Photos and Review by Ilya Mirman
The hallowed halls of the Ryman Auditorium played host to a soul-stirring celebration of music and legacy on December 16, as The Allman Betts Band brought their Allman Betts Family Revival tour to Nashville. With a lineup packed with special guests and timeless songs, the night was a masterclass in Southern rock, blues, and heartfelt tributes to the musical legacies that came before.
The evening opened strong with “Don’t Want You No More,” setting the tone for a journey through The Allman Brothers Band’s storied catalog and beyond. This track, famously sung by Gregg Allman on the Allman Brothers’ debut album, served as a reminder of the soulful roots at the heart of the evening. Right from the start, the musicians were firing on all cylinders, their chemistry undeniable and their reverence for the music palpable.
“Statesboro Blues” ignited the crowd early, bolstered by the powerful vocals and harmonica work of Jimmy Hall. Hall, a Southern rock legend in his own right as the frontman of Wet Willie, brought an infectious energy that mirrored the original raw grit of Duane Allman’s iconic slide guitar.
The classics continued to roll with a vibrant take on “Blue Sky,” showcasing Devon Allman and Duane Betts’ stunning guitar interplay. This was a fitting tribute to the legacy of Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, whose harmonized leads defined the song and, in many ways, Southern rock itself. Jackie Greene’s arrival for “Melissa” was one of the night’s emotional peaks. With Greene’s soulful voice breathing fresh life into Gregg Allman’s tender ballad, it was a moment of beauty and quiet reflection amid the raucous celebration.
The night’s collaborative spirit shined bright during “Call It Stormy Monday but Tuesday Is Just as Bad,” featuring Larry McCray and Robert Randolph, whose soaring steel guitar work brought a fiery energy to the track, paying homage to the Allman Brothers’ mastery of blending blues and rock. This energy carried into “Southbound,” where Lindsey Lou, Grace Bowers, Jake Shimabukuro, and Randolph joined forces with the core band. while Randolph’s slide work radiated energy.
Another highlight came in the form of “Jessica,” the instrumental masterpiece that left the crowd spellbound. With Donavon Frankenreiter lending his talents, the performance perfectly captured the magic of Dickey Betts’ original composition. Each musician brought a piece of themselves to the stage, weaving together a soundscape that honored the song’s place in rock history.
The second set carried the energy forward with “Nobody Knows” and “Seven Turns,” the latter featuring an unforgettable guest appearance by Jake Shimabukuro. The track, a standout from the Allman Brothers’ early ’90s resurgence, sounded as vital as ever with Shimabukuro’s delicate but dynamic additions.
Lamar Williams Jr. took the spotlight for “Trouble No More” – his vocals carrying the weight of history as the son of Lamar Williams, the Allman Brothers Band’s bassist in the mid-1970s. McCray also shone on “Soulshine,” his deep blues roots adding gravitas to both tracks. “Soulshine,” written by Warren Haynes, became a powerful anthem of hope as McCray’s vocals and guitar work reverberated through the Ryman. Maggie Rose joined for “No One to Run With,” lending her powerhouse voice to the song that captured the Allman Brothers’ later years, while Luther Dickinson’s slide guitar mastery elevated “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” Dickinson’s connection to Southern rock runs deep through his work with the North Mississippi Allstars, and his performance was a stirring highlight of the evening.
The final stretch of the night elevated the excitement to new heights as Slash took the stage for back-to-back powerhouse renditions of “Trouble No More” and “Dreams.” Slash’s fiery guitar work paid fitting tribute to the blues foundation that drove the Allman Brothers Band. Robert Randolph’s return for “Dreams” brought an added level of emotional intensity, with the combination of guitars and slide work creating a mesmerizing soundscape. The crowd erupted when Slash joined for the iconic “Whipping Post,” with Jimmy Hall adding his powerful vocals, making it a thunderous showcase of the Revival’s collective power.
The encore was a fittingly intimate and celebratory finale. Maggie Rose delivered a poignant take on “These Days,” with her heartfelt interpretation doing justice to its introspective nature. Sierra Hull’s contributions to “End of the Line” added a delicate, rootsy texture, her mandolin weaving beautifully with the band. Finally, the entire lineup of guests returned for a joyous all-hands-on-deck performance of “Midnight Rider.” With every voice and instrument joining in harmony, the song became a rousing anthem of resilience, camaraderie, and timeless music.
The Allman Betts Family Revival at the Ryman wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of heritage, collaboration, and the enduring power of music. The guest performers, many of whom share deep connections to the Allman Brothers Band, brought their own stories and talents to the stage, uniting generations of musicians and fans. Each note played was a testament to the Allman Brothers Band’s influence, reimagined and carried forward by the next generation and their talented friends. For those lucky enough to be in attendance, it was a night of magic.