Coral Reefers Mac McAnally & Eric Darken’s First Show After the Death of Jimmy Buffett 

Lots of people on social media have been wondering if Mac was going to make any sort of statement about Jimmy Buffett's passing. I think he said what he was going to say to Jimmy in private before he did this show. I don't know how in the world Mac was able to get through this performance because I cried all the way through this video. God bless Mac, the Coral Reefers, and the Buffett family. Parrot Heads, too!

Mac is an incredible talent in his own right. I hope he and the Coral Reefers continue. I think Jimmy would want that as well.

This is the best tribute to Jimmy I've seen. Thank you Mac.

Thank you for posting this. Rarely do I get sad over losing people I've never met, but this is a true loss.

Jimmy has passed the baton on to Mac and the Coral Reefers.... it's in good hands. RIP Jimmy 🦈🦜

We were at Mac’s concert in July when Jimmy appeared, on the ocean, sunset, kids, elders, kayaks, swimmers….they sang this. What a privilege to be on the planet for the same time as Jimmy and the Coral Reefers too…. Have fun, Bubbles Up, Breathe Out, Breathe In, Move On…❤ to all…

Jimmy wasn't just a musician, writer, or artist. He was the epitome of how to live life and show you can be happy and share in the joy of living up to the end when the body gives out, but the soul continues on making smiles eternally. To the Coral Reefers, thank you. To Jimmy, thank you. Life goes on. Cheers to calm seas and umbrella drinks; six strings and cheeseburgers, pirates and life worth living in paradise here....and beyond.

I've made it 48 years in life without sheding a single tear for someone I never met , but since Buffett died...this one hit so hard and i've cried so many times. I dont know how the hell Mr. McAnally got through this having lost such a great friend.

I hope Jimmy was sitting on a beach in Heaven watching this. ♥

No other celebrity aside from Robin Williams has made me cry this much after their passing. Jimmy Buffet was the first concert I ever went to. My dad brought me to one of his shows up in Worcester Mass. It was an indoor/outdoor arena, amphitheater kind of set up. It felt like one big block party, the bathrooms were so packed everyone midshow started running an using the side fence to use the bathroom. I was only about 10 or 11 at the time, so it was funny to me to see a bunch of girls squatting by the fence too. I'll never forget that show till the day I die. My father is a parrot head, got me into Jimmy's music, I'll always be a parrot head too. It will always amaze me to see and hear how many generations he was able to touch. You can ask anyone you come across in life, "Do you know any Jimmy Buffet songs?" I guarantee you every single person knows at least one, I swear some kids come out of their mothers belly already knowing the words to Cheeseburger In Paradise or Margaritaville. RIP to a legend, to someone I never met in my life but still consider a friend to the world.

My wife and I attended this concert with some good friends. Mac did an outstanding job of paying tribute to Jimmy in both song and story. I can not imagine how difficult it was for Mac to sing many of these songs. All I can say is, Thank You Mac, you made the feeling of sorrow and pain go away for two hours. Fins Up

When the people start standing... real tears in my eyes. Love ya, Mac & Eric. "God bless Jimmy Buffett," indeed.

I pray Jimmy asked Mac to carry the songs forward and take lead of the Reefers. I think it would be a blessing to see the band carry on, Mac would do it right, cheers Mac for this. RIP Jimmy

To OP/Camera Operator: Your camera skills are much appreciated, video is well framed no shaking no voice-over, allowed us to all be in that moment. Thank you 🙏🦜

If you have ever lost a friend, you’ll have an idea of how hard that must have been for Mac. Tributes are for the living - they’re how we ease the pain of loss. So it’s no small thing that a guy who’s hurting more than any of us was able to use his art to comfort us. Thanks, Mac!

Thx for the post Nate. The news of Jimmy's death saddened me beyond words & can't believe it still. If anyone should've lived to 100--it shoulda been Jimmy Buffett. I can't bring myself to listen to Jimmy yet; but I know I will. I too hope the Coral Reefers continue. I also think Jimmy would've wanted that. Lord knows millions of people do too. God bless Jimmy & the Coral Reefers.

When. I was at my lowest point, Jimmy's music never failed to make me feel better by taking my mind to places I could picture so vividly that it allowed me to escape the bad thoughts. Thanks, Jimmy. RIP

The tears keep coming...Mac and the Coral Reefer family are a wonderful reflection of the man Jimmy Buffett was (is...can't believe he's gone😢) I had numerous AMAZING moments at Buffett concerts and I will be forever grateful for my opportunity to perform with these talented musicians...I won an audition in '96 and backstage got dressed into costume of little bo peep and sang Why Don't We Get Drunk in front of a packed house at the then Great Woods (will always be)...Jimmy recorded performance and handed me the Palmcorder with a vibrant beautiful Buffett smile and big hug and kiss❤ Jimmy was and always will remain my light on the dark days...sail on sailer...Continue on Coral Reefers...Jimmy is expecting it..and we Parrotheads are too!❤

