Paramore’s Hayley Williams, Sheryl Crow, Hozier and Jason Isbell along with his wife Amanda Shires were among the many artists who performed at Monday’s Love Rising benefit at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Other main performers included Hozier, Brittany Howard, Yola, Julien Baker and Maren Morris, who performed solo and led a slightly altered Highwomen lineup. Brandi Carlile sent a video message apologizing for not being able to make it and also made a matching contribution of up to $100,000, Natalie Hamby wasn’t there either, but Joy Oladokun joined Morris and Shires in performing the group’s “Crowded Table.”
Allison Russell served as musical director and performed with many of the artists, including a sparkling vocal duet with Hozier on his song “Nina Cried Power.” She also sang the Carlile – Alicia Keys tune “A Beautiful Noise” and her own “You’re Not Alone.”
The show was a fundraiser for multiple Tennessee-based LGBTQ organizations and was sparked by recent legislation in the state that bans most gender-affirming care and, separately, bans adult cabaret from public property or anywhere minors might be present. Nashville mayor John Cooper, no fan of the recent crackdowns, spoke at the show to assure concert-goers, some of whom were in drag, that the city still welcomes everyone.
The show was livestreamed around the world by Veeps, and was hosted by costume designer and onetime RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Asia O’Hara, one of many drag queens who would take the stage before the night was over.
Performances included:
- Hayley Williams: “Inordinary” and “Did I Shave My Legs for This?” (a Deana Carter cover)
- Sheryl Crow: “Every Day Is a Winding Road” and “Had to Make a Stand”
- Hozier: “Nina Cried Power” and “Take Me to Church”
- Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires: “Cover Me Up,” “Keep on Smilin’ (a Wet Willie cover) and “Take It Like a Man.”
- Julien Baker: “Men” (a Neko Case cover)
- Yola: “Stand for Myself” and the lead vocal on an ensemble rendition of Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman”
- Brittany Howard: “Stay High” and the lead vocal on an ensemble rendition of Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family.”
