The free concert was one of three continuing every Saturday through August 4th including musical guests Portugal. The Man, Band of Skulls, and Raphael Saadiq. In support of the exhibit featuring a photographic history of iconic musicians and the photographers that gave them an image, KCRW has made a hot summer nights even hotter.

Following a DJ set by beloved KCRW “Morning Becomes Eclectic” DJ host, Jason Bentley, Moby mozied on stage for his acoustic performance in which he lent the spotlight to two female vocalists–both which had pipes and soul for days. The Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter represented a cross between photography and music, having just released his own book of behind-the-scenes photographs, “Destroyed” in tandem with a soundtrack.

The performance itself seemed like an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the artist. As he strummed his guitar, the female duo revealed a jam-style session of ad libs, improvisation, and a relaxed demeanor fit for the studio. Staged on the grassy outdoor yard adjacent to the Photography Space, the sun set as the energy rose with acoustic versions of his classics, “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad” and “Natural Blues.”

The crowd was surprised by a “Helpless” cover (watch HERE) and a “Whole Lotta Love” rendition that seamlessly went into one of his most popular hits, “Honey.” The latter acted as their encore, which the endearingly self-deprecating star took the liberty of taking without ever leaving the stage. In so many words, Moby mocked encores as a means for a self-obtained ego boost with nothing but a fake appreciation for the imminent encore that an artist at his stature might expect.

Humble at his core, Moby excused himself from the microphone to the DJ booth making fun of the “boring middle-aged man” he has become. He apologized for the lack of theatrics in his transition to the booth and overall performance, as we stood in awe of a man that continues to entertain and surprise–the man that needs no pyrotechnics, introductions, and especially no excuses. Let him think what he wants. Stay tuned for our look into next week’s Portugal, The Man show, plus the EP release party of T.Rex VS KCRW Soundclash! featuring a disc duel between KCRW DJs and the glam rockers.

Listen to Dan Wilcox remix of “Solid Gold Easy Action” HERE! First 500 guests receive a free CD.

TAGS: "Who Shot Rock & Roll", Jason Bentley, KCRW, KCRW concert series, live show, MOBY, The Annenberg Space for Photography