LIVE: THE JIM IRSAY BAND and COLLECTION – September 8, 2023

Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium

City: Indianapolis, IN

Date: September 8, 2023

Review and Photographs by: Jeffrey Everett (http://www.jeffrey-everett.com)

The NFL Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay again treated fans with a kickoff concert Friday night featuring his band, superstar special guests, and select items from the Jim Irsay Collection. Lucas Oil Stadium opened early to give the public a glimpse of his world-famous assemblage including a diverse array of artifacts from music, sports, pop culture, and American history. The walkways around the stadium were adorned with glass cases displaying the Jim Irsay Collection. One of the highlights was perhaps one of the greatest guitar collections of all time. It featured guitars used by Prince, Jerry Garcia, John Lennon, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Kurt Cobain, Jimmy Page and Janis Joplin just to a mention a few. In addition, there were original hand-written lyrics by Dylan, Lennon, and McCartney. There were also pianos used by Elton John and the Beatles. After a chance to peruse the display, the entertainment began down on the field. First up was illusionist Criss Angel. Having met Criss in Vegas, Irsay invited him to the event on a bet to break Houdini’s record of escape from a straight-jacket. If successful, the Colt’s owner committed a $500,000 donation to pediatric cancer which afflicted Angel’s son. Suspended a hundred feet from the stadium rafter, Criss whirled out the restraint in record time to the delight of nervous fans watching. Next up was the performance by the Jim Irsay band, a star-studded collaboration of music icons including Mike Mills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Kenny Aronoff. Special guests for tonight included Heart’s Ann Wilson, Stephen Stills, J. Geils Band’s Peter Wolf and Indiana legend John Mellencamp. Lucas Oil Stadium was packed with thousands of fans by showtime. Jim Irsay took a seat on stage and got the evening going with his rendition of “Lawyers, Guns and Money.” Mike Mills played “Don’t Go Back to Rockville” from his heyday in REM.  Peter Wolf played his hits from the J Geils band as he was electrified the stage with his energy. Stephen Stills performed “Southern Cross” and “Love the One You’re With.” Ann Wilson did her rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll” and Heart’s “Barracuda.” Her vocals are simply breathtaking and one the show’s highlights. Irsay returned to the stage and announced a special event. From his collection, David Gilmour’s black Stratocaster was brought on stage by a curator with white gloves who gave it to Kenny Wayne Shepherd to play Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar” and “Comfortably Numb” as green lasers pulsed across the stage. John Mellencamp wrapped up the night with “Pink Houses” and “Jack Diane.”  The Jim Irsay Band and Collection were a treat to behold. It was a fantastic way to kickoff football season and an incredible gift by Colts owner Jim Irsay!

Setlist: Lawyers, Guns and Money (Vocals by Jim Irsay) – The Bug (Vocals by Jim Irsay) – I Want You (Vocals by Jim Irsay) – Don’t Go Back to Rockville (Mike Mills) – Superman (Mike Mills) – Blue on Black (with Kenny Wayne Shepherd) – I Can’t Hold Out (with Kenny Wayne Shepherd) – Down for Love (with Kenny Wayne Shepherd) – I Put a Spell on You (with Carmella Ramsey) – Hurt (Vocals by Jim Irsay) – Love the One You’re With (Stephen Stills) – Southern Cross (Stephen Stills) – Woodstock (Stephen Stills) – Rock and Roll (with Ann Wilson) – Love, Reign O’er Me (with Ann Wilson) – Barracuda (Ann Wilson) – Hard Drivin’ Man (Peter Wolf) – Centerfold (Peter Wolf) – Freeze-Frame (Peter Wolf) – Love Stinks (Peter Wolf) – Lookin’ for a Love (with Peter Wolf) – Have a Cigar (Jim Irsay and Danny Nucci) – Comfortably Numb (Vocals by Jim Irsay and others) – Small Town (John Mellencamp) – Jack and Diane (John Mellencamp) – Pink Houses – (John Mellencamp) – Gimme Shelter (with Ann Wilson and Jim Irsay)

[Show as slideshow]

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries