James Brown's last performance in San Francisco

On August 20, 2006, musical legend James Brown performed at what would be his final performance in San Francisco, CA.. He was the headliner of a two day musical festival known as the Foggfest, which took place at the Fort Mason meadow. Working closely with promoter Brian Martin, video producer Eric Predoehl documented this event for posterity, assisted by Karl Anderson III and James MacLeod. This is a condensed edit of the song "Sex Machine" - the final song of James Brown's performance that day. James Brown passed away 4 months later on Christmas Day - December 25, 2006. We share this clip to pay tribute to this unforgettable musician.

[@KarenBH]

He was 76 years old here! He truly was the hardest working man in show business ❤️

[@cagetalkufc2844]

73

[@kathyr.8135]

He died doing cocaine

[@androwaydie4081]

Highest kite ever flown.

[@alexmjstudio4176]

Any michael jackson fans looking at man who fascined mj

[@blockhead-]

Exactly why I’m here

[@michaeljackzon9985]

Thats why I'm here

[@jordyndisimone666]

James was the original mj

[@junelima363]

Mj influence were JB and Jackie Wilson how could he not be great

[@deborahleone4351]

He fascinated Prince as well! The Godfather of Soul Himself! RIP 🕊🙏💕🌹

[@athorpe630]

He looked tired and kind of out of it.Like he was pushing himself. RIP Godfather of Soul.

[@TomFoolery_Escobar]

No shit its called getting old

[@weshunter_musicman]

he died less than 2 months later and his body laid in a casket for 76 days. If that was not bad enough, Jacque Hollander filed a lawsuit against James and his estate for $106 Million claiming Brown raped her at gunpoint years before...wow kind of hard to RIP when attorneys are arguing over your estate and they won't lower you into the ground.

[@ubself]

Great for 73 ..... and a hard life, blessed yet hard things!

[@weshunter_musicman]

@@ubself My thoughts exactly. Anyone to survive the b/s corruption, racism of the south, pressure, threats and control tug of war within the indu$try and live that long deserves our respect

[@deanmarkovic364]

I'm Serbian and a musician myself. James Brown should never be mentioned in a sentence with other singers because he was something very special as a singer

[@panchitojimenez7607]

Nada más Revolucióno la música, invento el Funk y fue el primer músico en grabar un LP en vivo,la disquera no lo apoyó y el lo pago de su dinero., A lo que después la disquera se errepentiria

[@blessedman8203]

The amazing thing about this is that regardless of what Mr. Brown was going through it was still a great performance. The band was super tight and musical. Mr Brown's singing was not off beat at all and his phrasing was in rhythm. The energy was still at a high and inspirational level as you can clearly see how the audience was positively responding to it. I thought it was a great performance and just goes to show why he was and allways will be one of the all time greats.

[@jimthompson606]

I agree. He was still giving it his all and this got me going like always.

[@barbaratsullivan8891]

I saw Mr James Brown in late 70s. I have never seen any person move so quickly like smooth butter. A true God given talent 🙌 May He Rest un Eternal 🙏 Peace

[@Avidcomp]

THE hardest working man!

[@ronnie5129]

I HAVE BEEN TO 400 CONCERTS IN MY LIFE, ALL KINDS OF MUSIC, BUT MR. JAMES BROWN WAS THE MOST DYNAMIC ENTERTAINING PERSON THAT I EVER SAW, R.I.P. JAMES, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, THE GODFATHER OF SOUL, COUSIN FIGEL

[@simonmaina7043]

From Kenya 🇰🇪 with love ❤️.

[@goldie20lw]

Wow, how lucky are you that you got to witness The Godfather of Soul in real live! 👍🏽😊

[@rustymertz]

Cousin Figel, Agreed. I saw him in September before this. He was wonderful.

[@JDavidChilders]

I hope I'm that funky just four months before I die. What a legend.

[@AmazingYone]

Thank God for the internet leaving JB's legacy behind for us

[@insidedutchculture]

People are not realising how good a performance this was. VERY rare for someone 70+ to still have that timing and most of all that amount of power in his voice. And completely in tune. A lot of singers lose that 40 years prior.

