His grandfather would have been so proud. On June 12, 2021, in Rocky Mount, Va., history was made as Orion Gregory Allman made his stage debut playing a Hammond B3 just like his grandfather, and late Allman Brothers Band co-founder Gregg Allman.
Orion, born March 17, 2000, sat in with the Allman Betts Band, which his father, Devon, co-founded with Duane Betts, son of fellow ABB co-founder, Dickie Betts. The historic performance of “Pale Horse Rider” was at the Coves at Smith Mountain Lake. Watch it below.
“My son has played piano since he was a little guy, but to see him getting mentored by John Ginty on the same instrument my Dad was famous for; the Hammond B3 organ, was just such a trip!,” said the proud father. “I thought he was just getting some tips but he took the pro tips and then learned one of our songs on the spot and sat in with the band for the first time and it just blew my mind. Mind blown. Heart full. The road truly goes on forever!”
Watch Orion Gregory Allman perform “Pale Horse Rider” with the Allman Betts Band
Grandpa Gregg Allman was born on Dec. 8, 1947. He died on May 27, 2017.
In recent years, Orion’s father has toured as the Devon Allman Project, and have several dates in 2023. When previously performing as the Allman Betts Band, the group also includes Berry Oakley Jr. (son of original Allman Brothers Band bassist Berry Oakley), Johnny Stachela on slide guitar, John Ginty on Hammond B3 and percussionists R. Scott Bryan and John Lum. They released two albums: 2020’s Bless Your Heart and 2019’s Down to the River.
Related: Our 2020 interview with Devon Allman and Duane Betts
Also in 2023, Devon Allman, along with Donovan Frankenreiter, is attempting to set an official world record with 50 shows in all 50 U.S. states in less than 50 days. The tour runs from Aug. 5 through Sept. 22. Tickets for many of the shows are available here.
