McCartney, Eagles Lead All-Stars on ‘Margaritaville’ at Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Paul McCartney toasting Jimmy Buffett, along with John McEnroe, Woody Harrelson and Jackson Browne at the Hollywood Bowl, April 11, 2024
Some of music’s biggest stars honored Jimmy Buffett at a tribute concert Thursday night (April 11, 2024), seven months after the beloved musician died. Paul McCartney—in his first stage performance of the year— was joined by Eagles and Jackson Browne to top the star-studded, one night only concert event – Keep The Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett – held at the Hollywood Bowl, as they performed many of the iconic musician’s classic songs along with many of their own. The concert by Buffett’s friends celebrated the life and music of the legendary singer-songwriter who died September 1, 2023, at 76.
Watch several performances below, including an all-star performance of “Let It Be” and “Margaritaville.” The stage was so crowded with bold-faced names, that they wisely separated into groups of four or five in order to collaborate on the songs. Eagles members Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit shared a mic, for instance, with touring member Deacon Frey. During “Margaritaville,” the vocals were performed by a variety of stars including Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi, and Don Henley.
Watch the all-star lineup perform “Margaritaville”
They were joined by Zac Brown, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Scotty Emerick, Jack Johnson, Caroline Jones, Mac McAnally, Jake Owen, Pitbull, Jake Shimabukuro, J.D. Souther, The Coral Reefer Band, and more special guests, even John McEnroe, who occasionally performs on stage, and actors Harrison Ford and Woody Harrelson.
McCartney had first taken the stage one song earlier. As the crowd cheered his arrival, he shouted, “Good evening… the Hollywood f**king ball!,” as the audience whooped and hollered. “I had the great pleasure of knowing Jimmy. Like everyone on the bill has said tonight, he was one great man. He was generous, he was funny.” McCartney even shared that he was invited to Buffett’s home in the last week of his life by his wife Jane. McCartney was then joined on stage by the ultimate back-up band, the Eagles, for “Let It Be.”
Watch Eagles perform “The Boys of Summer” and “In the City”
Thanks to Gentry Allen for the clips.
From the March 11 concert announcement: With a recording career that spanned more than fifty years and included hits such as “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” Buffett was one of the most successful performers in popular music. He filled arenas with fans who called themselves “Parrot Heads,” and popularized a signature blend of folk, country and Caribbean music with lyrics that often reflected his world travels, and released over 30 albums of which nine were certified Platinum or multi-Platinum by the RIAA. In addition to being a beloved musician, Buffett was also a best-selling author, actor, and highly successful entrepreneur. His extensive recording catalog is available here.
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationTo each their own, of course, but for myself and millions of Jimmy Buffett’s extended family, it just won’t be Summer without a visit from the Coral Reefer Band.
Jimmy Buffett was so much more than “Margaritaville” if you are familiar with his entire entire catalog.
A savvy businessman and an entrepreneur, yes – but he was first and foremost – a musician, singer, songwriter, author, jester, and all-around complete entertainer, who always left his audiences escape their personal tribulations, even if for a few hours at a time.
Did not always agree with J. B.’s politics, but at the same time, he didn’t berate those who were not aligned with his, either.
For those of us who are a part of Jimmy Buffett’s journey over the past 45+ years, we will indeed do our best to “Keep The Party Going”
R.I.P. Boat Builder – You, and your sincere authenticity is missed, by those familiar wIth you, and your work, beyond the surface.