Various music legends including Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons and Ann Wilson joined The Jim Irsay Band on stage for a free public performance on Thursday, January 11 at the Shrine Auditorium. The City of Angels celebrated a night out as The Jim Irsay Band and Collection took over The Shrine.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has created a traveling museum with his personal collection of iconic and historical artifacts. The Jim Irsay Collection features American history relics that include Abraham Lincoln’s cane and pocket knife, John F. Kennedy’s Stetson hat and a 1823 printing of the Declaration of Independence. The traveling museum also includes loads of pop culture memorabilia such as: John Lennon’s sunglasses, The Beatles’ break up affidavit with hand-written annotations by Lennon counter arguing Paul McCartney’s claims, Jimi Hendrix’s Moroccan chest, Al Pacino’s Scarface script, James Brown’s red cape, tons of guitars including David Gilmour’s iconic Black Strat which Irsay acquired for $3.3 million.
The exhibition is open to the public for free, the only requirement being a reservation to secure a spot in the limited space. Attendees were able to donate to Kicking The Stigma, an initiative raising awareness about mental health. Guests were also treated to a free concert following their walkthrough of the exhibition.
The Jim Irsay Band includes five-time Grammy nominee Kenny Wayne Shepherd, three-time Grammy nominee Billy Branch, R.E.M. founding member Mike Mills, actor Danny Nucci, guitarist Tom Bukovac, keyboardist Michael Ramos, violinist Carmella Ramsey, guitarist Mike Wanchic, and drummer Kenny Aronoff. The band was meant to be joined by the Colt’s owner on Thursday night, sadly he had to sit this one out as he is facing respiratory health issues. Former NFL player Edgerrin James came out to greet the crowd as the entire venue wished Irsay a speedy recovery.
Things quickly kicked off as eight-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Buddy Guy joined the Jim Irsay Band on stage to perform his hit “Damn Right, I’ve Got The Blues,” covered Gladys Knight and The Pip’s “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” mixed with Muddy Water’s “She’s Nineteen Years Old,” and Elmore James’ “Talk To Me” mixed with “You Better Watch Yourself.” The crowd gave their respects with a standing ovation as the 87-year old icon walked off stage.
Before the next special guest joined the stage, The Jim Irsay Band performed Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” and “Comfortably Numb” with Shepherd rightfully playing the Black Strat. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and powerhouse vocalist of the bands Heart and Tripsitter Ann Wilson was the second special guest of the night. Wilson covered The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me” and performed her famed hit with Heart “Barracuda.” Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon performed “Take It On The Run,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Roll with the Changes,” and dedicated “Ridin’ The Storm Out” to Irsay.
Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band danced his way on to stage performing some classics such as “Hard Drivin’ Man,” “Just Can’t Wait” and of course “Love Stinks.” Wolf was one of the more energetic special guests, literally jumping and dancing around the entire stage as he sang along with the crowd to some his biggest hits. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and ZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons closed out the show with The Jim Irsay Band. Rated as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Gibbons covered Freddy King’s “Going Down” allowing every Jim Irsay Band member to show off during their solos. The fiery performance continued as the legend performed the ZZ Top classics “Sharp Dressed Man” and “La Grange” allowing himself and the entire venue to be carried by the rhythm of Blues Rock.
It was an incredible night for rock music fans as Jim Irsay shared his love and passion for music with the City of Los Angeles. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience standing in a big room full of so much history, all to be topped off with a bewildering performance by music icons. Check out some images below from the unforgettable night.
(Originally published on Mxdwn.com)
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