Have a pic of me and Mac taken in a hotel bar in Omaha NE. The Jimmy Buffett security guards hadn’t shooed us away yet. My niece got a pic with Jimmy. Mac was so generous to give us a pic and time for us to say thanks. Really appreciate all the years and concerts we got to hear you Mac! You are a legend! ❤️

I can here Jimmy as Mac sings. So similar. So comforting. Thanks for carrying on Mac ❤

I can't even imagine what the last week and months (years?) have been like for Mac. I hope that those of us who've loved Jimmy, Mac and all of the Coral Reefers all of these years can bring them some love, strength and smiles. We'll see you in Misquamicut next weekend Mac. Bubbles Up!

I'm not crying, your crying. Carry.on Coral Refer Band, carry on.. and as Jimmy would want, have fun. Don't ever stop !

Jimmy’s spirit lives ❤🎶🥀🕊️🕯️🙏😎 and may you always have fair winds and following seas 💨🌬️🌊🌪️

Wow - I still hear Jimmy's voice through this.

I was glad my brother Tony and I got to know Jimmy as a childhood friend when our families lived in Springhill, Alabama. My family moved to California in 1959. When my parents returned to Alabama on vacation in 1963, my brother and I stop by to see Jimmy. While we waited for Jimmy, I remember this two sisters Lucy and Lori seating on a sofa smiling at us. We smiled back and waved to them. When Jimmy came out, he told about what had been going on since we left and his adventures in Key West when he speared a huge Black Bass that drug him all over the place before he decided to let go of his spear gun or drown. He said he was heading out to party with some of this friend and invited us to join. We were unable to do so since we were driving our parents car. True story, RIP Jimmy.

Loosing such a dear friend as Jimmy and Mac were. Mack YOU Rallied and pushed thru the sadness to make it happen. He would indeed want that. Jimmy does live on.

Watching everyone stand to their feet and applause is a real tear jerker. Thanks for showing love and respect to this man

OMG....Whenever I hear about people crying when they hear that someone famous has died, I usually roll my eyes. When I heard Jimmy died, I teared up a little...every hour for the last 7 days. When the audience stood up and started singing "A Pirate Looks at 40", I completely lost it and bawled..

I thought I was done with a week of crying. Nope. Thank you, Mac.😭💔💓

Mac should be the only one to sing Jimmy's songs. What a voice and musician! This made me happy and sooo sad at the same time. Sad Jimmy "has left the building" but so glad we have friends like Mac to keep the Parrotheads singing. Nate N, thanks so much for posting. Parrothead since '77. Been a wonderful journey with Jimmy taking us on journeys with his songs.

Everybody needs a friend like Mac, to say these sorts of things when we go...

I thought I might get through this dry eyed. Not a chance. Thank you Mac. Sail on sailor ❤

Praying for the band 🎤🎶🎵🙏❤️

What a poignant moment at 8:05 into the tribute when Mac says "You see all this James!?" with everyone on their feet singing along to Pirate in honor of Jimmy. It's a moment that speaks volumes on Mac's respect for his beloved life long friend, James "Jimmy" Buffett.

This is so poignant and deep. Thank you Mac and Eric. We cannot imagine your pain and Jimmy is smiling that you are on that stage playing through your loss. God Bless.

well done Mac!!! Love love love and miss Jimmy so much! I am a Florida native- born in 1971 and all I have known my whole life is "Jimmy Buffett"...oh the pool parties my parents would have! keep on keepin' on! xo

Our hearts go out to all those close to Jimmy Buffett. He’s the first famous person I’ve ever cried for after passing away, but his music and lyrics wove their way into our life. It is so good to see Mac McAnally continuing on though this pain. Such a good leader for all of us.

I wondered what Mac was doing to do, now it really hits home...

Thank you Mac. I think Jimmy would be honored! He would TRULY be honored. Don’t give up on us. It will be different and difficult to start, but we would be right there with you all!

lovely tribute Mac, just lovely. We miss him so much already.

❤❤The best part of Jimmy's music... EVERYONE knows the words and CAN SING ALONG, anytime, anywhere and nobody will get pissed. Try that with any other venue.

Jimmy's music helped me through some pretty hard times. There is less happiness in the world since he's gone. I feel it. Several Mondays have come and it's still not all right.

