They came, they saw, they conquered.
Veteran actor and cultural icon Bill Murray took over Chicago for two nights this weekend with Mike Zito and Albert Castaglia and the Blood Brothers for two sold out shows at Thalia Hall—and for all who were in attendance, the stories will surely become something of legend.
The boys opened with a bluesy reimagining of "Little Red Corvette" by Prince, while also blowing through some classics like "In The Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett, a spirited "Tired Of Waiting" by The Kinks and a supremely-appropriate version of "Born In Chicago" by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band—though nothing ever brings it home like the man, the myth, the Murray letting it all hang out with his take on "Like A Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan.
While most in attendance have never seen Murray fronting a blues band, fans of the actor have caught his crooning in some way, shape or form over the years—going all the way back to his Saturday Night Live days where Nick The Lounge Singer let it rip with his hot take on the Star Wars theme song—right up through many famed Wrigley Field appearances for a Chicago Cubs game and seventh inning stretch rendition of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game".
There was also a passionate version of "More Than This" by Roxy Music in Lost In Translation, a humorous take on "Physical" by Olivia Newton John with Paul Shaffer and The World's Most-Dangerous Band on the debut of Late Night with David Letterman and a heart-tugging version of "Shelter By The Storm"—another Dylan fave—in the closing credits of St. Vincent, with Bill still in character.
"People are like music. Some speak the truth and others are just noise," is a famous Murrayism and a reminder that Bill seems to hear and feel music in all facets of like—making these Blood Brothers outings entertaining for fans, while also a personal and passionate endeavor for him.
Those who have been a part of the family's annual Caddyshack golf outing in St. Augustine, Florida—the Murray Brothers' foundation partnering with various charities to raise monies that provide medical services, educational programs, lifesaving equipment, and fundraising opportunities—the event isn't over until Bill takes the stage with the band, delivering a rousing rendition of "Gloria" by Van Morrison and his original group, Them.
There have also been other outings like the Crossroads festival Eric Clapton hosts, as well as time on stage with Bill late, great friend—the legendary John Prine—a reminder that music is life.
Also, life? Stellar photos, which are on display here via our good friend, professional photographer and fellow Chicagoan, Will Byington.
Will is also a long-time music-lover that shoots the Sixthman rock cruises, as well as the annual Caddyshack event—and he was front and center for these shows in Chicago—sending us over some of these killer shots of Bill and the boys.
Next up for Bill and the Blood Brothers, back to back nights at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on January 29th and 30th, followed by the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta on February 7th, a Valentine's Day evening show at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York and then Sony Hall in The Big Apple on February 15th—tickets for those remaining shows available here.
Bill Murray and the Blood Brothers Tear Up Chicago ... Twice