There’s so, so much to be said about this performance, but as Gina mentioned, it’s so striking how much he gives space to other artists. And, he never does it in a patronizing way, despite his level of stardom. He’s so gracious about the art and the artists that built him. His actions and words say: here, this is a piece of what made me. I hope it changes you, the way it transformed me.
There’s such a selflessness to it that, I think, is a fulfillment of the thesis behind Carla’s Song. Music isn’t about any one person, and it’s never been, but it feels like he’s fully outgrown the need to create something popular and widely loved, and has instead grown into the need to create something that outlasts him. It’s a beautiful metamorphosis and I’m glad we get to watch it.
