celebrate Pistol Pete Seeger's 90th birthday...got that -9-0!
The show was nothing short of amazing! From John Mellencamp to Arlo Guthrie to Bruce Springsteen to Joan Baez to Ben Harper to Kris Kristofferson to Ani DiFranco to Dave Matthews, it was incredible! Pete is truly an inspiration and think I can speak for Roomie as well that we walked away with a new found perspective on one of music's finest.
The show started at 5:00 and didn't end until almost 9:45. Throughout the night, clips of Pete's life were shared between videos, family recollections (sister Peggy was amazing!), and those who had the pleasure of working/singing with him.
The best quote of the night had to to go Bruce Springsteen who described Pete as "a stealth dagger through the heart of our country's illusions about itself" and "... gonna look a lot like your granddad that wears flannel shirts and funny hats. He gonna look like your granddad if your granddad can kick your a--." He also went on to talk about how Pete "had outlasted the bastards" when discussing Pete's civil rights advocacy.
President Obama also sent some sentiments for Pete (via a letter), and although not as hard-hitting as Bruce's, it was awesome just the same!
One of the best collaborations was Kris Kristofferson and Ani DiFranco who sang "There's a Hole in my Bucket." Truly amazing.
Not to be biased, but a highlight for me and I would hope others, was Dave's version of "Rye Whiskey." The man made mama proud...and the man in front of me liked it for sure! He was roughly 75.
There are so many moments I wish I could highlight (Amazing Grace with Pete leading the audience, This Land is Your Land with everyone on stage, Oscar the Grouch appearance singing "Garbage," etc.) but I will hold off. Rather, I encourage you to watch the PBS special in early June...it wil be well worth it!
Clips of the night can be found here: http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/springsteen-honors-pete-seeger-at-madison-1003968856.story
Pics of the night & an article here: http://www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/27954855/celebrating_seeger_springsteen_m
Some of my favorites pics of the night below.
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