L.A. Concert Honors Warren Zevon: Star-Studded Tribute

In a night brimming with musical reverence and a palpable sense of community, a star-studded ensemble of friends and admirers gathered at the historic United Theater on Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. The occasion was “Join Me in L.A.: The Songs of Warren Zevon,” a highly anticipated concert honoring the enduring legacy of the acclaimed singer-songwriter, often characterized as both a “wolfman” for his wild artistic spirit and a “scholar” for his profound lyrical craftsmanship. Held on Friday, October 24, 2025, this special event served not only as a vibrant musical tribute but also as a significant fundraiser for two crucial charitable causes.

A Timely Tribute to a Musical Icon

The concert’s timing was particularly poignant, preceding Warren Zevon’s posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Zevon was recognized in 2025 with the “Musical Influence Award,” an honor that further solidifies his impact on generations of artists. With David Letterman slated to formally induct him on November 8, 2025, the Los Angeles concert offered an early and fervent celebration of Zevon’s unique contribution to music.

Produced by the Wild Honey Foundation in collaboration with the Zevon Family, the event showcased over two dozen of Zevon’s iconic songs, spanning his rich and varied career. The Wild Honey Foundation is renowned for its meticulously curated tribute concerts, often featuring original band members and collaborators of the honored artists, ensuring an authentic and deeply felt experience.

A Stellar Lineup of Acolytes and Collaborators

The stage came alive with performances from a remarkable roster of musicians, many of whom shared personal and professional ties with Zevon. Headlining the evening were close friends and frequent collaborators, Jackson Browne and Jorge Calderón. Browne, who produced Zevon’s early seminal albums, including the self-titled Warren Zevon (1976) and Excitable Boy (1978), played a pivotal role in shaping Zevon’s sound. Calderón, Zevon’s most regular co-songwriter, contributed to classics like “Veracruz” and “Nighttime in the Switching Yard,” and was instrumental in Zevon’s poignant final album, The Wind.

The diverse lineup also included:

• Jordan Zevon, Warren’s son, who has become a dedicated advocate for his father’s legacy and a spokesperson for asbestos awareness.
• Renowned artists such as Dwight Yoakam, known for his distinctive country-rock style and a notable cover of Zevon’s “Carmelita.”
• Fountains of Wayne, Marshall Crenshaw, Shooter Jennings, Chris Stills, Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate), Inara George, and Eleni Mandell.
• Esteemed session musicians like Leland Sklar, Rick Marotta, and Bob Glaub, who frequently played on Zevon’s records, joined the Wild Honey Orchestra, directed by Jordan Summers and Nick Vincent.

The concert was hosted by veteran L.A. music journalist Chris Morris, who guided the audience through an evening of unforgettable performances.

Celebrating the ‘Wolfman’ and the ‘Scholar’

Warren Zevon’s artistry defied easy categorization, earning him the affectionate monikers “wolfman” for his raw, often dark, and humorous narratives, and “scholar” for his sophisticated musicality and literary depth. His songs frequently delved into themes of life, death, love, and desperation with a sharp wit and unflinching honesty. Tracks like “Werewolves of London,” “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” and “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” exemplify his storytelling prowess and unique perspective.

Jordan Zevon reflected on his father’s dedication to his craft, noting that despite his wild man persona, Warren Zevon was a brilliant songwriter who poured immense effort into creating “deep, meaningful indelible songs.” This commitment to songwriting, often imbued with a classical bent and complex arrangements, set his work apart. Jorge Calderón shared insights into their collaborations, highlighting how Zevon sought to imbue songs like “Veracruz,” an anti-war narrative, with genuine heart and human emotion.

Even artists who discovered Zevon’s work later in his career, like Shooter Jennings, expressed profound admiration for his unique blend of darkness, humor, and musical sophistication. Jennings likened Zevon to a musician-Bukowski, appreciating his exploration of “hard, ugly truth” alongside neoclassical arrangements.

A Concert with a Cause

Beyond the celebration of Zevon’s musical genius, the “Join Me in L.A.” concert held significant charitable importance. Proceeds from the event benefited two organizations: the Ed Asner Family Center, which supports autism families, and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). The latter cause is deeply personal to the Zevon family, as Warren Zevon tragically passed away in 2003 from mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Jordan Zevon has become a national spokesperson for the ADAO, tirelessly advocating for a ban on asbestos and raising awareness about its dangers. He has channeled his personal loss into a powerful mission to prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak, emphasizing that asbestos, despite its known toxicity, is still not fully banned in the United States. The concert underscored this crucial message, transforming a night of musical homage into a powerful call for public health and justice.

Conclusion

The “Join Me in L.A.: The Songs of Warren Zevon” concert was a powerful testament to an artist whose influence continues to resonate decades after his passing. At the United Theater on Broadway, a “starry cast of friends and acolytes” paid tribute to a “wolfman and a scholar” whose music blended the peculiar with the universal, the dark with the deeply human. Through the collective voices of those he inspired and collaborated with, Warren Zevon’s timeless songs were celebrated, reminding audiences of his enduring legacy while also shining a light on important causes close to his family’s heart. It was a fitting prelude to his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, cementing his place as one of music’s most original and impactful voices.