Questlove Spontaneously Sits In for COVID-Positive Drummer at John Mayer Concert

variety.com:

Chris Willman Music WriterMaking a good argument that rehearsals are for rookies, and that some Oscar nominees are better utility players than others, Questlove sat in with John Mayer’s band at a Madison Square Garden show Monday after the singer’s usual drummer, Steve Ferrone, tested positive for COVID before the show.Mayer’s crew was actually down by two at the start of his second night at MSG, with backup singer Carlos Ricketts Jr.

also testing positive. The singer’s initial response was to make the gig a stripped-down, acoustic performance, before Questlove, summoned not long before showtime, stepped in for the second half of the performance — saying later that he would have liked to play the whole thing. “Tonight’s show was special in ways that I’m still processing,” Mayer wrote in the wee hours after the unusual show Monday. “We send our love to @steve_ferrone and @made4good in hopes they traipse through COVID and return to the stage quickly.

My boundless appreciation goes out to the legendary @questlove, who stepped in on an hour’s notice to help end the show on such a powerful and definitive note.“The brilliant musicians in this band stepped up in ways that I will never forget, and will bond us forever,” Mayer continued. “Most importantly, I thank everyone in attendance whose enthusiasm and energy in the face of some disappointing news lifted us all to something far greater than I could have ever expected.

It’s the honor of my life to share these nights of music with you. The next couple of tour stops will feature this format (minus the very otherwise-engaged Questlove) and I will devote every moment to making sure we bring you the best show we can.