On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, the legendary Chicago bluesman Buddy Guy turned the historic Radio City Music Hall in New York into a nightlong tribute to his nine decades of influence. The event, billed as “Buddy’s Got the Blues,” was a sold-out, three-hour plus affair that combined his raw, acoustic roots with electrifying collaborations. Although Guy shared the stage only intermittently, his presence was the thread that stitched together an eclectic roster of contemporary and veteran musicians, all eager to honor a man who helped define modern blues.
All-star lineup fuels an unforgettable marathon
The house band, led by Rolling Stones drummer Steve Jordan provided a tight, swinging foundation for each guest’s turn. The evening opened with Guy’s gritty acoustic rendition of John Lee Hooker’s “I’m in the Mood,” setting a smoky tone that quickly escalated when he swapped to his signature electric guitar. He then dove into a playful duet of “Rock Me Baby” with Shemekia Copeland before launching into Slim Harpo’s “I’m a King Bee,” proving that even at 90, his swagger remains untouched.
Among the highlights, John Mayer delivered a soulful take on Otis Redding’s “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember,” his voice edged with reverence. Eric Gales and Joe Bonamassa teamed up for Jimmy Reed’s “Baby What You Want Me to Do,” weaving blistering solos that sparked cheers from the balcony to the orchestra pit. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks revived the classic “Messin’ with the Kid,” while Bobby Rush just weeks shy of his 93rd birthday, joined Guy for a rousing finale of “Got My Mojo Workin’.” Even guitar hero Billy F Gibbons made an appearance, adding his signature Texas-blues flair to the sprawling setlist.
Legacy, laughter, and a glimpse of what’s next
Throughout the night, Guy’s trademark humor—interspersed with his colorful profanity—kept the audience on edge. At one point he shouted, “Help me f—k up this song,” prompting laughter and a spontaneous jam that felt more like a family gathering than a staged concert. Near the end, he confessed he lacked the stamina to extinguish the dozens of candles on the towering birthday cake, admitting, “I didn’t think this many people would be coming out for a 90-year-old man.” The sentiment was met with thunderous applause, confirming his lasting impact across generations.
In addition to celebrating the past, the evening hinted at future projects. Guy’s team announced a new album slated for release next year, produced by Steve Jordan and featuring multi-instrumentalist Ivan Neville and bassist Willie Weeks among others who performed on Thursday. The announcement underscored the bluesmaster’s unwaning creative drive, reinforcing that his story is far from over.
When the lights finally dimmed, the crowd left with a shared sense that they had witnessed a historic moment—a night where a 90-year-old blues icon, surrounded by a constellation of modern stars, proved that the genre’s heart beats as loudly as ever.