I have been listening to Jimmy since I was a kid, I mean since the 70’s I have even performed margarita villa with a few different beers, never as good as Jimmy and never will be, only in my wildest dreams . Jimmy music as well as the coral reefers, got me through breakups, and though devoice and death of friends and family members, including the greatest man I ever knew , my Father who was a great dad, and a Native American who was a Hero to everybody who knew him, I loved jimmy’s music and still his songs in my car, who doesn’t care that I am off key, my Father was a musician, who gave everything up to be a Dad, that even when my parents divorced my Dad always lived with in a block or two of us, so he could be near his kids, it was my Dad who introduced me to Jimmy’s music, and in turn had done the same with my son, and my daughter . I was born in Colorado, but grew up,in SoCal by the ocean and have sailed on it , swam in it and surfed it, and have always felt at home there. One of the biggest thrills of my life was when I went to Key west, and got the chance to go to the Margaritavilla bar and have a cheese burger. It’s been a week since Jimmy Died , and I hope to god that he knows how many people he touch and helped. Through the good times and the bad, anyway thank you Jimmy and the coral reefers for being the sound track to my life. I love you . Robert Quiroz Pasadena Ca

We’re all winding down with time but Jimmy and the boys made it a helluva ride ❤☺️ Forever thankful

Impossible to believe Jimmy will never be on a stage again. Surreal.

Thank you so much for sharing. What a fitting and beautiful tribute. Mac, you were a huge part of jimmy’s career and I know a good friend. My heart goes out to you for your loss and Thank you for sharing this tribute. Phinz up and sail on! 🌴🌴🌴🌴

I still can't believe it 🫣 my father in law is his number one fan and we know all his songs by heart 🌴 you are beautiful and I'm so glad that Jimmy had such a great friend 🥰 I'm so glad to be a parrot head ✌️💛🤩

Jimmy Buffett will be missed. He made us happy while he was here. Thank you to the Coral reefer band member's whom helped Jimmy to be an amazing performer. God bless you all.

Dang I love Mac! My heart is breaking a little bit for him. 💔 beautiful tribute - job well done! ❤‍🩹

From a Parrothead in Canada,I personally want to thank Mac for carrying on the legacy of our favorite pirate, Jimmy Buffett. Love and Prayers from Canada 🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸🙏🕊🌞👏🦜

I cried all the way through it. That was beautiful. God bless the guy in the front middle that stood up. These songs will live on forever. Thank ya Jimmy....

What a Blessing to know Jimmy Buffett, what an Outstanding Man, what a Heart, what a Life, and what a Giver to Us All. He gave his All for us to enjoy his Great Story Telling. Absolutely an Awesome Soul, Forever Live On Jimmy...........................👍❤️🙂

Bless their hearts, I know how hard that must have been for them and yet how much they needed that as well. Jimmy touched so many hearts, he was a light in a world of storms and chaos.

Wow. Tears. Both for Jimmy and Michael Johnson, whom I first heard sing It's My Job. A song that had carried me through some hard times. Both of these gentleman sang some very introspective songs that meant so much to me. Now both are gone...

Mac, that was tough on so many levels...all I can say is "Thanks."

So glad you can celebrate Jimmy like this and I`m sure he`d love it.

This made me cry,geez,been a jimmy fan since 77 when I saw him open for the eagles in Miami, I hope the rest of the coral reefers keep touring either together or separately 😢😢😢😢😢😢

I had heard the interview Mac did on the radio the week before Jimmy passed talking about this show. I wondered how it would go, and now I know. Beautiful.

Im so glad that the Coral Reefers are "keeping the party going!" Jimmy is proud of Y'all! Thank you for sharing this memorable experience. Tears are running down my face😢, somewhat happy tears! Love ❤️ n' Light ✨️

Thank you so much for sharing this . What an awesome and beautiful tribute. God Bless you Mac ❤ 🌴⛵🦈... Fins Up

Thanks Mac, Eric and Reefers. We all miss Jimmy so much. Bless you all.

The river started flowing when they started to stand. So Touching

So amazing that so many people feel they lost one of their best friends. The man and his music always reminded us to step back and enjoy life, and be the best you that you can be.

Thanks for singing us through our Grief and Loss Mac. Its what a True Friend would do to honor Jimmy and his love of performing the Moldy Oldies that Paid the Rent for decades and all the newer stuff that chronicled every stage of this playful, irreverent man's life who said things in his songs we wanted to say but often couldn't in our wacked-out American Dream lives.

For 3 decades I watched from the crowd as you guys made thousands of people happy with every chord and every verse. When Fingers left the band, I thought it was the worst thing, then the next show you were still there, and Robert, and Doyle, and then from 10 there were 30 on stage. The family you all had on stage was given to all of us in the seats watching and it was a beautiful time…every time!! Thank you Mac. As much as we all loved Jimmy, I’m truly sorry for your loss.

I think part of Jimmy's magic is that we would all like to be more like him. I'm fortunate to have seen him live outside several times. I'd love to share the rest but my attorney says I have to wait 20 more years. Thanks Mac. You are a class act and a writer

I wish I was there. I am watching ans I can stop crying.i will.miss Jimmy more than I can say. 😢

Those two are awesome. Saw them at MS State raising money for Music Dept. I hope they keep the Coral Reefers going and Jimmy’s legacy!

