A capacity crowd at the United Theater in Downtown Los Angeles witnessed a heartfelt tribute to the late songwriter Warren Zevon on October 24. The event, titled "Join Me in L.A.: The Songs of Warren Zevon," brought together a remarkable lineup of musicians to celebrate his work just weeks before his posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The three-hour concert served as a benefit for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and the Ed Asner Family Center. It featured 31 of Zevon's songs, performed by friends, collaborators, and admirers, including Jackson Browne and Dwight Yoakam.
Key Takeaways
- An all-star tribute concert for Warren Zevon was held at the United Theater in Los Angeles on October 24, 2025.
- The event, organized by the Wild Honey Foundation, raised funds for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Ed Asner Family Center.
- Performers included Jackson Browne, Dwight Yoakam, Shooter Jennings, and Zevon's son, Jordan Zevon.
- The tribute precedes Zevon's upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Influence Award category.
A Celebration of a Songwriter's Songwriter
The timing of the tribute held special significance for Zevon's fans and family. After years of being overlooked, the artist will finally be recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month. The concert felt less like a memorial and more like a long-overdue celebration of a unique American voice.
The evening began on a personal note, with Warren's son, Jordan Zevon, taking the stage to perform "Johnny Strikes Up the Band." His performance set the tone for a night that was about honoring a legacy through the continuation of music, not just imitation.
The concert was structured as a collaborative showcase, with a house band of veteran musicians supporting a rotating cast of singers. This format allowed for a deep dive into Zevon's extensive catalog, moving seamlessly from well-known tracks to obscure fan favorites.
Who Was Warren Zevon?
Born in Chicago in 1947, Warren Zevon was a classically trained pianist who became a defining voice in the 1970s California music scene. Though he only had one Top 40 hit, "Werewolves of London," his work was deeply respected by peers like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. His songs were known for their dark humor, literary references, and unflinching honesty about life, death, and human folly.
An Evening of Unforgettable Performances
The night was filled with memorable interpretations of Zevon's work. Each artist brought a unique perspective to the material, highlighting the depth and versatility of his songwriting.
Jackson Browne, who produced Zevon's seminal 1976 self-titled album, delivered a moving rendition of "Desperados Under the Eaves." His performance underscored the raw, poetic beauty of a song about hitting rock bottom in a Hollywood motel room. Country star Dwight Yoakam brought his signature twang to "Carmelita," a heartbreaking ballad about addiction that he had previously recorded.
The concert featured a marathon 31-song setlist, spanning Warren Zevon's entire career. The show lasted for over three hours, with nearly every song performed by a different combination of artists.
Highlight Moments
While every performance was met with enthusiasm, several moments stood out. Susan Cowsill's luminous version of "Mohammed's Radio" reminded the audience of Zevon's ability to craft songs of mystical beauty alongside his more cynical tales.
Perhaps the most powerful performance of the night came from soul singer Billy Valentine. He transformed "Accidentally Like a Martyr," a song of romantic pain, into a gospel-infused anthem of resilience and absolution. The performance earned a standing ovation and demonstrated the universal emotional power of Zevon's lyrics.
"The evening was a necessary reminder that Zevon's acerbic wisdom is as essential in 2025 as when he wrote these songs. We still need his unflinching takes on violence, redemption, and the absurdity of the American condition."
A Poignant Finale
The emotional peak of the concert arrived near the end, with a performance from Jorge Calderón, Zevon's longtime collaborator and close friend. He performed "Keep Me in Your Heart," a song Zevon wrote and recorded for his final album, The Wind, after being diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma.
Calderón's raw, heartfelt delivery brought the lyrics to life, creating a profound connection between the stage and the audience. The song's simple plea for remembrance resonated deeply, serving as a poignant capstone to an evening dedicated to keeping a vital musical legacy alive.
- "Excitable Boy" showcased Zevon's talent for masking dark subject matter with upbeat, catchy melodies.
- "Lawyers, Guns and Money" remained a crowd favorite, its cynical humor as relevant as ever.
- "Werewolves of London" closed the show with an all-hands-on-deck singalong, a joyous celebration of Zevon's most famous creation.
The proceeds from the event support two important causes. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, for which Jordan Zevon is a national spokesman, advocates for those affected by asbestos-related diseases like the one that took his father's life. The Ed Asner Family Center provides resources and support for individuals with special needs and their families.
Organized by the Wild Honey Foundation, which has a long history of producing tribute concerts for influential artists, the night was a resounding success. It not only raised money for charity but also provided a powerful testament to the enduring, darkly brilliant legacy of Warren Zevon.