On April 1, the music world was crushed by the passing of Fountains of Wayne’s multi-talented songwriter, bassist, and vocalist Adam Schlesinger to COVID-19. To honor their fallen friend and bandmate, the remaining members of FoW will reunite for their first live performance in seven years with Sharon Van Etten filling in on bass and backing vocals. The performance will be part of the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund’s Jersey 4 Jersey benefit event for COVID-19 relief on Wednesday, April 22.
“As a New Jersey native, it means so much to me to participate in the NJPRF charitable event that gives back to this community,” revealed Van Etten. “Adam was an incredible songwriter and I am truly humbled to join Fountains of Wayne in his honor.”
Fountains of Wayne’s singer Chris Collingwood added: “Brian, Jody and I are honored to be part of the Jersey 4 Jersey benefit, and grateful that Sharon was able to perform with us. Adam would have been proud that Fountains were helping to raise money for fellow New Jerseyans.”
RELATED: Remembering Adam Schlesinger — A Tribute to a Friend
While Schlesinger was known for his work with his bands Fountains of Wayne, Ivy, and the the rock supergroup Tinted Windows, he also achieved tremendous success writing songs for film, theater, and television. Most notably, he wrote the iconic theme song for the Tom Hanks–directed film That Thing You Do! and over one hundred and fifty songs for Rachel Bloom’s TV show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Schlesinger won three Emmy Awards, a Grammy, the ASCAP Pop Music Award, and was nominated for Academy, Tony, and Golden Globe Awards.
Fountains’ performance with Van Etten will be broadcast at 4:00 p.m. PST on Wednesday, April 22, on Apple Music and AppleTV apps. Other artists participating from their homes on Jersey 4 Jersey include Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennett, Jon Bon Jovi, Halsey, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, and SZA.
Visit NJPRF’s official site for more information.
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