The cover of Jimmy Buffett’s 1977 single, “Margaritaville.”
“I know there are some Parrotheads out there, yes?” asked Southside Johnny at his show tonight (Sept. 2) with his Asbury Jukes at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park. And with that, he and Jukes keyboardist Jeff Kazee performed a duet version of one of Jimmy Buffett’s signature songs, “Margaritaville.” And sure enough, each time Southside and Kazee came to the line, “looking for my lost shaker of salt,” audience members shouted out “salt! salt! salt!,” just like they used to do at Buffett’s concerts.
You can watch a video of the performance below.
Buffett died Sept. 1, at the age of 76, of skin cancer. A message on jimmybuffett.com was posted, saying, “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.”
“Margaritaville” was Buffett’s only Top 10 hit, rising to No. 8 in 1977.
One New Jersey venue that Buffett performed at many times, with his Coral Reefer Band, was the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel (dating back to when it was known as the Garden State Arts Center). The venue posted on Facebook, today, “No one did music, or lived life, quite like Jimmy Buffett. His laid-back, island vibes brought his fans endless joy through his music and live performances. Sending a heartfelt farewell to the music legend. Thank you for bringing us all a little paradise.”
CONTRIBUTE TO NJARTS.NET
Since launching in September 2014, NJArts.net, a 501(c)(3) organization, has become one of the most important media outlets for the Garden State arts scene. And it has always offered its content without a subscription fee, or a paywall. Its continued existence depends on support from members of that scene, and the state’s arts lovers. Please consider making a contribution of any amount to NJArts.net via PayPal, or by sending a check made out to NJArts.net to 11 Skytop Terrace, Montclair, NJ 07043.
