Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts' plans to return from his brief retirement were derailed in the second half of 2018 due to health issues. But as he says in a new interview, he's hoping that he'll be able to tour again in the near future.

"The problem is just getting my health back together," Betts told Billboard. "I've been laid up for a few months and not able to do anything, so you can't just jump up and hit the road as soon as you are able. We're talking about going out and playing a few dates -- I probably will in two or three months, or next summer, if I'm still wanted out there."

Last August, Betts had to cancel three dates when it was learned he had suffered a mild stroke. Then a month later Betts was almost well enough to resume performing when he suffered a fall and cracked his head when he landed on the brick steps at his house in Sarasota, Fla. Betts required brain surgery and, although he added that he's not back to full health, he declared himself to be "fine."

As he continues his recuperation, he's glad that the Allman Betts Band -- which is led by his son Duane and Gregg Allman's son Devon, and also includes a third Allman Brothers offspring, bassist Berry Duane Oakley -- has stepped in. Their debut, Down to the River, was released last month, and Dickey sees it as a natural extension of the sounds he helped create 50 years ago.

"That's kind of the role they've accepted," he said. "They're the next generation, so why not? People still like that stuff, and it's a nice niche for them to have -- an inheritance, sort of. I think it's wonderful, and they're doing a helluva job with it, too."

Tomorrow (July 26), Betts will release Ramblin' Man: Live at the St. George Theatre, a concert film and album that was recorded during his stop in Staten Island, N.Y., last year. It features Devon Allman guesting on "Midnight Rider."

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