LOVE ROCKS NYC: AN X-PENSIVE PHOTO OP

“Oh, you’re that dude from The Matrix,” observes rock legend Keith Richards to actor Laurence Fishburne following the sixth annual LOVE ROCKS NYC benefit for God’s Love We Deliver, at which the latter was a surprise special guest and the former a performer with his X-Pensive Winos band. “I was in the Matrix for, like, six weeks in 1974, until Mick Taylor put some amyl nitrate under me nose.” Seen just before collectively freeze-framing in midair are (l-r) guitar great Waddy Wachtel, Richards, Fishburne and drummer Steve Jordan. The occasion marked the first X-Pensive Winos performance in 30 years and boasted a guest appearance by Jackson Browne.

The benefit, which also featured performances by Mavis Staples, Hozier, Warren Haynes, Ben Harper, Melissa Etheridge, Allison Russell, Larkin Poe and more, raised north of $3m, half of which will go to hunger relief for Ukraine. Bill Murray was another special guest. Mario Cantone, Michelle Buteau and Steve Schirripa served as hosts. The benefit was executive produced by fashion giant John Varvatos, NYC real estate broker and concert producer Greg Williamson and producer Nicole Rechter.

This spring God’s Love We Deliver’s delivered its 30 millionth meal. Last year, the org brought 2.6m+ meals to 10k New Yorkers dealing with severe illness.