At an L.a. Concert Honoring Warren Zevon, a Starry Cast of Friends and Acolytes Will Pay Tribute to a Wolfman and a Scholar

Tribute to Warren Zevon: A Celebration of His Legacy and Impact

The music world will once again pay homage to the legendary rock singer-songwriter Warren Zevon during an upcoming concert in Los Angeles. Scheduled for October 27th, this event is part of a series of celebrations honoring Zevon’s enduring legacy.

A Musical Legacy Celebrated

The tribute concert, titled “Join Me in L.A.,” will take place at the United Theatre on Broadway and is organized by Wild Honey Foundation. This event comes shortly before Zevon’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 8th. The concert promises to be a three-hour spectacle featuring dozens of artists covering Zevon’s songs.

Key participants include Jackson Browne, Jorge Calderón, Shooter Jennings, Marshall Crenshaw, Chris Stills, Steve Wynn, and more.

Jordan Zevon, son of the late singer-songwriter, will also perform. The event is being hosted by veteran L.A. rock writer and Variety contributor Chris Morris.

Behind-the-Scenes Preparation

The preparation for this tribute has been two years in the making, with Wild Honey Foundation’s Paul Rock explaining the process. Rock notes that this year’s show stands out as it is the first time they cannot bring the original artist to the stage due to his passing. To address this challenge, they have focused on securing performances from individuals who played crucial roles in Zevon’s career.

For instance, Jackson Browne, who produced Zevon’s first two albums, will be a key performer.

Jorge Calderón, Zevon’s most frequent collaborator, will also contribute to the show. Other notable artists include Shooter Jennings, known for his extensive work covering Zevon’s songs, and Marshall Crenshaw, whose connection with the singer-songwriter is more recent but no less significant.

Personal Reflections on Zevon

Jordan Zevon shares his personal reflections on this tribute. He explains that while he has always wished well for such events in the past, he now sees their value and has decided to participate actively. “What made this exciting for me was that I knew Wild Honey and had been to their shows before,” Zevon says. “I also knew a lot of the people who would be involved, which made it more appealing.” His involvement is not just personal but also symbolic, representing a full circle in his relationship with his father’s music.

Shooter Jennings, another notable participant, admits he was initially a latecomer to Zevon’s music. However, after listening deeply to the singer-songwriter’s work, especially “Desperados Under the Eaves,” Jennings became a devoted fan and has since become known for his full-length tribute shows featuring Zevon’s songs.

Legacy Continues

The enduring legacy of Warren Zevon is evident in the continued interest from new generations. Paul Rock highlights that even young people who have never heard Zevon originally find a connection with his music, making it clear that his influence extends far beyond his own time.

Rock also notes the presence of covers and performances inspired by Zevon’s work, including a duet of “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” performed by Inara George and Eleni Mandell. This song’s unique narrative structure, combining violence and period detail, offers a challenging yet rewarding performance opportunity.

The tribute concert is not just about celebrating Zevon’s music but also about preserving his spirit and legacy. As the world remembers Warren Zevon through this event, it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of his songs and the continued relevance of his work in the musical landscape.