One of the most (if not the most) influential people involved in music was celebrated this past Tuesday in NYC. Lester William Polsfuss or better known as “Les Paul” would have been 100 on June 9th. In remembrance of the genius who created multi track recording and architect of the famous guitar that bears his name, a huge celebration took place all around NYC this past Tuesday to celebrate his life and accomplishments.
Many of the performers who showed up paid homage to the man who meant so much to so many. Some of the biggest names in music played alongside their contemporaries at the Hard Rock in the heart of it all, NYC. Some of the musicians included Neal Schon (Journey), GE Smith (ex-musical director Saturday Night Live Band), Warren Haynes, Count’s 77, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, and Steve Miller.
Many of the participating artists and others who were in attendance (Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society, Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister, Luther Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars to name a few) walked the red carpet beforehand for this event. BackstageAxxess were able to talk to a handful of them and we will bring you that soon so stay tuned.
GE Smith led the backing band for most of the artists who performed. The show featured each of the aforementioned artists doing a few songs from their own catalog before joining Miller onstage for the Freddie King classic “I’m Tore Down.”
After this incredible show at the Hard Rock, Count’s 77 led a very intimate VIP party at Les Paul’s old stomping grounds at the Iridium down the street. Les Paul graced the stage on Mondays for years up until his death in the summer of 2009. This show entailed more than 3 hours of music with the Les Paul trio along with various artists coming on stage to pay tribute to one amazing man. Kudos to the staff for their hospitality and professionalism in honoring one of music’s greatest contributors.
Setlist at the Hard Rock:
Lady is a Tramp (Frank Sinatra cover -performed by Lou Pallo trio)
Blue Skies (Irving Berlin cover -performed by Lou Pallo trio)
Sweet Georgia Brown (Kenneth Casey cover- performed by Lou Pallo trio)
Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple cover – performed by Little Kids Rock)
Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin cover – performed by Little Kids Rock)
Riding with the Sons of Perdition (performed by Count’s 77)
Let the Rockin’ do the Talkin’ (performed by Count’s 77)
NS Vortex (performed by Neal Schon)
The Calling (performed by Neal Schon)
I Want to Tell You (performed by Johnny A)
Satch Boogie (performed by Joe Satriani)
Always with Me, Always With You (performed by Joe Satriani)
All Aboard (Muddy Waters cover – performed by Joe Bonamassa)
Double Trouble (Otis Rush cover – performed by Joe Bonamassa)
Racing World (performed by Steve Vai)
Tender Surrender (performed by Steve Vai)
Feel Like Breaking Up (Etta James cover – performed by Warren Haynes)
Soulshine (Allman Brothers cover – performed by Warren Haynes)
One Mint Julep (Rudy Toombs cover – performed by Steve Miller)
Blues With a feeling (Little Walter’s cover – performed by Steve Miller)
I’m Tore Down (Freddie King cover – Jam)
Red Carpet Photos by BackstageAxxess Correspondent Glyn Emmerson
We would like to thank Caroline Galloway from M2M PR & Partnerships and Kimberly Dettwiller Burton from Team Strategies for the Red Carpet Access and Alison Smith from Shore Fire Media for the credentials to attend the VIP party.
