There might not me a more poignant moment than now for The Allman Betts Band to take to the road and conduct their powerful rock revival. Goldmine talks to drummer Alex “Orbi” Orbison (son of Roy).
By: Ray Chelstowski
There might not me a more poignant moment than now for The Allman Betts Band to take to the road and conduct their powerful rock revival. Their music is an electrifying mix of original material and select songs from the group’s infamous family tree. With the recent passing of Dickey Betts and that of Gregg Allman in 2017 the time is right for them to return with their first tour in three years and celebrate their rich legacy.
Their King Crawler Tour kicked off in Charleston, SC, with the band playing several originals as well as some Allman Brothers classics. The band also officially welcomed Alex “Orbi” Orbison (son of the legendary Roy Orbison) as their new drummer/percussionist replacing the highly respected and beloved R. Scott Bryan, Allman Betts Band Founding member who passed away in December 2023.
Orbi is no stranger to Allman Betts having played alongside Bryan in the Allman Betts Family Revival and knowing Devon Allman and Duane Betts for over 30 years. In the early 1990s he played with Duane in the band Backbone 69 alongside bass player Berry Duane Oakley, the son of Allman bassist Berry Oakley. Backbone 69 would ultimately support label executive Lou Adler’s son Cisco’s musical project, Whitestarr as the backing band.
Since 2012, Alex has been president of the publishing company, Still Working Music Group and Roy’s Boys LLC, managing his father’s catalog with his brothers. But his return to touring puts his talents behind the kit front and center helping drive a band that likes to play loud and play long.
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