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Keith Richards made his first major stage appearance for five years last night when he joined an all-star band at New York’s Apollo Theater for the “Howlin’ for Hubert” tribute gig. The show was originally conceived as an 80th Birthday celebration for Hubert Sumlin, who played guitar in Howlin’ Wolf’s band for decades. After Sumlin’s death last December, it was decided that the event should go ahead as a tribute show.

The event kicked off with Eric Clapton’s acoustic rendition of the classic blues tune “Key to the Highway,” joined on harmonica by Sumlin’s former bandmate James Cotton.

“Key to the Highway” – Eric Clapton and James Cotton

Richards took to the stage after Eric Clapton’s powerful performance of the blues track “Forty Four,” and then joined Clapton and guitarist Gary Clark Jr on “Goin’ Down Slow.”

“Goin’ Down Slow” – Keith Richards, Eric Clapton and Gary Clark Jr

Richards then moved to 12-string slide guitar to perform “Little Red Rooster” with James Cotton, before going back to his Gibson to join Clapton on “Spoonful.”

Also on the line-up for “Howlin’ for Hubert” were Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, David Johanson, Jimmie Vaughan, Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Elvis Costello, and Sumlin’s old bandmates Jody Williams (guitar) and Eddie Shaw (saxophone). The house band included the excellent Steve Jordan and Jim Keltner on drums, Willie Weeks on bass and Ivan Neville on piano.

“Howlin’ for Hubert” was a benefit for the Jazz Foundation of America.