Kenny Chesney was part of an all-star lineup on Thursday, April 11, honoring the music and legacy of Jimmy Buffett, who passed away in September. Chesney performed Buffett’s 1997 hit, “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” joining artists like Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, the Eagles, Eric Church, Jon Bon Jovi, Zac Brown and more in performing some of Buffett’s most iconic songs, along with other songs in tribute to Buffett.
The 56-year-old spoke out about being joining the tribute on social media.
“It was such an honor to be on stage with the Coral Reefer Band to celebrate our friend Jimmy Buffett at the Hollywood Bowl,” Chesney said. “So proud to have been a part of it.”
It was such an honor to be on stage with the Coral Reefer Band to celebrate our friend Jimmy Buffett at the Hollywood Bowl. So proud to have been a part of it.
Posted by Kenny Chesney on Friday, April 12, 2024
In addition to “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes,” Chesney also joined Mac McAnally in singing “Back Where I Come From.” When Buffett passed away, from Merkel cell carcinoma, Chesney spoke about the influence his friend and mentor had in his own life and music.
“Jimmy painted pictures and short stories in all the songs he wrote,” Chesney told People. “He taught a lot of people about the poetry in just living, especially this kid from East Tennessee.”
The tribute to Buffett comes shortly before Chesney embarks on his Sun Goes Down Tour, which kicks off on April 20 in Tampa, Florida. The country music superstar can’t wait to spend so much time with his No Shoes Nation fans, but also to spend the time on the road with his band and crew.
“This is where it all starts to really feel real,” Chesney recently shared. “We’ve got the stage and the T taped off. We have room to really play off each other and jam while we’re dialing the songs back in. But even more, all the teams are together, and we’re catching up after so many months off! When you’ve got a road family like I do, it’s a rush just being together.”
Chesney just released his latest album, BORN, one he spent a lot of time crafting, to make sure it was the best it could be, and the most honest representation of himself that he could create.
“I think the best thing someone could say about this album BORN is that it reflects me, is that it’s genuine,” Chesney said. “It’s not made-up, and there’s just a lot of me on it. It’s a fun record to listen to. It’s an emotional record to listen to. It’s a mirror to my life, and I think that’s what I would say when somebody asked me what do you want people to hear from this? What do you hope they take away from it? And that would be it.”
Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney and Uncle Kracker will serve as Chesney’s opening acts. The tour will conclude with three shows at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on August 23, 24 and 25. Find all of Chesney’s music and tour dates at KennyChesney.com.
Read ‘Kenny Chesney: 11 Things to Know About the Superstar’ here.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of EB Media / Catherine Powell