Mac Miller’s Celebration of Life Leaves It All on The Stage
Photography by Tanya Akim
Just weeks after the release of his fifth studio album, Swimming, the world tragically lost Mac Miller. Known as Malcolm McCormick by his family, he was vocal about ongoing battles with anxiety and substance abuse. To celebrate his life, his family and friends organized a benefit concert for The Mac Miller Circles Fund on October 31 in Los Angeles. The Pittsburg natives set up MMCF with a mission to help bring underserved communities opportunities in the arts. After an outpouring of love from friends, family, and fans, the crowd was left with a different kind of Halloween goosebumps.
The night’s emotional high point: A video tribute from close friends and collaborators. DJ Premier, Tyler the Creator, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Dev Hynes, Pusha T, Childish Gambino, Dillon Francis, Rick Ross, Jason Sudekis, G-Eazy, Pharrell, and Lil Wayne all bid the star their last adieu. Mixed in with childhood home videos and intimate moments of the artist laughing with friends, the tribute left much of the audience tearful and nostalgic.
Overall, the evening was mostly cheerful and love-centered but could have easily been a melancholy affair as photos of Mac Miller loomed behind each performer during their set. One of Miller’s closest friends, Dylan Reynolds, began the nights’ performances with a ballad. J.I.D performed “Lauder” before Njomza belted out a new song she had written for the evening.
The energy of the crowd elevated sharply when Action Bronson walked on stage with a lit joint in-hand. After “White Bronco,” producer The Alchemist joined Action Bronson for high-energy verses from Mac-fan-favorite, “Red Dot Music.”
Ty Dolla $ign was welcomed by a roaring crowd. Armed with a guitar, he went right into “Cinderella” from Mac Miller’s The Divine Feminine. The track, which Ariana Grande revealed on Twitter was written about her, was the night’s only allusion to Miller’s popstar ex-girlfriend. Joined by Chevy Woods, Ty Dolla $ign smashed his guitar and jumped over the barricade to dance with the audience for “Paper Route.”
The event’s tempo was picked up by Thundercat and an electric bass version of “What’s the Use” off Mac’s last album. Going into what the bass guitarist called “One of [Mac Miller’s] favorite songs”, he was accompanied mid-way through “Them Changes” by John Mayer for an epic guitar riff.
Anderson .Paak’s vocals on the hit single “Dang!” were easily the most bittersweet of the evening. In 2016, Miller told Genius that the hit’s chorus was dedicated to Anderson’s friends who had passed away too soon. Impressively singing while on the drums, Anderson became visibly upset during the painfully truthful lyrics as they were so relevant to the moment.
After more home video footage of a sweet, young Mac Miller in Halloween costumes, John Mayer began “Small Worlds”. Mayer recounted hearing the track live at Hotel Café in Los Angeles – Miller’s last concert. Moving into “Gravity,” Mayer astounded fans with a powerful guitar solo and continued to prove he is one of the world’s best guitar players.
A surprise and energetic appearance from duo Rae Sremmurd called for the audience to celebrate Mac. Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi crowd-surfed and made everyone dance during “No Type” and “Powerglide” before SZA moved with her powerful vocal performance of “The Weekend.”
Travis Scott finished off the night with big, emotional deliveries of his classic “Goosebumps” and then “Sicko Mode” from his new album. Instead of ending the night as a sad reflection on the occasional cruelty of life, Scott spoke about the importance of the present, eternal love, and honoring those we’re close to. At the end of his set he advised: “Don’t matter if you’re mad at somebody, the next day just check on ‘em. It don’t matter. Everybody is somebody.”
As the night’s performers gathered on-stage, a single spotlight shone down on an empty mic stand. A past concert recording of Mac Miller’s voice thanked the audience for their attendance and wished them all a goodnight, one last time.
Below, attendees reflect on their favorite Mac Miller track.
Nick, 27
Nikes On My Feet
It was Summer of 2010. That song definitely got me through that summer. Great vibes. That’s what originally kind of got me into Mac. I ended up seeing him for the first time at The Glasshouse in Pomona later that year. I think it was his first tour out here. It was an amazing experience. It was only about 200 people, super intimate. Ever since that day I’ve been a huge Mac fan. I’m so sad to see him go but I’m happy we’re here to celebrate his life and I wouldn’t miss it.
Kristin, 27
Red Dot Music
The beat is just so good. The songs off [Swimming] are all amazing too. Being from Pittsburgh I love listening to his music and his positivity was always great. It has a way of bringing Pittsburgh people close no matter where they are.
Maxwell, 25
Fight the Feeling, Good Evening, New Faces V2
I used to smoke with him back in Pittsburgh. I actually ran into him on my flight home for Thanksgiving a few years ago. He was in my friend circle and I was just like thanking him for pulling us through so much shit. I’ve been through similar shit as him. I moved out to LA at the same age. He’s just a good dude and I will really miss him.
Will, 33
I’ll Be There
It’s a dope song and made me develop and appreciate the love I have for my family. It’s self- explanatory if you listen to it. The song is about being there for his mom as she was for him. I like the track itself because it has a 2Pac throw-back vibe like “Dear Mama”. It’s a gospel chorus. So real and raw. I’d always just read the lyrics and draw from it.
