Watch Members of Starflyer 59, The Prayer Chain, Mortal, The 77s, and More Pay Tribute to Michael Knott

This past March, Michael Knott — one of the most significant figures in indie/alternative Christian music — died at the age of 61. The following month, a group of Knott’s fellow musicians and former bandmates gathered together in the parking lot of Dick Church’s Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA to pay tribute to his life, music, and influence.

The tribute concert was recorded by folks in the audience and not originally intended for public release. However, the footage was edited and recently uploaded to YouTube for all of those fans (including yours truly) who couldn’t make it to Costa Mesa.

The list of performers is a veritable “who’s who” of indie/alternative Christian music, including Bill Campbell (The Throes), Brian Doidge (LSU, Aunt Betty’s), Jason Martin (Starflyer 59, Red Strat, Lo Tom), Riki Michelle (Adam Again), Mike Roe (77s, Lost Dogs), Tim Taber (The Prayer Chain), and Jyro Xhan (Mortal, Fold Zandura, MorZan) — to name just a few.

As for the setlist, it runs the gamut of Knott’s catalog, but the biggest highlight for me is the performance of “Bye Bye Colour” (from Lifesavers Underground’s Shaded Pain) by Tim Taber, Andy Prickett, Jason Martin, Charles Martin, and Steve Dail. Other highlights include Jyro Xhan and Riki Michele’s haunting performance of Adam Again’s “Don’t Cry” (from the Brow Beat compilation) and Jeff Sebens’ stripped down performance of LSU’s “This Is the Healing” from the album of the same name.

It’s obvious that the evening meant a lot to all of the musicians involved, but what makes it even more emotional is that Knott’s daughter, Stormie, was in attendance and even addresses the audience at several points. In all, this video’s a real treat and I’m so thankful that it’s now available for the rest of us to watch.