What do you do when you lose the life of the party? This was the question many of us asked after the passing of Jimmy Buffett in 2023. He and the Coral Reefer Band brought us that “island escapism,” letting us feel the warmth of the tropics without leaving our seats. So, how does the show go on? According to Coral Reefer Mac McAnally, keeping the party alive is exactly what Jimmy wanted.
On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Coral Reefer Band took the stage at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, opening for The Doobie Brothers. Before the show, Mac McAnally joined Pierre Robert’s show to talk about life after Buffett. He shared that while Jimmy wanted the band to continue, his spirit is still very much present. “There’s an empty microphone in the center of the stage that nobody uses,” Mac explained, symbolizing that Jimmy’s essence remains with them.
Mac also shared a fun story about the origin of one of Buffett’s most famous songs, “Boat Drinks.” After a chilly show in Boston, Jimmy found himself at a sports bar, dreaming of warmer places. Inspired, he jumped into a taxi, drove himself to the airport, and left the cab in the waiting line. Yes, Jimmy Buffett actually “commandeered” a taxi to escape the cold, and that adventure sparked the creation of “Boat Drinks.”
You can catch these stories and more in the interview. A big thank you to Mac McAnally for sharing his memories and to the entire Coral Reefer Band for keeping Jimmy’s musical spirit alive. Fins Up!
