The late Jimmy Buffett got a star-packed tribute on Thursday night (April 11) at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles as artists including Kenny Chesney, the Eagles, Jon Bon Jovi, Jackson Browne, Brandi Carlile, Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill and Jake Owen honored Buffett during Keep the Party Going: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett.
In one of the concert’s most memorable moments, Eric Church led an all-star cast in honoring the late Buffett, by way of kicking off the first verse of Buffett’s signature song “Margaritaville,” while Crow led the second verse.
Throughout the evening, artists performed songs to honor Buffett’s life and music. McCartney and the Eagles performed the Beatles’ classic “Let It Be,” while Carlile delivered “Tin Cup Chalice.” Dave Grohl teamed with Zac Brown for “Brown Eyed Girl.” Crow, who served as a backup singer for Buffett early in her career, also led Buffett’s “Fins.” Meanwhile, Caroline Jones and Jack Johnson collaborated on Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at 40.”
Helming the more than three-hour show that evening was Buffett’s The Coral Reefer Band, which had backed Buffett since the 1970s.
Buffett, whose tropical lifestyle and vivid songwriting style led to five decades of inspiring fans as a skilled musician, performer and business entrepreneur, died on Sept. 1, 2023, at age 76, following a battle with skin cancer. “Jimmy passed away on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs,” a statement on the singer-songwriter’s website read. “He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
During his career, Buffett notched 13 Billboard Hot 100 charting singles, including seven top 40 hits and one top 10, as well as 40 entries on the Billboard 200 album chart.
See the all-star performance of “Margaritaville” — captured by a concert attendee — below:
