Legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell delivered a succinct yet powerful attack on former US President Donald Trump during her rare live performance in Los Angeles. Mitchell, who graced the stage at the Hollywood Bowl for the first time in 28 years, wowed audiences with her timeless classics alongside a talented backing band known as the Joni Jam, featuring artists such as Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, and Marcus Mumford.
The 80-year-old music icon treated fans to a 27-track setlist that included iconic songs like “Big Yellow Taxi”, “California”, “A Case of You”, and a cover of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing”. During the performance, an audience member reportedly shouted a diss against Trump, to which Mitchell responded with a bold statement, declaring, “‘F*** Donald Trump’, I love that song.” She further expressed her lament at not being able to vote due to her Canadian nationality, cheekily referring to herself as “one of those lousy immigrants”.
Brandi Carlile, addressing the enthusiastic crowd of 17,000, highlighted the honour of performing alongside Mitchell and praised the experience as one of the proudest moments in their lives. Mitchell’s return to the live music scene marks a remarkable comeback following a challenging period after suffering a brain aneurysm in 2015, which temporarily affected her speech and mobility.
The Joni Jams, a series of intimate gatherings that started in Mitchell’s living room years ago, played a significant role in her recovery, as fellow musicians and friends serenaded her with her own songs, sparking her musical spirit once more. Carlile’s friendship and support were paramount in encouraging Mitchell to step out of her self-imposed retirement and return to the stage to share her gift with the world.
This bold stance against Trump is not the first instance of artists speaking out against the divisive politician. Canadian musician Rufus Wainwright recently criticised Trump for playing his cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at a town hall event, describing it as a moment of blasphemy and misrepresentation of the song’s message of peace and acceptance.
As Mitchell continues to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent and unwavering spirit, her message serves as a poignant reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and convey messages of truth and unity beyond political divides.