John Prine Tribute Concert Film Stars Bonnie Raitt, Bob Weir

What Is You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine?

The John Prine tribute concert film, titled “You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine,” documents a powerful memorial concert that took place at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium in October 2022. This wasn’t just another tribute show. It was the first major gathering of musicians and fans coming together to properly mourn and celebrate John Prine after his passing from COVID-related complications in April 2020.

Organized by John’s widow, Fiona Whelan Prine, the concert series began as a way for the music community to heal together after being unable to gather during the pandemic. The documentary captures exclusive performances and intimate interviews with the artists who took the stage that emotional night, providing fans with a front-row seat to this historic celebration of one of America’s most beloved songwriters.

Produced by RadicalMedia and Oh Boy Pictures, the film features direction by Michael John Warren and production work from Fiona Whelan Prine, Dave Sirulnick, and Samantha Mustari. This classic rock news has generated significant buzz among fans who remember Prine’s influence on the genre and his connections to artists like those featured in Little Feat.

The Star-Studded Lineup of the John Prine Tribute Concert Film

What artists perform in the John Prine tribute concert film? The roster reads like a who’s who of contemporary Americana and classic rock royalty. The film features incredible performances from Brandi Carlile, whose emotional intensity brings new life to Prine’s timeless songs, and Kacey Musgraves, who channels the storytelling spirit that made Prine legendary.

Tyler Childers, the War and Treaty, Lucinda Williams, and Steve Earle each bring their unique interpretations to Prine’s catalog. Jason Isbell, a master songwriter in his own right, pays homage to the man who influenced his craft. The lineup also includes powerhouse performances from Dwight Yoakam, Kurt Vile, and Lyle Lovett, showcasing the wide-ranging impact Prine had across multiple generations and genres.

Additional artists featured in the John Prine tribute concert film include Allison Russell and JT Nero, Valerie June, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Milk Carton Kids, Swamp Dogg, and I’m With Her. Each brought their distinctive style while honoring the essence of Prine’s songwriting genius, creating a tapestry of performances that demonstrate why his music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Bonnie Raitt’s Emotional Connection to John Prine

Why is Bonnie Raitt in the John Prine tribute film? The connection between these two legends runs deep. Bonnie Raitt famously covered Prine’s masterpiece “Angel from Montgomery,” turning it into one of her signature songs and introducing countless listeners to Prine’s brilliant songwriting. Her performance of the song with Prine himself became the stuff of legend, captured on several of her live albums.

Raitt’s appearance in the John Prine tribute concert film represents more than just a performance; it’s a testament to a friendship and mutual respect that spanned decades. She has often spoken about how Prine’s lyrics and melodies influenced her own approach to music, and her emotional delivery in the film showcases the profound impact his passing had on the music community. Her voice, rich with experience and emotion, brings a poignant depth to the proceedings.

The blues and rock icon’s participation adds significant weight to the documentary, drawing in fans who may know her from her extensive catalog of hits but might be discovering the depth of Prine’s influence through her heartfelt tribute. Her performance serves as a bridge between classic rock audiences and Prine’s folk-country roots, demonstrating the universal appeal of great songwriting.

Bob Weir Brings Grateful Dead Spirit to Ryman Stage

What makes Bob Weir’s appearance in the John Prine tribute concert film so special? The Grateful Dead’s rhythm guitarist and vocalist represents a crucial connection between Prine’s storytelling tradition and the improvisational spirit of classic rock. Weir’s participation brings the legendary Dead’s fanbase into the conversation, many of whom appreciate the narrative depth that both Prine and the Dead brought to American music.

Weir’s musical approach, honed through decades of creating magic with the Grateful Dead, adds a unique dimension to Prine’s compositions. His ability to find new interpretations within familiar structures mirrors Prine’s own talent for revealing universal truths through deceptively simple lyrics. The combination creates moments of pure musical transcendence in the film, reminding viewers of the connections between different branches of the American music tree.

For fans who grew up with Grateful Dead classics, Weir’s presence in the John Prine tribute concert film offers a fascinating intersection of two distinct but complementary musical traditions. His performance demonstrates how Prine’s songs can be reimagined through different lenses while maintaining their essential emotional core and storytelling power.

When and Where Can You Watch the John Prine Tribute Concert Film?

Where can I see the John Prine tribute concert film? The documentary, distributed by Abramorama, premiered to a sold-out audience at the Nashville Film Festival in September 2025. Following its enthusiastic reception, the film is scheduled for theatrical release beginning with a week-long engagement at the QUAD Cinema in New York starting November 28, 2025.

Nashville fans can catch the John Prine tribute concert film at the Belcourt Theater beginning October 9, 2025, with continued screenings throughout the remainder of the year and into 2026. This extended run at one of Music City’s most beloved independent theaters ensures that Prine’s dedicated local fanbase has ample opportunity to experience this celebration of his legacy on the big screen.

The timing of the Nashville premiere is particularly meaningful, as October 10 marks what would have been John Prine’s birthday. A fourth and final live tribute concert at the Ryman Auditorium coincides with the film’s release, creating a weekend-long celebration that brings together both the documentary and new live performances. Additional screenings are planned across North America, with dates and locations being announced on the official website YouGotGoldMovie.com.

The Lasting Legacy of John Prine in Classic Rock

How did John Prine influence classic rock artists? John Prine’s impact on music extends far beyond his own recordings. Since his 1971 debut, Prine released over eighteen albums and saw his songs covered by legends including Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, and the Zac Brown Band. His influence reached across genres, from country and folk to rock and blues.

The John Prine tribute concert film showcases this influence through the diverse array of artists performing his material. Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Waters, Tom Petty, and Bruce Springsteen all praised Prine as a smiling, shuffling force for good in the music world. His ability to capture complex emotions in simple, conversational language made him a songwriter’s songwriter, someone that other musicians studied and emulated.

Prine’s accolades include four Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, seven Americana Music Awards, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The documentary captures how his songs like “Paradise,” “Angel from Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” and “Hello in There” have become part of the American musical canon, their themes of love, loss, war, and everyday life resonating across generations. This is why he remains an essential figure in classic rock history.

Fiona Whelan Prine’s Vision for the Tribute

What did Fiona Whelan Prine say about the tribute film? In a heartfelt statement, Fiona explained the emotional need that drove the creation of the John Prine tribute concert film. “When John passed, we couldn’t mourn together in the way we and his community needed to,” she shared. “This film documents that long-awaited moment when we finally came together at the Ryman, John’s favorite stage, to honor him with his songs, music, stories and love.”

Her words capture the essence of what makes this documentary so special. It wasn’t just about celebrating Prine’s music, though that would have been enough. It was about creating a space for collective healing, allowing fans and fellow musicians to share their grief and joy in the presence of the songs that meant so much to so many people. The Ryman Auditorium, which Prine considered his favorite venue, provided the perfect sacred space for this gathering.

Fiona expressed gratitude to everyone who shared their talent and hearts to celebrate John’s legacy, and her excitement that audiences everywhere will now have the chance to experience this special night through the film. Proceeds from various tribute events benefit the Hello in There Foundation, established after Prine’s death to celebrate his memory through community generosity and continue his legacy of compassion and kindness.

A Celebration That Continues

The John Prine tribute concert film serves as both a memorial and a celebration, capturing a unique moment in music history when a community came together to honor an irreplaceable voice. With performances from Bonnie Raitt, Bob Weir, and an incredible lineup of classic rock and Americana artists, the documentary preserves the emotional power of that October 2022 night at the Ryman Auditorium for generations to come.

Whether you’re a longtime Prine devotee or discovering his music through the film, “You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine” offers an intimate look at the lasting impact of one of America’s greatest songwriters. The theatrical release beginning November 28, 2025, provides music lovers with the opportunity to experience this tribute in the most meaningful way possible: together in theaters, sharing in the collective appreciation of an artist who touched countless lives with his words and melodies.

Richard Abramowitz, Founder, and Karol Martesko-Fenster, CEO of Abramorama, perfectly captured the film’s significance: “John Prine was one of America’s most beloved storytellers, and this film captures something truly special, the moment when a community came together to celebrate an irreplaceable voice. We’re honored to be bringing this superb concert film to audiences in the most meaningful place they can experience it, in theaters.”

As the You Got Gold concert series continues with its fourth annual celebration in October 2025, featuring performances at iconic Nashville venues like the Ryman Auditorium, The Basement East, and The Bluebird Cafe, John Prine’s music and spirit live on. The film ensures that even those who couldn’t attend these special events can still experience the magic, emotion, and profound sense of community that defines the legacy of this remarkable artist who changed the landscape of American music forever.