Bill Murray Trades caddyshack for Cowbell: actor Tours with Blues Band “His Blood Brothers“
SCOTLAND – Actor Bill Murray,famed for his comedic roles in films like ”Caddyshack” and “Lost in Translation,” is currently on tour as the frontman for a blues band aptly named Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers. The unlikely musical venture, born from a chance encounter at a charity golf tournament, is drawing crowds eager to witness the actor’s surprising stage presence alongside seasoned blues musicians.
Murray shares vocal duties and plays percussion instruments like cowbell, congas, and tambourine with the band, which features guitarist Jimmy Vivino – a veteran of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien’s” house band – and blues veterans walter Trout and Kenny Neal. Trout and Neal, both award-winning artists in their own right, have collectively earned 14 National Blues Music Awards throughout their careers.
The collaboration began last year when Murray’s brother, John, invited the Blood Brothers to perform at The Murray Brothers’ Caddyshack Golf Tournament in Florida, an event named after the 1980 comedy film starring Murray. After joining the band onstage for a set including songs by The Rascals, guitarist Walter Trout proposed Murray officially join the group, an offer he readily accepted.
Their debut performance as Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers took place in January in Chicago, were Murray first honed his comedic skills as a member of the Second City troupe. While this isn’t Murray’s first foray into music – he fronted a rock cover band called the Dutch Masters as a teenager in the 1960s and has showcased his vocal talents in roles like “Nick The Lounge Singer” on “Saturday night Live” and in the film “Lost in Translation” – it marks a sustained commitment to performing live music. He previously toured and released an album, ”New Worlds,” in 2017 with cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang, and pianist Vanessa Perez, performing works by Gershwin, Foster, and reciting poetry.
“If you can’t engage with the crowd, what’s the point?” remarked Vivino, praising Murray’s charisma and connection with audiences. “Watching Bill get off on stage is a perfect example of that… I think Junior [Wells] would’ve loved seeing this show.”
Murray himself attributes his song choices to the power of lyrics, stating, “Lyrics.And the music with them adds that much more.”
While Murray’s name undoubtedly draws audiences, the band is a genuine collaboration, showcasing the talents of experienced musicians and offering a unique blend of comedy and blues.
