On Wednesday night, George Porter Jr. hosted a special tribute set at The Mint in Los Angeles in honor of his late bandmate and musical brother, Art Neville.
Porter was joined by Art’s son, guitarist Ian Neville and Art’s nephew, keyboardist Ivan Neville, along with guitarist/bassist Tony Hall, keyboardist Mike Lemmler, and drummer Terrence Houston. The all-star cast worked through a number of The Meters’ classic including “I Need More Time”, “Soul Island,” “Cissy Strut,” “Doodle Loop (The World Is a Little Bit Under the Weather),” “Funky Miracle”, and more.
Watch a segment of the performance shared live via George Porter Jr.’s Facebook page below:
Art Neville tribute set – 7/24/2019 – The Mint
[Video: George Porter Jr.]
After years of declining health, Art Neville had announced his retirement from music in December of 2018. Even in the year leading up to Art’s retirement announcement, Neville—a.k.a. Poppa Funk—mostly stayed away from the stage. When The Meters were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, Art was unable to make the ceremony and the accompanying performance. His son, Dumpstaphunk guitarist Ian Neville, attended the proceedings to accept the award on Art’s behalf.
Rest easy, Poppa Funk!