The 8th Annual Love Rocks NYC

“It’s an inarguably fantastic cause, and everyone involved – rock royalty, comedy legends and rising talents – brought their A-game to the Beacon Theatre.”
– Billboard Senior Editor Joe Lynch

Last night’s sold out eighth annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert for God’s Love We Deliver brought the house down at the historic Beacon Theatre with another spectacular night of live music!

The four-hour plus concert was hosted by Conan O’Brien, Tracy Morgan, and Jim Gaffigan, who visited God’s Love earlier this week to meet our staff and volunteers and see our mission in action. The evening also included special appearances by Bill Murray and Martin Short.

The night, helmed by Music Director and Bandleader Will Lee, showcased stellar performances from rock and soul icons and contemporary stars alike, including The Black Keys, Dave Grohl, Hozier, Nile Rodgers, Tom Morello, Don Felder, Bettye LaVette, Joss Stone, Allison Russell, Emily King, Marcus King, Lucius, Larkin Poe, Trombone Shorty, Luke Spiller, Quinn Sullivan, and Bernie Williams. 

The show raised $3.8 million, which will allow God’s Love to deliver 380,000 meals.

The evening kicked off with host Conan O’Brien taking the stage with his guitar and his longtime friend and band leader Jimmy Vivino, singing a rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds.”

God’s Love President & CEO David Ludwigson spoke about how medically tailored meals from God’s Love can help lower healthcare costs, improve patient satisfaction, and keep people in their homes, where they are healthiest and happiest.

The night was filled with exceptional performances by legendary artists such as Bettye LaVette, who moved the crowd with a powerful version of “Things Have Changed.” The Eagles’ iconic lead guitarist Don Felder thrilled the crowd with two of the band’s classic hits “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Hotel California,” with Felder playing the song’s memorable guitar riffs with fellow musician Larry Campbell. Nile Rodgers electrified the audience with hits “We Are Family” and “Good Times.”

Headliners The Black Keys treated the crowd to two of their signature hits “Howlin For You” and “Lonely Boy.” One of rock’s greatest artists Dave Grohl brought the crowd to its feet for one of the night’s most memorable moments, performing “Everlong” and “Live and Let Die.”

The evening was also filled with collaborative performances including Tom Morello, Larkin Poe, Allison Russell, and Luke Spiller leading the crowd during an exhilarating rendition of “This Land Is Your Land.” Singer-songwriter Emily King and her multi-talented brother and dancer AC Lincoln wowed the crowd performing and tapping their way with a rousing performance of “Love The One You’re With.” Trombone Shorty, Ivan Neville, and Joss Stone jammed together to a rendition of “Let’s Go Crazy.” Marcus King took the stage several times throughout the night, including a rendition of “Proud Mary” with Bernie Williams and with The Black Keys for a guitar-driven version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”

Other standout moments included Joss Stone jumping into the audience for “Super Duper Love,” Hozier and Allison Russell getting the crowd dancing for “Living for the City,” Lucius performing their song “Dusty Trails,” and Quinn Sullivan with “Dear Prudence.”
The night concluded with an all-star performance of “Let’s Dance.” Greg Williamson, Co-Executive Producer of Love Rocks NYC, captured the spirit of the night, saying, “We love this city, we love music, and we love bringing people together.”

We are so grateful to our Executive Producers Greg Williamson, John Varvatos, and Nicole Rechter for all that they do every day of the year to make Love Rocks NYC possible. We thank our presenting sponsor Bloomberg Philanthropies and all of our sponsors for helping New York come together to rock out in support of our work!

 

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