Slash and Myles Kennedy, along with Christmas Jam organizer Warren Haynes, also performed ” Hunger Strike » from Temple of the Dog.
Billy Gibbons and Slash performed at the annual Christmas Jam benefit concert, led by Allman Brothers Band and Gov’t Mule guitarist Warren Haynes. For this 32nd edition, Haynes invited Slash & Myles Kennedy, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, Clutch, Karina Rykman and American Babies. Special guests also included George Porter Jr, John Medeski and Mike Barnes.
A fundraiser for the Habitat for Humanity association, the Christmas Jam had humble beginnings in small clubs around the city before becoming an event that brings together thousands of people each December. With more than $2.8 million raised over the years, the concert has helped build more than 50 homes for area residents in need.
“ To be able to do what we do here and build houses for people who can’t afford housing? It’s fantasticsays Mr. Haynes. We do what we love. I have as much fun playing music at Christmas Jam as any other night of the year, if not more, because the camaraderie here is amazing. »
The festivities kicked off with a rare appearance by indie-rock band American Babies. The Philadelphia band consists of guitarist Tom Hamilton and drummer Joe Russo, both members of Russo’s famous band Almost Dead. Haynes joined American Babies at the end of the concert for a searing rendition of Screaming Trees’ grunge anthem ” Nearly Lost You “.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience convinced for its first performance at the Christmas Jam, with fiery tributes (” When the Levee Breaks “, ” Ramble On “) to Bonham’s late father, John Bonham, the drummer for Zeppelin.
As midnight approached, a blitzkrieg of electric guitars took over the arena, with Gibbons, Slash and Haynes joining forces with Gov’t Mule, Russo, Porter, Medeski and a host of other guests throughout the final sets . One of the highlights was the cover of “ Simple Man » by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Furthermore, Gibbons drew from his ZZ Top catalog (“ Jesus Just Left Chicago “, ” Sharp Dressed Man “), while Slash and Myles Kennedy played classics (” Feel Like Makin’ Love “, ” You Shook Me All Night Long “, ” Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door “). A moving cover of “ Hunger Strike » from Temple of the Dog was also enhanced with an extract from « Dear Mr. Fantasy » from Traffic.
To close the festivities, Haynes played his “ Soulshine “. “ Everyone is here voluntarily and giving their time, and the resulting music is very specialexplains Warren Haynes. Because deep inside all of us, there is that spark that made us start playing in the first place: the pleasure of playing. »
