Austin City Limits Celebrates 40 Years 'Not Fade Away'

An all-star lineup celebrating four decades of Austin City Limits culminates in Buddy Holly's classic "Not Fade Away." Watch the special on Friday, October 3rd on PBS at 9E/8C.

[bontadirisatina]

Verses and solos in order: Joe Ely, Jeff Bridges, Sheryl Crow (harmonica then vocals), David Grissom (blue denim shirt, great guitar solo), Bonnie Raitt (steel guitar, also great), Jimmie Vaughan (white guitar, brother of Stevie Ray), Doyle Bramhall II (worn guitar, white guy with afro), Gary Clark Jr (bearded Black guy), Lloyd Maines on pedal steel (also father of Natalie Maines of The Chicks), Joe Ely again, Robert Earl Keene (white hat), then there’s a moment with backup singers Sheryl Crow & Brittney Howard (of Alabama Shakes), also the plaid shirt guitarist on the far right is Rich Brotherton (used to play guitar for Robert Earl Keen’s band).


My further research provides likely possibilities below as all were in attendance at that anniversary show.

Guy in far back with glasses (on the right side) playing a white guitar is Glenn Fukunaga.

The drummer is Tom Van Schaik who played for the Dixie Chicks and more recently with Robert Earl Keen.

There’s also a pianist on the right side I can only catch a couple of glimpses of. That’s Riley Osbourn .

Most of the brass quartet are likely from Grupo Fantasma.

The marimba player is John Speice IV from Grupo Fantasma.

Possibly sax is Doug James. But most likely Joshua Levy of Grupo Fantasma.

Possibly the trombonist is Mike Rinta. Or Leo Gauna of the Hubtones and Grupo Fantasma. But most likely Mark ‘Speedy’ Gonzalez of Grupo Fantasma.

The heavy trumpet player is Gilbert Elorreaga of Grupo Fantasma. The Black trumpet player on the far left might be Ephraim Owens. That's the only one on stage that's hard to get a clear view of his face.

[billglueck]

I love the pics of Bonnie all chill and sitting back in the pocket driving the rythm waiting for her turn to show the boys how it's really done! She is real and spectacular!

[georgecollins]

I've watched this 50 times. Don't get no better.

[maryglo]

Remembering the time I went to see these guys in Santa Cruz, CA at Moe's Alley. It was a stormy, rainy night. Just when everything was getting steamed up the power went out. Mobile band members jumped down on the dance floor and played there without amplifiers. It was fun, intimate and we kept dancing and they got us singing! It was no less than a fabulous show!

Having worked on a radio crew for years at High Sierra Music, the Subdudes was an absolute favorite headliner! I grew to respect these guys and their musicianship. They're tight! They know how to put on a great show! I love these gentlemen. Crazy about this band, The Subdudes are on my favorite bands list!

[jackmchugh]

Love it. Phew! Brings back memories as I was junior in high school when Buddy, Richie Vallens, and The Big Bopper died in that Iowa cornfield. As an old man, I still love Buddy's music.

[Darryl]

Awesome performance, I clicked on this because of the beautiful Bonnie Raitt but stayed because it was so good

[papabare]

His body may have died in 1959 but Buddy's spirit and music will Not Fade Away.

[MrGaberlunzie]

Bonnie Rait should absolutely be higher on Rolling Stone's list of great guitar players. She rocks!!!

[DanDLion-tfst]

Love Bonnie Rait and her guitar. True Blue.

[cindiereinhold]

When it's Bonnie's turn, she's like, "Hold my beer. This is how you do it." A true American music icon.

[jaylewis]

For those who are asking (l. to r.):
Lloyd Maines on steel guitar
Brittany Howard
Sheryl Crow
Doyle Bramhall (behind Sheryl Crow)
David Grissom (behind Doyle Bramhall)
Jimmie Vaughan
Robert Earl Keen (in the hat)
Joe Ely
Bonnie Raitt
Gary Clark Jr. (behind Bonnie Raitt)
Jeff Bridges
Rich Brotherton (accoustic guitar)
Riley Osborn (keyboard)
Glenn Fukunaga (bass)
Tom Van Schaik (drums)


I think that's everybody.

[awwj]

You've seen this and you can't unsee this. 100 years from now people will be blown away.

[davehollamon]

All i have to say is "Thanks Buddy", & "You're memory will Not Fade Away"!!

[vincerumbough]

Throughout the years, I have seen every person on that stage, some of them actually together, but to see ALL of them together doing a Buddy Holly cover, blows my mind. This is awesome, I love seeing Joe Ely Live, so this is extra sweet with all the other legends!!

[SuperCapsfan]

Bonnie hit the slide, smiling faces all around!

[johnconn]

Listened again(7 times), and just gets better….awesome.

[palacerevolution]

It's not just what Bonnie plays but the bad-assness with how she delivers it. It's like
"Move over fellas, coming through, I;m taking the first one".

[NancyReynolds-pq]

Absolutely these 2 young men have been taught by 1 of the best Artist that these generations have been blessed to see and hear thank you Nelson family yaaaay Willie

[johndelucchi]

This is everyone from A to Z collectively whose done it all in American music for the past 30 years. These are the people blessed my life by making every minute of it worth living.

[ehcatsfaneric]

all this is possible because of the GREAT BUDDY HOLLY...one of a kind genius....