Jeremy Clarkson pays tribute to Top Gear legend after death aged 80-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Jeremy Clarkson is very familiar with Dickey Betts’ work (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Jeremy Clarkson has paid tribute to late musician Dickey Betts, who has a special place in Top Gear history.

The legendary guitarist, who co-founded the Allman Brothers and wrote their hit Ramblin’ Man, died on Thursday aged 80 after living with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for over a year.

As well as his work with the iconic band, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer also penned Jessica, which was used as the Top Gear theme song.

Jeremy – who fronted the show from 1998 to 2015 – wrote on X: ‘Dicky Betts has died. You probably haven’t heard of him. But he wrote a song called Jessica. And you will DEFINITELY have heard that. (sic)’

Bett’s bandmate Butch Trucks previously revealed he actually wrote the song – which is instantly recognised by motorheads all over the world – for his daughter.

‘It’s just a beautiful song. Dickey wrote it for his little girl – she was about a year old, crawling around on the floor,’ he explained on Nights With Alice Cooper.

Dickie Betts wrote Jessica, which was used for the Top Gear theme song (Picture: Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

‘That was the inspiration for that real kind of thing. It has a little lullaby on the ending, that kind of thing.

‘It’s energetic, melodic and very rhythmic. It’s a lot of fun to play. That one can get pretty artistic sometimes.’

The song was first used when Top Gear initially aired in 1977, while it was also used from the launch of the revival in 2002 until the BBC decided to take the programme off air earlier this year.

The theme was used on the show for decades (Picture: Enterprise News And Pictures)

The show was taken off air earlier this year (Picture: PA)

The decision was made to shelved the iconic show for the ‘foreseeable future’ after co-host Freddie Flintoff was involved in a devastating crash in December 2022.

Bett’s family announced his death ‘with heavy hearts’ earlier this week, after he passed away at his Florida home ‘surrounded’ by his loved ones.

A statement on the musician’s Instagram read: ‘It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Betts family announce the peaceful passing of Forrest Richard ‘Dickey’ Betts (December 12, 1943 – April 18, 2024) at the age of 80 years old.

The iconic guitarist co-founded the Allman Brothers Band (Picture: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)

He died this week aged 80 (Picture: Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

‘The legendary performer, songwriter, bandleader and family patriarch passed away earlier today at his home in Osprey, FL., surrounded by his family.

‘Dickey was larger than life, and his loss will be felt world-wide.

‘At this difficult time, the family asks for prayers and respect for their privacy in the coming days. More information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time.’

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