Jimmy Buffett's final concert was surprise performance at Rhode Island restaurant
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. – A surprise performance by Jimmy Buffett at a Rhode Island restaurant turned out to be the "Margaritaville" singer's final public concert.
Buffett died Friday after a years long battle with skin cancer. He was 76 years old.
In July, Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band surprised patrons at the Sunset Cove in Portsmouth, Rhode Island with an intimate performance for a few hundred people.
"I was in awe. You can't make that up," said Mike MacFarlane, who owns the restaurant. "The wow factor was unbelievable."
MacFarlane says hundreds were coming to see Buffett's band member Mac McAnally in concert that day when the phone rang.
"Mac got a hold of me and said, 'Hey Jimmy just reached out and wants to come up and do a few songs what do you think?' and I said let's find a way to make it happen," MacFarlane said. "Very impromptu, just wanted to get out of the house."
Portsmouth police shared a photo that weekend with Buffett.
Buffett had been hospitalized in Boston in May 2023, forcing him to cancel a South Carolina concert. He had also postponed dates at the end of 2022. Due to his health issues, Buffett did not resume touring.
Following Buffett's death, Sunset Cove posted a tribute and photos from the July performance.
"Jimmy Buffett, your kindness and love will always have a special place here at Sunset Cove. We will never forget the amount of smiles and love you brought to our community. You will truly be missed. May it always be 5 O'clock somewhere at Sunset Cove," the restaurant posted.