Conan O'Brien Belts Elvis Presley's 'Suspicious Minds' at Love Rocks NYC 2024

Considering Conan O'Brien made a name for himself by subverting TV comedies in the '90s, people were in for something weird when the comedian kicked off the eighth annual Love Rocks NYC benefit concert at Manhattan's Beacon Theater on Thursday ( March 7). But it's safe to say few expected him to pick up a guitar and deliver a full rock band on Elvis Presley's latest Hot 100 No. 1, “Suspicious Minds” — and frankly, he killed it. He nailed it in the bridge, but the ginger giant gave a mostly honest take on the song and proved he has a solid set of pipes. You might not light a red chair on him The voice, but he's good enough to be a ringer at a karaoke bar (plus, it's fun to watch that orange pompadour wave as he bangs his head).

That was one of the many unexpected delights at Love Rocks NYC, a fundraising show for the New York nonprofit God's Love We Deliver, which delivers 10,000 medically adapted meals to New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses every day. It's an undeniably fantastic cause, and everyone involved – rock royalty, comedy legends and up-and-coming talent – ​​brought their A-game to the Beacon Theatre.

Don Felder of the Eagles played “Hotel California” on his signature double neck guitar. Dave Grohl rocked “Everlong.” Hozier belting out 'Take Me to Church'? Nile Rodgers brought the “Good Times”. and the Black Keys released “Lonely Boy.”

Even so, most of the standout moments came courtesy of artists coming together for unexpected covers. For example, who knew Prince's “Let's Go Crazy” needed a trombone solo? But when Trombone Shorty, Joss Stone and Ivan Neville teamed up to cover the latest, great Purple One, they brought a fresh New Orleans flavor to the Minneapolis sound. Speaking of Stone, the British soul singer had jaws on the floor with a fervent cover of Tina Turner's “What's Love Got to Do With It,” which featured Tracy Morgan dancing to the side of the stage, arms in the air. As well as Morgan and O'Brien, Martin Short, Bill Murray and Jim Gaffigan continued the night between sets, managing to do the “donate now!” prompts funnier than they should be. (Short's quip that it's a “show business rule” to never ask Nick Cannon what he's doing on Father's Day was a kiss-the-chef moment.)

“Love Rocks is its own thing. We designed this concert to feel like a real rock and roll concert. While we're doing a message to give and we're sending a message to charity throughout the show, we never wanted this to feel like a benefit or a gala. We do most of the fundraising before the show so that when people come to the concert it's all about the music and the entertainment,” says Love Rocks NYC co-executive producer Greg Williamson. Advertising sign. “And for the artists it's a very special experience when they see their friends and have a reunion with so many fellow artists that they love and respect. It's a true celebration of love and love really rocks.”

It was a testament to the quality of the line-up (not to mention the impeccable house band led by Will Lee) that the four-hour affair went through. Bettye LaVette brought soul and mood to a cover of Bob Dylan's “Things Have Changed.” Tom Morello sang Woody Guthrie's “This Land Is Your Land,” with the oft-cut line about hungry people waiting for relief. Luke Spiller of the Struts led a crowd-pleasing take on Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody.” and Allison Russell and Hozier traded vocals on a version of Stevie Wonder's “Living for the City” that was so good we hope they record a studio version.

The night ended with an all-star jam to David Bowie's “Let's Dance,” led by the Chic frontman who co-produced the Hot 100 No. 1 for Thin White Duke – with Grohl on drums, no less. “Is it possible that the whole evening was a cherished moment?” asks Love Rocks NYC co-executive producer Nicole Rechter. “Love Rocks 2024 was riveting from the opening with Conan to the finale with Dave Grohl on drums. The night never ended with great performances from all the artists and comedians.”

Just as God's Love We Deliver feeds thousands of New Yorkers in need every day, the audience at the 2024 Love Rocks NYC show left the Beacon Theater full – and ready for what's next.