Thank you Mac! RIP Jimmy. Please carry the torch! You are phenomenal!

As I started listening to this, I couldn't help but think of Mac's song "You First". Jimmy left a body of great music. The music will live on.

how beautiful and what an amazing friendship!!

Thank you for being there for him Mac, Love from Greene County, Pa.

Thanks for sharing this. Mac was Jimmy’s wingman, and still has his best interest. 🌴🦜

Kind and moving! God bless you! Mac …..you are a special soul. Praying for you. 🫧❤️🫧🌴

For those who loved Jimmy Buffett, this will definitely put a tear in your eye. Beautiful tribute to an amazing singer, songwriter and even better man!!! FINS UP

the moment the chords started...... the water works just started. I've always loved this song and it feels so appropriate. Thank you Mac and Eric.

I loved seeing some of the crowd with arms about each other…dang, man…what an evening!

Amazingly touching. Love this so much. ❤

Thank you soooo much for sharing these moments at Mac & Eric's show... Beautiful Friendships & a Great kindness of sharing some moments with Jimmy with all of us who love Jimmy & all of the Coral Reefers, as individuals, & in our world, the Best. Team. Ever...

Have long loved The Coral Reefers, and Mac!!! Honestly, him singing here & listening now sort of helps. I love these songs. Mother Mother Ocean, sort of gets me, every time. I always felt connected to all the things JB wrote about. Man couldn't we use a few more like Jimmy? We should be raising more kids like him, and give them all guitars and sailing lessons. I saw Jimmy too many times to count. I don't know all the words to all the songs, but I know that there's a place in my mind where I can go to remember the great feelings. Forever; Come Monday, It'll Be Alright. Well, it's been a couple of Mondays since; it's gonna be ok but for now, Mac's singing is bringing it all back. xoxo

My grandmother died in August and Jimmy Buffett passed away last weekend. Life sometimes has a way of slapping you in the face and you come to realization that this ride does not last forever. Grandma had a good life and I believe it was her time to go. I know she is happier where she is. But hearing that Jimmy Buffett died hit me a lot harder than I ever thought it would. I guess took it for granted that he would always be around. And his death has really put things into perspective as far as not taking the people in your life for granted. Now I did not Jimmy Buffett I never met him but I grew up with him. He has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. And he has had a profound effect on me. Watching this actually made me cry like I lost a family member and a friend. I don’t know why I am feeling like this maybe it’s because Jimmy seemed like a person who could be your friend if you just got that opportunity. I think is going to hurt for a long time because there is hole that won’t be filled for a long time ☀️

Jimmy and his music actually saved my life... twice. One day I will get to thank him, but for today I will thank YOU. No one makes magic alone. Thank you Mac.

Mac, you honored your buddy so very well. ❤

Thank you for sharing this!! It meant a lot to me to hear Mac honor our Dear Friend Jimmy 🥲❤️

RIP JIMMY BUFFETT. Great job Mac and Eric. Felt like Jimmy was right there in the room singing.

Mac always been a big old teddy bear! Great tribute Bubba would love it.

Thank you, Mac. For this song. For all the shows. For your friendship and musical partnership with Jimmy.

Was fortunate to attend this concert. Mac and Eric Darken did a great job.They were so brave! Jimmy was proud and watching fron above.❤

Beautiful. Heartfelt. Cathartic.

Been following Jimmy since 1979! My first album was changes in latitude and from that moment I was hooked. I love this man with my whole heart and loved the life he lived. Someone said on here if anyone gets to live to a hundred it’s Jimmy! Heaven had other plans. I am so happy Mac and Jimmy mended their relationship. Great job Mac!

What a lovely song and a lovely tribute to Jimmy!

Keep the party goin Mac

Thank you so much for sharing, Nate. God Bless Mac, Eric, and the entire Coral Reefer Band. 💕🫧💕🫧💕🫧

❤ this is gonna hurt for a long time. Thank you for being there for your friend. Thank you for keeping the music going even when it hurts.

This was lovely Mac and Eric. I tried to sing along in my living room and couldn't stop crying. I'm a relatively young Parrothead, I was born about a year and a half after Margaritaville came out, but Jimmy's music has impacted me in a way that only the Beatles can match.

God bless Mac. He now has to carry on the legacy of the Coral Reefers. He loved Jimmy. That’s clear and he will carry on that legacy with Grace. Party on

Went to 2 of his concerts…what an awesome experience starting at the parking lot. I started with him after the Anguilla concert…that day definitely a once in a lifetime experience!!

Absolutely sensational. Thanks for sharing this. We love you, Jimmy ❤💔

Simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Beautifully respectful. Honor thy brother - done!