Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers
By Todd McFliker | Photos: Tom Craig
On April 18th, Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers’ performance at the Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center was nothing short of fantastic. Murray helped shape something that felt like a genuine collaboration built on chemistry, timing, and a shared respect for the music. The standout guitarists include Mike Zito, Fort Lauderdale's own Albert Castiglia and Jimmy Vivino, best known as Conan O’Brien’s bandleader. Both Zito and Castiglia had been touring as the Blood Brothers until they hooked up with Murray in early 2025. Today, the group continues to keep the blues front and center, while leaning into Murray’s natural charisma.
The Ghostbuster’s presence in music is nothing new, but this project gives it focus. Over the years, he’s appeared at respected events like Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Festival and the Grand Ole Opry. Long before that, he sang as part of his comedic identity on “SNL,” most notably as the Lounge Singer. What’s different now is intent. Murray wasn’t playing a character. He was participating. The funnyman knew when to step forward and when to stay in the background, supporting the rest of the band, rather than competing with it. That restraint is what made his involvement so effective. The audience’s response wasn’t polite applause for a celebrity cameo. It was real enthusiasm for a set of well-chosen covers, delivered with energy and intention.
Zito and Castiglia were the engine. Both are decorated Blues Music Award winners with a track record that speaks for itself. Their interplay in Downtown Fort Lauderdale was tight, expressive, and confident without feeling overworked. Vivino brought another layer of credibility. With decades in the business and a long tenure as Conan O’Brien’s musical director, he understands how to build a live show that holds attention. Every member of the group complimented the others.
Under a fedora, Murray sported blue slacks and a vivid striped button-down with red, orange, blue, yellow and white stripes. After opening with The Youngbloods’ appeal for peace, “Get Together,” Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers took us back in time with Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Power of Love.” Spectators experienced The Kinks’ chart-topping single “Tired of Waiting” and Murray playfully searched his empty pockets throughout the Brains’ “Money Changes Everything." The entire room stood up to sing and dance during Warren Zevon’s Top 40 hit “Werewolves of London.” It was a blast. The same can be said for the boys’ cover of Tommy Tutone’s pop hit, “867-5309/Jenny.”
Murray made his way to center stage. Grabbing the mic, he explained his affiliation with the Blood Brothers. “I heard this song at a baseball park in Minnesota. I screamed up, ‘Who is singing that song?’ And they said ‘Mike Zito.’ How do you spell it? ‘With a Z.’ Anyway, I started listening to Mike Zito Radio. Then my friend Jimmy Vivino said Mike Zito is going to play in New York. My little brother went down and saw Mike Zito, and he dragged all these guys down here to Florida… We played a few songs together. But this is the one. I don’t approve of what I am going to suggest. But if you ever get someone in a closet, just the two of you and you put on this song, I think you have a chance. ‘Cause I know somebody it worked for.” The room broke into applause as the crew ripped into a slower take of Prince’s “Little Red Corvette.” As the “former greenskeeper” hit a cowbell in “Tell the Truth” by Derek and the Dominos, the back-and-forth guitar work between Zito and Castiglia hit the kind of emotional peak that defines a strong live set.
Closing with Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” and Stephen Stills’ “Love the One You’re With,” the band left the audience with something familiar, but reenergized. What made the evening’ special came from musical interplay, not one movie star’s presence. These highlights worked beautifully, as they were earned, not staged.
This was a full-band experience, not a vanity project. The lineup was deep, with drums, bass, keys, horns, and a harmonica creating a layered, dynamic sound. Murray didn’t dominate the spotlight. Instead, he contributed here and there, singing selectively, adding percussion, and staying engaged without forcing himself into every moment. If you walked into the Broward Center expecting a comedy set with music on the side, you missed the point.
Backstage after the concert, the sight of Castiglia with his parents, kids and friends taking pictures and chatting with the legendary celebrity was quite memorable. Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers’ South Florida appearance was quite a triumphant return to the local talent’s stomping grounds.
