Spooky season and Warren Zevon go hand in hand. The “Werewolves of London” singer, known for his Bible-black-tinged rock-and-roll tales, was the subject of celebration on Friday, October 24, at Los Angeles’ United Theater. “Join Me in LA: The Songs of Warren Zevon” tribute concert featured an extensive 30+ song set performed by friends and admirers, one week out from Halloween. 

The musical makeup of the event was split into two acts that leaned in similar directions, emphasizing Zevon’s enigmatic, catchy flow of lines sung during his four-decade career. Zevon’s son Jordan took the task of performing the concert’s first song, 1978’s Excitable Boy’s “Johnny Strikes Up the Band.” The concert’s first move set up subsequent performances by specific artists, among them Steve Wynn, who set the tone with “Play it All Night.” 

Other act one highlights included Leslie Mendelson’s siege of Zevon’s 1995 Mutineer title track, collaborator Jorge Calderón’s three-song tribute via “Veracruz,” “Mr. Bad Example” and “Disorder in the House,” Shooter Jennings’ follow-up with “Excitable Boy” and “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead,” before Dwight Yoakam used “Carmelita” to send the frame into half time. 

Jackson Browne stepped out to kick off the second act on “Don’t Let Us Get Sick,” before passing song duties to Chris Stills, who performed “Nighttime in the Switchyard.” Notably, Zevon and Browne’s career overlap extends back to the ‘70s, when the “Running on Empty” singer assisted in securing Zevon’s first record deal with Asylum Records, and ultimately produced his output, including 1976’s self-titled collection and ‘78s aforementioned record. 

The night drew to a close, but not before final deliveries; Scott McCaughey gave weight to “Tenderness on the Block,” Browne played “Life’ll Kill Ya” and “Desperados Under the Eaves,” while Calderón performed “Keep Me in Your Heart.” All participants took the stage for the final offerings, fan favorites “Werewolves of London” and “Lawyers, Guns and Money.” 

Photographer Stevo Rood attended the event and shared his photos. See below.