[@letitiahepburn6868]

Your voice got me through a lot of bad growing up teen years..... thank u Mr. Brown .....😌☺️🙂😌😒🥰

[@jocelynequentin]

❤

[@ronnie5129]

MR. JAMES BROWN HAD THE ABILITY TO MAKE WHITE PEOPLE DANCE, LOVE YOU JAMES, COUSIN FIGEL

[@tomcooley3778]

Cousin Figel and that ain’t easy .

[@sheevamatimbas4300]

The Greatest performer that ever lived in human history , period .

[@pierrelowe405]

"Please, Please, Please" The live performance at the TAMI concert is by far his best. Bobby Byrd and the Famous Flames were on fire. The band was perfect. It was James Brown at his finest.. It is the greatest break up song of all time....

[@Care960]

He had a lot of FAMOUS performances but inclined to agree. Smoke blew it out also, the beach boys were out of their league. Js. 2020

[@raarotongaaruffin3546]

JAMES BROWN, THE GENIUS, THE BEAUTIFUL ONE !!!!!!!

[@joshfisher8894]

reduce hunter stuff eo said dhe s I don't have to be ei to do with

[@saritshamil7992]

Raarotongaa Ruffin 1000000 like.

[@saritshamil7992]

I remenber my father dance beutiful music everbody dance in the world god bless jb.

[@elenaagliuzza7085]

Beyissm

[@10bmwman]

Gosh, I saw JB in Kansas City a month later, and it was quite apparent he wasn't well, but still trying to do his best. I remember thinking at one point that night it looked like he was physically really struggling just to make it through the song, nearly having to lean on the keyboard to catch his breath. Sure wished he would have admitted his ill health then and simply retired and taken a break before it broke him three mos later. I've seen nearly a dozen of his live shows since 1965...He was simply the greatest of all time.

[@sweetrose19]

He didn't have to admit he was ill. He was doing what he loved to do until the end. Many can't say that.

[@raythelljordan6550]

Is that his wife onstage with him?

[@xo1276]

Raythell Jordan Yes, the white red headed lady.

[@raythelljordan6550]

@@xo1276 oh ok thanks

[@jamiehunter3387]

I just liked ur post without reading it 💃💃💃

[@strat_elvis]

THIS IS NOT THE LAST!!! the very last was in October 2006 in Roundhouse

[@bananas.in.pyjamas]

4months later he passed... and michael attended his funeral.. 3 years later michael passed and whitney attended his funeral 3 years later whitney passed... saaddd

[@Alexander-tj2dn]

But who attended Whitney´s funeral?

[@zelialima2062]

Prince

[@vigulfmusicproduct]

Jesus...we are with them all:)

[@MusicLyrics-ms9it]

Chebet Aoko 3’s

[@barboza2995]

@@Alexander-tj2dn aretha franklin went to her funeral and 6 years later she died. 😢😢😢

[@wandarichards9145]

RIP stood in the rain 3 hrs to catch him at the Apollo with my family worth every second Saw him live at the Lone star Cafe with Bobby Byrd and Lyn Collins twice godfather of soul civil rights activist ambassador of soul walked behind his casket in Harlem

[@roystonmacadam3916]

I hope I can still strut like that four months before I peg it!

[@danielj8630]

royston macadam - best choice to "check out" - joy of music...

[@bdavis4075]

royston macadam :IKR

[@altonharkey5869]

royston macadam amen

[@jorgeluiscondorichavez4415]

@@altonharkey5869 Ca

[@weotalks2810]

Never WILL BE ANOTHER JAMES BROWN..THE EPITOME OF A LEGEND..Rip

[@AlessioRomaMusic]

God Bless my brother always.. You made history ❤️✨🎶🎶

[@prettybwillowbee7584]

Just give him the damn mic!!!!!!

[@renitabattle8575]

Right! I'm like he's wasting time talking. I thought it was just me.

[@stevedouglas7375]

Exactly!! Brown's life is near its end at the time of this show and the MC is running his frigging mouth way too long. "Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. James Brown." That's all he needed to say. Period.

[@jmagic221]

but that was James Brown though he loved a huge introduction

[@louiseedwards6024]

0tyrone brown and brown soul

[@DrJPhoenixx]

Steve Douglas : I think if the MC gave a short introduction, JB would’ve fined the hell out of him.

