Legendary singer Pat Boone bid a bittersweet goodbye to the West Coast during his final concert at the Coach House on Saturday night. Reflecting on his six-decade career, Boone shared his heartfelt emotions, recalling his father’s wise advice to never break a promise and wanting to leave the stage on his own terms.
At the age of 87, Boone has been contemplating this decision for some time, especially after the passing of his beloved wife, Shirley Boone. Married for an incredible 65 years, the void left by her absence has taken an emotional toll on him. Boone confessed, “It’s been an emotional ride. Keeping myself busy has helped, but now I feel the emotional cost.”
As he looks around his now-lonely Beverly Hills home, Boone cherishes the memories it holds. The home, nestled on a 1.2-acre site near the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, has been a sanctuary for their family and eternally holds a piece of Shirley’s soul. Boone shared, “I feel her presence here all the time. The pictures on the walls bring me to tears occasionally.”
Despite the personal hardships, Boone remains determined to deliver a memorable performance at the Coach House. His setlist will feature an array of songs from his diverse career, ranging from heavy metal to gospel, early rock, and pop. Boone surprises the audience with a rare inclusion of the classic track “When the Swallows Return to Capistrano” and songs from his film soundtracks like the touching “Exodus” and “April Love,” for which he penned the lyrics.
In a surprising twist, Boone even contemplates performing one of his tracks from “Metal Mood,” his unique album that includes his rendition of Deep Purple’s “Smoke On The Water.” He intends to showcase his original composition “Under God,” a powerful song emphasizing the significance of those two words in the Pledge of Allegiance. Additionally, Boone plans to debut a heartfelt piece called “You and I,” inspired by a conversation he had with Shirley after watching the movie “The Notebook” together at their Hawaiian home.
As Pat Boone bids farewell to the West Coast, he looks towards the future with hope and gratitude. With the support of his dedicated fans, he hopes to keep the legacy of his music alive, ensuring that he and Shirley will always be remembered as Pat and Shirley Boone—not just ethereal beings, but individuals who left an indelible mark on the world.
