Coral Reefer Band’s Mac McAnally Will “Keep The Party Going” Even After Jimmy Buffett’s Death

On September 1, we said farewell to Jimmy Buffett after his battle with skin cancer. However, in a recent interview with Mac McAnally, it was revealed that the spirit of the island won’t fade away as the Coral Reefer Band intends to keep the celebration alive.

Buffett’s wish was for his loved ones, both family and the band, to carry on the festivities even after he was gone. In a recent conversation with Billboard, McAnally expressed their commitment to honoring this request. The singer and songwriter stated:

“The Coral Reefer Band is second family to all of us.
“We are a family and Jimmy wants us to continue and we want to continue.”

As of now, the Coral Reefer Band is uncertain about the exact path forward. Their determination lies in preserving Buffett’s musical legacy, but the specifics are still being discussed. McAnally shared:

“There’s ongoing discussions about the best way to do that, the most practical way to do that, and how to do it in a way that is worthy of the legacy that we’re part of.”

One Last Fling at Snapdragon Stadium

Buffett and the band performed their final full concert together in May at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium. McAnally revealed their eagerness to return to the stage, saying:

“I can’t wait until we figure it out because we miss being out there, playing his songs to people and feeling that alternating current go back and forth from the stage to the crowd. I don’t know who’s got more energy, them or us..”

Knowing that he wasn’t in good health for touring or full performances as he neared the end of his life, Buffett still yearned to be onstage. He made appearances with McAnally on a few occasions. His last performance took place in Rhode Island, alongside McAnally.

McAnally remembered the night when Buffett surprised the crowd by joining. McAnally reminisced:

“We played ‘5 O’clock Somewhere’ and when it got to the line What would Jimmy Buffett do? … he walked out from behind the stage.
“It was maybe 400 people there and they all came up out of their seat. It was like somebody hit them with 220 volts.”

He continued:

“I looked back around at him because he was coming up behind me and he was 100% the happiest person on earth because I don’t think he knew if he was going to feel it again.”

That evening marked the final time Buffett graced the stage, leaving a room filled with devoted Parrotheads in sheer delight.