Michael Stipe and Brandi Carlile Duet on Elvis, Josh Homme Covers Tom Petty at Gansett Games 2026 Closing Night

The 2026 Gansett Games closing ceremony took place on Friday, June 27, in Amagansett, New York. The annual private party, hosted by billionaire crypto investor Mike Novogratz, has drawn attention in recent years for pulling in a heavy roster of rock names. This year's closing night brought together Michael Stipe, Brandi Carlile, and Josh Homme, among others, for a run of cover performances.

Who played

R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe and Brandi Carlile teamed up on Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds," the standout pairing of the night. Queens Of The Stone Age singer Josh Homme performed Tom Petty's "Running Down A Dream," while Charlotte Lawrence took on Blondie's "Heart Of Glass."

Other performers included Danielle Haim, Warren Haynes, and Robert Randolph. Backing the whole set was a band led by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and producer/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Watt.

What the players are up to

Chad Smith's appearance comes just after recording sessions for The Rolling Stones' new album Foreign Tongues, due out Thursday, July 10. That record also features Paul McCartney, The Cure's Robert Smith, and Bruno Mars, and includes a cover of Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good."

As for Josh Homme, Queens Of The Stone Age recently kicked off a European tour with System Of A Down and announced a return to Iceland for the first time since 2005.