[@sherryhunter4765]

This is a very hard thing to have to watch the king of entertainers ever and we know he is not going to be around long. Love you Mr. Brown.

[@adriennelong1485]

Look at the diversity of his audience. simply a legend.

[@peteguarendi9783]

He died already

[@cookingwitheandv7977]

I love this Man, I'm always listening to his music he has paved the road for thousands of artists. He has been sampled too many times to count bringing even more dynamic music. He has been missed.

[@dishinitoutcooking]

Without JB, we wouldn't have Michael Jackson and Prince.

[@MsCBcontentcreator]

I was there! It was such a pleasure to see this man perform.

[@frankmacleod2565]

I saw him play in north california on this tour and it was legendary. Dude still had so much energy, it was really impressive.

[@vanessadeal4856]

I Loved JB and believe he gave his best until this last performance. One could see that he was not well and the band lacked its usual Funk. However JB will always be remembered for the soul soldier that he was. His music gave me countless hours of joy, hope, and pure Funk. May God Bless his soul and welcome JB into Heaven's Kingdom.

[@florianodamata3173]

Vanessa Deal Vanessa de você conhece o Medley do James

[@switchasav8068]

All of that's true 2nd best dancer mj Michael Jacksons the best

[@josephmcgill6828]

Vanessa Deal I

[@tazf752]

Vanessa Deal Amen

[@saritshamil7992]

Vanessa Deal yes he is best rock in the world.god bless jame. B for ever.

[@robertsanchez8629]

Used to attend his super shows back in the sixties in my youth, at the El PASO, TEXAS county colosium. I'm in my late sixties and every time I drive by the coliseum, of all the bands and singers of the time l got to see at the coliseum/// none of them top the GODFATHER soul. Thank you James Brown, and Rest In Peace. And I know ( You Feel Good in Heaven).

[@MrChristian]

There's no one like James Brown. Never was before him and never will be after him. To MJ's credit, JB was his idol and he learned all his moves from him, which the kiddos today don't realize.. He was my idol also. I saw him almost every time he played in LA, including his last performance, at the Hollywood Bowl. He also high-fived me once, during one of his House of Blues Hollywood concert. I was literally at his feet. at eye level with his boots, watching this legend dance and tap his groove. Another time, at HOB, Bill Murray, Bruce Willis and Dan Aykroyd were all together, watching his performance and also getting down, on the VIP balcony.. 12 years already now, that Funk is in heaven!!!

[@MoneyOverFame]

Christian Yup! If it wasn't for him there'd be no MJ , no Prince and a lot of others.

[@ehiskhaleradio]

Christian yes you are very right. I watched one interview few weeks ago that was done by Michael Jackson when he was 14 years old.He said James Brown was his mentor,and he likes his music and his dance steps... That was when I realised J Brown is a great mentor and a legend .

[@JamesWilson-pu9ph]

Too shott

[@arwall3553]

C

[@3ossomok588]

No hes good and dead now worms done ate him up

[@deacontheseer4804]

Jamming till the end . A great performer and better man.

[@sherryhunter4505]

I know he has to be thinking of all the joy and memories he brought to people like me a 6 year old little girl in Flint Michigan in 1968 with that dynamic stage performance I still remember it 49 years later.

[@patriceallen8372]

Omg i loved him as i knew thar music wheni was7 and iam58rip

[@patriceallen8372]

Iam 58 knew that music when i was7 rip godfather

[@derrotepaul3485]

OMG - the Godfather of Soul ! A Great Man in the world of Music. A Legend. R.I.P.

[@Flufficat]

He gave it all he had to the last. . Wonderful performer.

[@faithsteward1603]

Thank Lord for the time we had with James Brown. We are all born imperfect but thankyou for allowing any one of us, to ask for forgiveness. James Brown, a man that had a true, define meaning. Thanks!😘😘😚

[@sharonhaywood2818]

Thank You James Brown🎙 🌹

[@-dash]

The bass hitting that low note sounds amazing

[@weshunter_musicman]

4:34 #markzuckerburg doing the wild turkey?

