Joni Mitchell returns to the stage during a 25-song set playing a Parker Fly guitar

 Joni Mitchell (L) and Brandi Carlile perform in concert during "Joni Jam" honoring Joni Mitchell at Gorge Amphitheatre on June 10, 2023 in George, Washington
(Image credit: Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Image)

Joni Mitchell made a triumphant return to the stage for a headline set of 25-songs on 10 June at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington. It marks a remarkable comeback for the Canadian legend following last year's Newport Folk Festival return after she suffered a brain aneurysm in 2015 and had to effectively relearn to play the guitar.

Mitchell played a Parker Fly electric guitar during the set and was joined by a host of guests including Annie Lennox, Blake Mills (who played Joni's guitar on Amelia), Marcus Mumford, Wendy & Lisa, Brandi Carlile and Celisse Henderson.

Opening with her much-loved 1970 song Big Yellow Taxi, Mitchell and her guests' set covered her remarkably rich career and included Both Sides Now, Cactus Tree and a version of Blue performed by Sarah McLachlan. 

Before performing Lady Of The Canyon with her idol, Annie Lennox paid tribute to Mitchell: "Thank you Joni, you gave me inspiration to become what I've become as a singer-songwriter."

Rob Laing
Reviews Editor, GuitarWorld.com and MusicRadar guitars

Rob is the Reviews Editor for GuitarWorld.com and MusicRadar guitars, so spends most of his waking hours (and beyond) thinking about and trying the latest gear while making sure our reviews team is giving you thorough and honest tests of it. He's worked for guitar mags and sites as a writer and editor for nearly 20 years but still winces at the thought of restringing anything with a Floyd Rose.