Mavis Staples joined Elvis Costello, Hozier, and Warren Haynes for a rendition of the Band's 'The Weight' at the Love Rocks NYC benefit concert. The event at New York's Beacon Theatre featured numerous performers and supported God's Love We Deliver. Comedians and actors also made appearances during the evening.
The Love Rocks NYC benefit concert took place on Thursday night at the Beacon Theatre in New York, marking the 10th year of the event. It raised funds and awareness for God's Love We Deliver, a nonprofit that prepares and delivers medically tailored meals to individuals with life-altering illnesses.
Mavis Staples led the performance of 'The Weight,' with Warren Haynes starting the verses, followed by Staples and Hozier, and Elvis Costello handling the 'Crazy Chester' part originally sung by Rick Danko. The rendition concluded with Staples' emphatic 'Yeah, yeah, yeah,' which visibly impressed Hozier.
The evening opened with Bill Murray collaborating with Jon Batiste and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on 'Second Line' (also known as 'Joe Avery’s Blues') and 'Iko Iko.' Murray later performed a humorous version of 'Werewolves of London,' prompting howls from the backing musicians. Elvis Costello delivered 'Pump It Up' and '(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding.' Linda Perry sang Soundgarden’s 'Black Hole Sun' and led a singalong of 4 Non Blondes’ 'What’s Up?'
ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons played 'Sharp Dressed Man' with John McEnroe on guitar and was joined by Joe Bonamassa for 'Thrill Is Gone.' The Goo Goo Dolls provided an emotional moment with 'Iris,' as lead singer John Rzeznik sang the chorus among the audience. Jon Batiste and the Rolling Stones’ Steve Jordan performed Sam Cooke’s 'A Change Is Gonna Come,' while Hozier offered 'Take Me to Church' and 'Feelin’ Alright' with Nile Rodgers on guitar.
Paul Simon played '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,' 'Still Crazy After All These Years,' and 'The Boxer.' Mary J. Blige gave strong performances of 'One' and 'Family Affair.' Nile Rodgers and Chic closed with 'We Are Family' and 'Good Times,' featuring Paul Shaffer. The night ended with all performers reuniting for 'With a Little Help From My Friends.'
Comedians and actors such as Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Murray, JB Smoove, and Julianne Moore appeared throughout. Greg Williamson, co-executive producer, stated, 'As a native New Yorker, it has been a privilege to create such a meaningful platform to raise both funds and awareness for an essential organization that supports our fellow New Yorkers.'
