The Gansett Games, an annual field day event in Amagansett, New York, is hosted by billionaire crypto investor Mike Novogratz. First featured on a T-shirt design in a 2022 episode of the television series Billions, the event has evolved into a gathering for affluent attendees, with Novogratz curating this year’s closing ceremony on June 27, which showcased prominent rock talent.
Michael Stipe and Brandi Carlile performed a cover of Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds,” backed by a house band featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith and producer Andrew Watt, who had recently collaborated with Stipe on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Josh Homme delivered a high-energy rendition of Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream,” while Charlotte Lawrence covered Blondie’s “Heart of Glass,” and former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer also participated.
Smith and Watt regularly host surprise guest appearances at Amagansett’s Stephen Talkhouse, with another event scheduled for this Sunday, promising unexpected collaborations. Video footage from the Gansett Games is available below.
