Big Brother and the Holding Company took the stage, and it felt like the entire crowd was transported back in time. They kicked off the night with “Turtle Blues,” a song that Janis wrote in the late ’60s. Next, they performed “Down on Me,” a traditional cover that they made famous with Janis’s powerful vocals and the driving sound of the band. Following that was “I Need a Man to Love” from the Cheap Thrills LP. This often-overlooked track shone as Darby Gould belted out the lyrics, while guitarist Tom Finch wowed the crowd with his stunning performance. It was truly remarkable.

Then came “Call on Me,” which was a masterpiece in its delivery. From start to finish, that song radiated dignity and style, and it was well-deserved. After that, they played “Keep On,” where Tom showcased his guitar skills with impressive shredding. The next song was a moving moment because Janis would perform a song that a member of Big Brother had written for her to record. The band would lay down the instrumental track, and she was supposed to record the vocals the following day. Tragically, she passed away that night, and never had the chance to record it. The song was called “Buried Alive with the Blues,” and it felt like a fitting tribute.

The following two songs were a mashup of “All Is Loneliness” by Moondog and “Eleanor Rigby” by the Beatles—two songs that complement each other beautifully. After that the band played “Combination of Two,” which was the opener for the Monterey Pop movie, and they delivered it as if it were a brand-new tune. It was a real pleasure to hear it live! Another mashup followed, this time combining “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane with “White Bird” by It’s a Beautiful Day. The blending of these songs made for an amazing experience.

“Women Is Losers,” was another powerhouse song from Janis that Darby delivered perfectly. Then came “Hold Me Birdie,” a newer song—about 20 years old—that the crowd received enthusiastically, which was evident from their applause.

The Kris Kristofferson’s classic “Me and Bobby McGee,” had everyone rocking in their seats, with die-hard fans even dancing in the aisles. The band clearly enjoyed performing it. After “Hold Me,” they played “Piece of My Heart,” which they executed flawlessly. Finally, they performed “Ball and Chain,” a song written by Big Mama Mae Thornton. Phil shared the story of how they got the song from her: they met up, introduced themselves, and she jotted down the lyrics, telling them not to mess it up. Of course, they did, but at least their version earned her a Cadillac!

 

Big Brother and the Holding Company Band: