This past weekend, music legends gathered backstage at Joni Mitchell’s Hollywood Bowl concerts for an exclusive jam session that featured Elton John, Chappell Roan, and Lucy Dacus among others. This remarkable event followed Mitchell’s long-awaited headlining shows in Los Angeles, her first in over two decades.
Held on October 19 and 20, the concerts were a significant occasion, showcasing a lineup of talented musicians and surprise guest performers. Yet, the real highlight may have been the intimate jam session that took place behind the scenes. Social media buzzed with excitement as Brandi Carlile shared a video clip showing the iconic Joni Mitchell joining Elton John in a rendition of his classic hit “I’m Still Standing.” The gathering also included notable artists like Tim Hanseroth, Blake Mills, and Allison Russell, all contributing to what Carlile dubbed “the ultimate backstage Joni Jam.”
In a playful moment captured on video, Mitchell was seen joyfully engaging with the music, tapping her cane rhythmically on the floor as John took the lead. Carlile later posted a picture with the group, humorously referring to them as “the full backing of the gay mafia,” emphasizing the celebratory atmosphere.
During her main performances, Joni Mitchell didn’t shy away from expressing her political views. At one show, she performed the song “Dog Eat Dog” for the first time since 1985, and when an audience member shouted an insult towards Donald Trump, Mitchell responded candidly with “Fuck Donald Trump.” She also encouraged everyone to vote, expressing her own frustrations as a Canadian unable to participate in U.S. elections.
Across both nights, the concerts featured a diverse lineup of musicians including Brandi Carlile, Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold, and Marcus Mumford, among others. In addition to her classics, Mitchell treated fans to rare tracks that had not been performed live in years, such as “Hejira,” “Coyote,” and “God Must Be A Boogie Man,” making the concerts a nostalgic experience for many.
Overall, the Hollywood Bowl performances not only marked a significant milestone in Joni Mitchell’s career but also showcased the power of music to bring together artists and fans in celebration and solidarity.