John Perry Barlow Tribute Full Show Video: Bob Weir, Sean Lennon, Lukas Nelson
Scott Bernstein (April 2018)
The life of internet pioneer, political activist and Grateful Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow, who passed away in February, was celebrated at The Fillmore in San Francisco on Sunday night. “Barlow’s Graduation From Meatspace” featured musical performances, photo slideshows, films and speakers throughout the evening.
New Orleans brass band The Soul Rebels were the first performers of the event. The group’s set included their own “Rebel Rock” and a cover of Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do).” Counter-culture icon Wavy Gravy helped MC the event, while Mountain Girl shared stories about JPB early on in the evening. Then, video of Ramblin’ Jack Elliott reciting a poem about the life of Barlow was shown on a screen on-stage at The Fillmore.
Singer-songwriter Jerry Joseph took part in the event by performing “(I’m In Love With) Hyrum Black” with guitarist Steve Kimock and drummer/percussionist Wally Ingram. The next portion of the tribute was led by Talking Heads multi-instrumentalist Jerry Harrison. Jerry and a group that included Ingram, Bob Weir, Harper Simon, Paul Ill, Sean Lennon and Aishlin Harrison played a sequence of the Talking Heads’ “Heaven,” the Grateful Dead’s “I Need A Miracle” and Al Green’s “Take Me To The River.” Weir was content to play rhythm and sing backing vocals throughout.
The tribute rolled on with footage of Edward Snowden talking about the importance of John Perry Barlow’s activism. Other speakers included Barlow’s daughters Amelia Barlow and Anna Barlow as well as Kathelin Grey and Alden Bevington. Later in the night, Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl performed “The World Was Made For Men,” while Amelia Barlow sang a few songs that included “I Will Take You Home” written by her father and Brent Mydland.
Guitarist Lukas Nelson was in the spotlight for the final musical segment of the tribute. Lukas was joined by Robin Sylvester, Alex Koford, Sean Lennon, Bob Weir and Wally Ingram for “Hell In A Bucket.” Nelson then sang “Estimated Prophet” as Harper Simon, Paul Ill and Jerry Harrison added to the ensemble. Steve Kimock was among those who came aboard for “Feel Like A Stranger.” Most of the evening’s performers then helped out on a “Cassidy.” Finally, a recorded speech from John Perry Barlow titled “Love Forgives Everything” was broadcast in order to give the late songwriter/activist the final word at his own tribute.