The National performed at the White Oak Music Hall in Houston on Wednesday night, and during the show, the band decided to honor the late musician Daniel Johnston. The group mashed Johnston’s classic “Devil Town” with their track “I Am Not in Kansas” and delivered an emotional tribute to the iconic lo-fi singer-songwriter.
Johnston died on September 10th, after suffering a heart attack. He was 58-years-old.
“That was for Daniel Johnston, who left us,” The National frontman Matt Berninger told the audience after playing the cover on which they were joined by Kate Stables, Hannah Georgas and Kyle Resnick on backing vocals. “And we’re still here.”
Hear The National’s “Devil Town” and “I Am Not in Kansas” mash-up below.
“Devil Town” is the opening track of Daniel Johnston’s 1990 album. Over the years, several music acts covered the song including Bright Eyes and Beck,
Although Johnston wasn’t popular in the mainstream circles, he managed to gain a cult following on the alternative music scene during his career. He released 20 albums, with most of them being recorded in his improvised home studio. His most recent record was Space Ducks, which came out in 2012.