[@Alanoffer]

I was lucky enough to see him in the seventies when he played the Venue in London ,brilliant ,

[@captlarry-3525]

As good a way to go out as any. Givin' it.. to the very end.

[@robbrown2358]

You can tell he was sick & not feeling well... Rest in soul ✊heaven Mr. Brown.. & Thank 🙏💕 you for your hard work - contribution to American Music, ❤

[@meya3226]

Love James Brown but audience lacked rhythm, lol.

[@weshunter_musicman]

that happens with white folk

[@TheDrumDuke]

It's almost sad to watch, knowing how close to death he was. I last saw him in concert only 3 years earlier and he was still so full of fire and vitality, it was an amazing concert and at 75 he still had apparently relentless energy!

[@ronniemoon57]

James was 73 when he died, not 75

[@theelvisguru9490]

@@ronniemoon57 no that’s not true. In reality he was born in 1928 not 1933 so in fact he was 78 when he died

[@43circle]

@@theelvisguru9490 lol where the heck did you get that information from

[@theelvisguru9490]

@@43circle it was first mentioned in the notes of a cd. It was really common then for artists to knock a few years off their birth. Why are you so surprised?

[@jessejames1956]

Funky to the end. He didn't look well but as always, the show must go on. The Soul Generals were still as tight as any band out there.

[@cynthiacynthia25]

7OK !

[@poppacapps5573]

I saw James a year and a half before his death.he looked like he had gone downhill pysically however his spirit never wavered.

[@claudel.ledfordjr.5450]

SOUL BROTHER NUMBER ONE!!!!!! REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER!!!!

[@humanforotherhumanst4619]

I had my ticket for his show at National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada in November 2006.

[@mugzyhillbillie6284]

His last performance was at Humboldt State University

[@angelajones1127]

James Brown the one & only! I grew up jamming 2 his music!💖RIP💝

[@conradkirnon5822]

DECEMBER 25TH, 2006 IS THE DAY WE LOST THE GFOS BUT HIS MUSIC WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON!!! R.I.P. SOUL BROTHER #1!

[@9178068989]

james brown my greatest enterainer of all time. I feel good that I want to jump back and kiss myself

[@Thomas___]

*_Yay. He came here where I live. Too bad it was his last time performing. R.I.P. Godfather Of Soul._*

[@VinVonVoom]

This wasn't actually his last performance, just his last one in San Fran. His actual performance was at the UK Music Hall of Fame on November 14 2006

[@freddiebatistajr.6443]

Thank you J.B., you were truly an amazing performer R.I.P.💖💖💖

[@chrystalrogers2672]

May he Rest In Peace “ God Father Of Soul “♥️♥️♥️

[@allamericanbully2611]

Lmao is that guy at 4:40 doin the stank leg

[@nomoretrouble4452]

The soul ! R.i.p. Mr. James Brown 😢

[@gayealtier6201]

JB still moves our souls. Forever. Love. Love.

[@mrtlg0824]

Mr.Brown looked like he wasn't feel good but like he always did he gave it 110%

[@Maymaymayok]

The body had started giving up. But, to perform like this at 70 something? That is incredible. I bet 40% of US pop at 40 can't do this! They are in such a bad shape to to gluttony on junk, not moving etc...

[@julioespin8405]

Incredible. He looked great there and ready to perform. Missing the legend in 2019.

[@Edie-lm5vh]

I was 14 in 1961. Got a chance to see him and the Motown Revue in Chicago at the Regal theater for only one dollar and 25c back in the SIXTIES. Then again in the 90s at Mystic Lake Casino for 45 dollars.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Edie 1947 Very cool, Edie. We had the "Shower of Stars" show come every summer. Supremes, Shirelles, Crystals, Barbara Lewis, etc, whole of Motown, all on one show for $3/ticket. Don't tell the young folks, they get mad!🙊 Ain't life grand?!

[@Edie-lm5vh]

@@grandmalovesmebest That it is. My granddaughter is 24 , she's just in awe of the stories I tell her, she likes R and B more so than rap.

[@bdavis4075]

I love the way that young white boy in the audience is gettn down. I don't know what beat he's on, but I wish that I were there to join him.

