Second Annual VETSAID

VETSAID 2018

Tacoma Dome, Tacaoma, WA, USA , November 11, 2018

by Judy Grover
photos by Tim Tyni

I have to admit – being a huge Beatles fan, when I saw that Ringo Starr was going to be at the VetsAid concert in the Tacoma Dome, he was pretty much all I could think about. “When will Ringo come on? What songs will he do? RINGOOOO!!! SQUEE!!!”

But when I heard Joe Walsh and his wife Marjorie speak at the brief press conference before the show about their heartfelt support for veterans, the purpose and meaning for this event touched my heart even more than my excitement over seeing a “Beatle” in the concert. Joe and Marjorie described seeing homeless vets while they tour the country, “kids” coming home shattered, PTSD sufferers who commit suicide (or even kill others). Joe felt a resonance with the plight of veterans, particularly because of his father, who was in the Army Air Corps and died in 1949 when Joe was only 2. Joe felt called to use his celebrity to do something to help pay the unpaid debts of a system that sends men and women to war and then ignores them when they get home. “It’s about time to start giving back” to our veterans, thought Joe. So, he, Marjorie and their son Christian, who produced the event, went into action and created VetsAid, which began in Fairfax, VA in 2017. They called on friends (and family – Ringo is Joe’s brother-in-law!) not knowing who, if anyone, would say yes, but many fellow artists did and were happy to help!

This year’s concert was held at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA and featured Joe, fellow Eagle Don Henley, Haim, Chris Stapleton, James Taylor, Emcee Drew Carey, and special guest Ringo Starr. Each of these world-class performers gave generously of their time and talent to raise over $1.2 million to help veterans charities across the country, and they put on an outstanding and inspiring show for a packed Dome crowd this Veterans Day evening.

The show began with a soul-stirring rendition of the National Anthem by DaNell Daymon and Greater Works Gospel Choir. Next, indie-pop sister trio Haim took the stage with a drumline of tribal-sounding beats that book-ended a 45- minute set of punchy, female-empowered pop.

Next up, after a lengthy intermission, was country artist Chris Stapleton, introduced by the impromptu MC of the evening, Drew Carey (who also introduced members of VetsAid Grants recipients including Fallen Patriot and Semper Fi Fund, and amused the crowd with his special appreciation for WWII vets–” Thanks for beating Hitler!”). Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey-flavored half-hour set was a bluesy, energetic and interactive burst of Americana that had much of the audience stomping its feet.

The Greater Works Gospel Choir then returned and lit up the stage with a rousing performance of “This Little Light of Mine” and “Shout,” during which they encouraged the audience to wave their cell phone lights. James Taylor calmed things down with his folksy ballads including “Native Son,” which was written about a soldier coming home from Vietnam, and lullaby “Sweet Baby James.” But the energy was soon brought up again when Walsh joined Taylor for “Steamroller Blues,” paving the way for Don Henley to take the stage for a set of crowd-pleasing Henley/Eagles hits. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Henley’s faithful rendition of “Everybody Wants to Rule The World,” which he offered as “sing-along therapy” – it worked—at least it made me happy! A man sitting a couple of seats down from me was standing, clapping, dancing and smiling through the entire Henley/Walsh segment of the show—I don’t know whether he was a vet or not but from the joy on his face I could tell that the music was good “therapy” for him – as I’m sure it was for many!

This evening featured some outstanding musicianship, including the house band (the saxophonist was particularly outstanding!) But little could top Joe Walsh’s energetic and heartfelt set, especially “Turn to Stone,” during which images of homeless veterans flashed behind him on the big screen. “If you’re a vet, I just want you to know that there are people who care,” Joe said. And you could feel the caring and passion poured into every performance given this Veteran’s Day evening.

Finally, as hinted and promised earlier in the evening, Ringo Starr took the stage to join the rest of the musicians for the Grand Finale – “A Little Help From My Friends,” featuring images of people (and dogs) helping vets on the screen. It was a jumping, lively performance that proved that old rockers can more than keep up with the younger ones. I’m sure I was not the only Beatles fan in the crowd who was a bit disappointed that Ringo did only one song, but that song was a perfect wrap-up for an evening dedicated to friends helping heroes. And that, after all, was what this evening – this Veteran’s Day – is all about.

In addition to the concert, Joe Walsh toured the local military base and put on a job fair aimed at helping veterans find work. Joe’s message to veterans is that there are people who want to help and are aware you’re having a difficult time – you are not alone! Please go to vetsaid.org if you are a veteran in need – or if you would like to give back to our veterans.

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