Don McLean and Roger Daltrey (Lorenzo)
Don McLean and Roger Daltrey (Lorenzo)An impressive list of music stars joined The Who‘s Roger Daltrey on Friday at a benefit event called the Backyard Concert 2018, which raised funds for the Daltrey-cofounded Teen Cancer America and UCLA Health. Among the other performers who took part in the show, held in Pacific Palisades, California, were Van Morrison, John Fogerty, KISS singer Paul Stanley, Don McLean, Jewel and U.K. pop superstar Ed Sheeran.
During the invite-only event, McLean teamed up with Sheeran to perform Don’s classic hit “Vincent.” McLean posted video of the two rehearsing the song on his Instagram page.
“I have been aware of the philanthropic work of Roger Daltrey for many years, and that motivated me to participate,” said McLean in a statement. “I enjoyed all the music very much, and Ed Sheeran is very delightful to know and work with. Van Morrison put on a beautiful, swinging show…Everyone gave their best, and it was a stellar musical evening that raised money for a good cause.”
The concert was hosted by director Judd Apatow. Besides the musical performances, there also was an auction of rare music memorabilia and art, presided over by Howie Mandel. Among the items that went on the block was a rare acoustic guitar autographed by 75 music legends, including Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Brian May, Bruce Springsteen, McLean, Donovan, Brian Wilson, Keith Richards, Peter Frampton, Graham Nash and Don Everly. It sold for $80,000.
Another collectible auctioned was a refurbished pinball machine created in conjunction with the 1975 film adaptation of The Who’s 1969 rock opera Tommy, signed by members of the band and stars of the film, including Elton John, Tina Turner, Jack Nicholson and Ann-Margret. That fetched $28,000.
Friday’s concert and auction raised over $3.5 million for the charities.
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