</p><p>Touring with The Devon Allman Project was Duane’s first time fronting his own band and singing his own songs – and then joining Devon later in the show each night. Performing in a band together was always a possibility for Devon and Duane, considering their fathers, but not something they felt to be necessary. Both were already successful musicians on their own, but the chemistry between the two was really there, which resulted in The Allman Betts Band. Devon calls the connection “absolutely, truly organic as it unfolded and [forming the band] was obviously the next step.” </p><p>Devon and Duane let their creativity and chemistry flow for their album “Down the River” (available on June 28^th). Wanting to create a new record that sounded like a classic right off the bat, Devon and Duane began their work using music legends like Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones as inspiration. They even went as far to sonically make the record sound classic by recording on 2-inch analog tapes rather than digitally. Devon compared picking his favorite song off the album to choosing your favorite child, but if he had to choose it would be the final track – <em>Long Gone</em>. </p><p>Devon was always interested in music and also had an interest in theater. It wasn’t until he skipped out on the end of high school to tour with his father and the rest of The Allman Brothers Band that he knew music was a craft he wanted to perfect. “Once I stepped on stage with The Allman Brothers and felt that energy” Devon said he knew music was his life’s path.</p><p>Planning The Allman Betts Band inaugural tour was something cosmic for Devon and Duane since 2019 marks the 50^th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band. With so much music at their disposal – from The Allman Brother’s catalog, from Devon’s personal catalog, from Duane’s personal catalog, and the newly crafted Allman Betts Band catalog – they had more than enough areas to pull from as a band. While on their “Down the River” World Tour you won’t hear the obvious odes to their fathers, you’ll definitely hear fan favorites – fans are guaranteed four tribute songs each performance.</p><p>Nothing too crazy has occurred since touring kicked off on March 27^th. Devon laughed and said “wait for the book.” He did describe a Florida outdoor festival show in which 20 seconds into the show a “monsoon for the ages” began. The crew and band scrambleD to save the gear and the gig had to be cancelled. </p><p>Selling out venues of 500 – 700 patrons a night leaves The Allman Betts Band humbled throughout their tour. With larger venues on their tour schedule, they didn’t know how those shows were going to pan out for them. One of their larger shows in Long Island shocked the entire band when a 1,700-seat venue sold out. “To triple [our usual shows] and sell out was a boost for us,” said Devon.</p><p>Having played at The Beacon in New York City and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, The Allman Betts Band has been really lucky to play such great venues. The Sydney Opera House sits at the top of their dream wish list, along with the Hollywood Bowl and the historic locations across the world. Later this year, The Allman Betts Band is set to play with John Fogerty at the Radio City Music Hall – crossing off another dream spot for them. </p><p>The Allman Betts Band is something fresh that has only just begun. While their first album is about to debut at the end of the month, plans for a second album to come out spring of 2020 is already in the works. Along with another album, comes another lap around the world. To Devon, The Allman Betts Band is something special and exclusive – so don’t plan on seeing them tour every year. Looking past 2020, they might take the year off or play a couple festivals. The Allman Betts Band will serve as a home base for the musicians – they will continue their personal projects, but always have the band to go back to. If all goes well, that’s the plan for the next twenty years of The Allman Betts Band.</p><p>Don’t miss your opportunity to see The Allman Betts Band – they will rock The Stanley stage on Saturday June 15^th with special guest, Jane Lee Hooker.</p><p><em>*This article was featured in the June publication of the Towncrier.</em></p>