[@Gr8LilLady]

Hell Yeah !!! 😊❤ He was obviously too sick to dance. The audience took up the slack tho 😭 I will still love him forever!

[@partslig123]

James Brown always had the best on stage with him..He had his rules on stage and if they were broken, off the stage they came,simple as that..

[@candytiano4314]

The God Father and The Hardest Working Man In Show Business is greatly missed and loved very much. He was a man that mastered his style of dancing singing and producing his music. He is gone and greatness of never forgotten.

[@your_princesa_isabelg]

Happy birthday James Brown♡ 3 May 1933

[@johnallen1852]

Am Big fan of James brown we need more videos like this

[@filfilip9991]

J. Brown the best for ever !!!

[@saritshamil7992]

Fil Filip yes nunber one for ever everybody dance .god bless jb.

[@Snagglefratz]

God, I miss James Brown.

[@jackjohnson7396]

Great man. Rest in Peace Sir.

[@zyxwut321]

Wow, look at the smile on his face at the end while he's dancing. He probably knew he was in very ill health and probably getting close to death and yet he wanted nothing more than to share one more moment with his band and his audience. He was a complicated, deeply flawed and imperfect man but no one ever gave more of himself with passion, effort or intensity as James Brown did. His work ethic was from a different, harder time and few from this era could understand or keep up with him.

[@JewlofTheNile914]

exactly

[@gordonm.7387]

Amen!

[@RicardoGarcia-ii2gs]

zyxwut321 the dancing girls and him didn't combine anymore lol lol lol

[@omartobias1839]

Just giving

[@lindaparker4950]

zyxwut321 He loved what he did. No he did not feel well. 💕 loved JAMES Brown - self made artist !!

[@jjOnes10mine]

JB, RIH "The King of soul," and the,"The Godfather of soul." Getting Funky." I'll miss you forever...

[@Menyhard]

Rip

[@Icnn365]

James Brown was global icon of promoter of peace and love to all his life, he was liberator and saver like prophet moses. He had spoken against genocide injustice and inhuman treatment in globally and his country, he gave us hope when he said laud we are God's children and we black proud and beautiful. Love forever James Brown

[@anthonyalsobrook8635]

Of course he was sick, you can see it, but by the time he got on this stage, he had laid the foundation for soul,funk and hip hop, recorded the song say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud in 1968, calmed the anger in Boston after king's assassination with his music, kicked the door wide open for black musicians, music today doesn't say much of anything, James brown said, don't be a drop out, say it loud I'm black and I'm proud, I don't want nobody to give me nothing, open up the door, I'll get it myself, to tell you the truth, I don't think anyone in that audience knows who that little short black man in the blue suit is, bottom line, no Michael Jackson, no Prince, no Parliament funkadelic, no hip hop without this little shoe shine boy from Augusta Georgia

[@TheRealDJCurt]

He did that all the way to the grave! Love You JB Mr.Brown!

[@DavidJohnson-dc8lu]

I want to party with this guy 4:35

[@brianlitteral5117]

2:55 look at his feet he feels the music like no other we love you brother

[@prettybwillowbee7584]

The industry uses and abuses artist they literally have you on stage until you drop dead in the floor but I guess this is what you signed up for when you start it but James Brown had no business on no damn stage he can even talk none whatsoever

[@Kassiusday]

I had JAMES BROWN AND MUHAMMAD ALI TO ENJOY life / both know how to dance RIP GOAT and again thanks a million !!to both of you !! Say loud ....

[@PaulDA2000]

This was 2 months before he passed away on Christmas 2006. He was 73 and 1/2.

[@chucknchar]

Thats a good life

[@PaulDA2000]

Alan Morris yes I meant to say four months, since this was in August 2006. Good catch.

[@mrs.berniemadoff3324]

PaulDA2000- Me and my 4 year old son went to his viewing/of the body, at the Apollo Theater, stood in line for 4 hrs. I brought a chair for my son to sit in. Al Sharpton was there, he and someone else, drove James Brown body to NEW YORK, Harlem, so that the body could be viewed on time. It was really sad, as a youngster, my father brought us tickets to see James Brown, everytime he came to our city/State, sometime two times a year. Back in the day, james brown would dance his ass off, on stage, he's very old on here, and stopped dancing or hardly dancing in his 40's, that's when I stop going to his concerts, but still brought all his music. RIP my brotha, RIP.............smdh

[@southsideman4891]

Wow...

