Paul Williams’ benefit at San Francisco’s Red Devil Lounge last month did not disappoint in either attendance or musical performance. In fact, it brought all sorts of folks together who know the distinguished scribe and Crawdaddy originator or played together during the Bay area punk scene. Deborah Iyall (Romeo Void lead singer and solo artist) and Dramarama’s John Easdale were in attendance as were new Wolfgang’s Vault – Crawdaddy staffers.
Need some video evidence?

Mark Eitzel was on hand, crooning his rendition of “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” along with Jello Biafra and Mojo Nixon doing “Love Me, I’m a Liberal.”

John Doe sang a wonderfully smooth, yet rough hewn, “The Losing Kind.”

And Cindy Lee Berryhill treated everyone to her bittersweet original “Beloved Stranger.” You don’t need to be a critic or particularly insighful to interpret the meaning, but the sentiment can only be expressed by someone who is feeling the longing first-hand.
There’s no sugarcoating this, it’s a sad and unfair situation and has been for too many years. The only way to take this sad song and make it better is to get the word out, advocate for health care change and throw another benefit, perhaps in Los Angeles or New York. Even Yoko Ono, to her credit, gave at her office. Check out the rest of the stellar contributing crew here.