Legendary singer Pat Boone recently bid farewell to Southern California in what is considered his last concert on the West Coast. The stage at the Coach House was filled with nostalgia as Boone, now 87 years old, took his final bow in the place he had called home for over six decades.
Boone reminisced about his father’s advice, which he humorously recalled as, “I won’t promise anything except I won’t promise anything.” His father instilled in him the value of keeping one’s word, a lesson that has guided Boone throughout his remarkable career.
The decision to step away from performing has left fans curious about the reasons behind Boone’s departure. And the answer is simple – he wanted to do it on his own terms. Boone shared that he didn’t want his final show to be influenced by old age or health issues. Instead, he wanted to bid farewell to his audience while standing under the spotlight, continuing to do what he loves most – singing.
The passing of Boone’s beloved wife, Shirley Boone, a year ago has had a profound impact on him. After 65 years of marriage, the loss has undoubtedly left a void in his life. Boone spoke candidly about the emotions he has experienced, confessing that staying busy allowed him to push through the pain, but now he recognizes the emotional toll it has taken on him.
As Boone looks around his once bustling Beverly Hills house, he can’t help but feel a sense of loneliness. The 1.2-acre property holds countless memories, with its location near the famous Beverly Hills Hotel marking a significant part of his life. Despite the emptiness, he expressed his desire to continue living there, for it holds a piece of Shirley’s soul and will forever be a cherished place where their daughters were raised.
While addressing his upcoming concert at the Coach House, Boone’s voice brimmed with emotion. He revealed that he feels Shirley’s presence constantly and admitted that tears have been shed as he gazes at the photographs adorning the walls.
The pain of loss, coupled with the stress it caused, has taken a toll on Boone’s health, resulting in hair loss. However, he remains confident that it will not impact his performance at the Coach House. On that stage, he plans to celebrate his remarkable six-decade career, spanning various genres from heavy metal to gospel, early rock, and pop.
When asked about the songs he intends to perform, Boone immediately mentioned the timeless classic, “When the Swallows Return to Capistrano,” a song seldom included in his setlist. He also expressed his desire to include music from his film soundtracks, such as the stirring melodies of “Exodus” and “April Love,” both of which he wrote the lyrics for.
In an unexpected twist, Boone revealed that he is even considering performing one of the tracks from his album ‘Metal Mood,’ such as his rendition of Deep Purple’s iconic “Smoke On The Water.” It’s a testament to his versatility as an artist.
As he prepares for his final concert on the West Coast, Boone affirmed his intention to perform his heartfelt composition, “Under God.” This song holds particular significance as it emphasizes the importance of those two words in our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance. Additionally, he plans to pay tribute to Shirley by debuting a new piece aptly titled “You and I,” inspired by a tender moment they shared together after watching the movie “The Notebook” at their Hawaiian home.
With a touch of optimism, Boone looks ahead to the future, hoping that in paradise, he and Shirley will still be Pat Boone and not just two ethereal beings. As he bids farewell to the West Coast, it’s clear that Pat Boone’s legacy will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his adoring fans.