[@leonardhouston8140]

I had the pleasure to meet mr brown several times and I have yet to this day met anyone like this self made man,he was brilliant in what he did professionaly and I was truely blessed to have been able to witness a true legend, not many people can say that they had met a legend .i thank God for giving us JB in a time when the blacks of this country needed a James brown.yes he was know angle by know meens, but he served a purpose in a time when we needed a purpose.thank you Lord for having mr brown take us out of the dark to see the lights.we still have a ways to go but we are a bit closer.love my people .god bless you and keep you always . [e-mail]

[@MK-dr2eq]

The Man, love him too bits. !!

[@hypedelic]

Shortly before his journey into the other dimension, I was lucky to see him perform live @Paradiso in Amsterdam 2006

[@meromam2838]

RIP Mr. James Brown. The Godfather of Soul Music!! If not the best ever one of the best ever singers and entertainer in the world. Thank you for the glory years and the memories. You have inspired so many and loved by so many around the world. You are so missed.

[@TheDolly089]

OMG the commentator or master of ceremony wtf, needs to sit his arse down..

[@mikevallen999]

TheDolly089 I agree.....he kept JB standing there waiting on his tired feet .

[@jayblackburn6011]

look at nobody on their phones

[@rickykenny4257]

I saw him live at the Morris Civic auditorium in South Bend Ind. In 1966 or 67, I was 7years old. I saw him again as an adult at The Park West in Chicago around 1984. Amazing performances both times.

[@thetruthisthelight3482]

That whole Crowd was mostly White People and many of them loved James Brown, He was very fascinating to many

[@carlacarleo6172]

I LOVE YOU 💖💖💖

[@goeatcake9904]

his last performance was at the roundhouse in london in october 2006.

[@randismith6873]

4:35 me after a few drinks

[@MrOldskoolmusiclvr62]

I remember real well the day James Brown Died, Xmas morning I was in San Francisco at my Older sister's house when She saw The news on CNN Then She said JB Died I seriously couldn't Believe it, then I realized the news was true, man Immediately I felt like I lost a close friend of the family All Black America did, The Godfather's music lives on, JB RIP!

[@groundhog713]

MrOldskoolmusiclvr62 Yeah, it was said. However, he got a good Xmas present, he got to go to heaven for Xmas....

[@patriceallen8372]

gi lovedhis music and i am58 i was listening to him wwhen.i.was in 9th grade poppa .dont take no mess.

[@LandieFreak]

After 40 years of dreaming ... Finally my dream to see his live show was given ... watched his show at Java-Jazz Festival 2005 in Jakarta Indonesia ...

[@verycaring2387]

✨👑✨👑✨👑✨👑✨👑✨

[@stephanomarr6829]

SIR james (Godfather)Brown , always lots of Soul power....never a dull moment.....His music is Timeless......Sipower in the Afterlife.....2020 & Beyond......

[@gordonm.7387]

Crazy soul, crazy soul! The master of musical mayhem! The Man on the Moon of Music! The get down grandmaster! The ultimate funk facilitator! The one the only... James Br....

[@alankozak9675]

I always loved playing James Brown music.His music moved millions.It will forever be timeless and will inspire new generations to come.RIP Godfather JB

[@saritshamil7992]

Alan Kozak yes everybody dance god bless jb.

[@saritshamil7992]

Alan Kozak for ever ever jb.

[@saritshamil7992]

Alan Kozak he are in the skay betyful muisic and nice person jb for ever clasic muisic beautiful.

[@silmtheregoodbody4718]

Alan Kozak one of a kind perfomer

[@superchow1523]

He is a master of is craft,he inspires me with is talent,skills and agility,James Brown really the God father of souls,love you daddy James Brown,very entertaining.......

[@cynthiawooten2690]

😍😍❤️❤️👍🏾👍🏾‼️‼️

[@bathiya01]

Luv the man. no words to express

[@lindaparker4950]

True legend , Great in his time & Greater after he has left !!!! Long remembered forever !!!