The annual concert was started in 2017 by Varvatos, Rechter and Williamson, who came up with the idea after speaking together at a
fundraising dinner for God's Love We Deliver, of which Williamson is a
board member. The concert raises money for the charity, which provides meals for those too sick to make, purchase or prepare meals themselves. The concert features different Musicians and presenters every year. The
house band, led by
Will Lee with members
Paul Shaffer,
Eric Krasno,
Larry Campbell,
Steve Gadd and
Shawn Pelton, plays every year. As of June 2020 the event had raised $9 million in proceeds and had funded one million meals.
2017 The inaugural lineup included the following artists and presenters: •
Jackson Browne •
Joe Walsh •
Sam Moore •
Patty Smyth •
Lucinda Williams 2019 The 2019 show took place on March 7, 2019, which coincided with the 34th anniversary of the founding of God's Love We Deliver. It was hosted by Bill Murray and
Martin Short. The show featured presenters and artists like: •
Hozier •
Buddy Guy The 2019 festival raised $2.3 million.
2020 The 4th annual Love Rocks NYC took place on March 12, 2020, as a restricted attendance-only event and all performances were
live-streamed. The evening's emcees were Paul Shaffer and
Tamara Tunie and late-night television host
David Letterman made a surprise appearance. The line-up included: •
Dave Matthews •
Chris and
Rich Robinson of
The Black Crowes • Susan Tedeschi The lineup included
Sara Bareilles,
Grace Potter,
Jon Bon Jovi,
Joe Bonamassa,
Nathaniel Rateliff and
Emily King. It was hosted by comedian
Jeff Garlin, actor
Michael Imperioli and former
baseball player Bernie Williams, with special guests comedian, writer and actor
Tina Fey.
2022 The 2022 Love Rocks concert took place on March 10, 2022, and featured
Keith Richards,
Jackson Browne,
Warren Haynes,
Hozier and
David Shaw of
The Revivalists. It was hosted by Murray, actor
Laurence Fishburne and actors
Steve Schirripa and
Michelle Buteau from the television series
The Sopranos. Browne, who has not billed before the show, appeared as a surprise guest.
2023 The 7th edition took place on March 9, 2023, at the Beacon Theater, continuing its support of the nonprofit God’s Love We Deliver. The event featured performances by
James Taylor,
Sheryl Crow,
Pat Benatar, and
Neil Giraldo, among others. Presenters included
Stephen Colbert,
Chevy Chase, and
Andy Cohen. Proceeds benefited the charity’s mission to provide nutritious, medically tailored meals to individuals with severe illness.
2024 The 8th edition took place on March 7, 2024, at the Beacon Theater, in support of the concert series’ ongoing partnership with the nonprofit God’s Love We Deliver. Performers included
Dave Grohl,
The Black Keys,
Hozier,
Nile Rodgers,
Tom Morello,
Bettye LaVette,
Don Felder,
Joss Stone,
Allison Russell,
Emily King,
Marcus King,
Lucius,
Larkin Poe,
Trombone Shorty,
Luke Spiller,
Quinn Sullivan, and
Bernie Williams. Comedians and television personalities
Conan O’Brien,
Tracy Morgan,
Jim Gaffigan,
Martin Short, and
Bill Murray also appeared.
2025 The 9th edition took place on March 6, 2025, at the Beacon Theater, featuring headliners
Trey Anastasio,
Mavis Staples, and
Peter Frampton. The event continued to raise funds for God's Love We Deliver with performances from
Cher,
Alicia Keys, and
Beck, among other artists. == References ==