On Thursday night, the Hollywood Bowl became a stage for music, memories, and heartfelt farewells as Paul McCartney joined The Eagles to perform “Let It Be” in honor of the late Jimmy Buffett. The tribute, titled “Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett,” celebrated the life and legacy of the beloved musician, who passed away in September 2023.
The star-studded lineup included Dave Grohl, Zac Brown, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, John Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, and Buffett’s longtime band, the Coral Reefer Band. Grohl kicked off the moment by introducing McCartney to the stage, praising Buffett as “one great man,” and sharing heartfelt stories of their friendship.
McCartney recalled special moments with Buffett, saying:
“He was generous, funny, and had done just about everything in life. Once, I forgot to bring my guitar on holiday, and Jimmy had one strung left-handed just for me. Next time, he even had a custom guitar made.”
Before sitting at the grand piano, McCartney acknowledged Janie Slagsvol, Buffett’s wife, who organized the tribute and invited him to perform songs for Jimmy during his final days — including “Let It Be.” Backed by The Eagles, McCartney’s performance was unforgettable, with Joe Walsh delivering a standout guitar solo during the bridge that added even more emotion to the moment.
The evening featured numerous highlights beyond McCartney’s tribute. Grohl performed Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” alongside Zac Brown and the Coral Reefer Band, while Sheryl Crow joined the band for a spirited rendition of “Fins.” The concert concluded with the full lineup honoring Buffett with a lively performance of “Margaritaville.”
Jimmy Buffett passed away on September 1, 2023, at age 76, after a long battle with skin cancer and lymphoma. His musical legacy included collaborations with McCartney, such as “My Gummie Just Kicked In” from the posthumous album Equal Strain on All Parts.
That night at the Hollywood Bowl, fans witnessed a touching celebration of Buffett’s life — a moment where legends came together, music filled the air, and memories of a truly special artist were honored in the most heartfelt way.
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