Linda Perry visited the Grammy Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater on Thursday night to a nearly sold-out audience for a screening of her new documentary, Let It Die Here, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director, Don Hardy, moderated by music journalist Pamela Chelin.
About an hour and a half long, the film takes viewers behind the scenes of Perry’s life over the past few years, from working as a producer for artists such as Dolly Parton and Kate Hudson and scoring music for film and television, to struggling to find her own voice and ultimately writing and releasing her first solo album in over 25 years, Let It Die Here. The album was also written during and in the wake of her mother’s passing, another deeply personal theme explored throughout the film.
The room was captivated first by the film, with tears flowing throughout the audience during the end credits, and then by Perry’s quick-witted, dry humor during the Q&A. At one point, she even brought two fans onstage who had gotten up to use the restroom, playfully questioning them about where they had gone and leaving the entire audience laughing.
The final treat of the night was a three-song acoustic performance. In a stripped-back set using only her acoustic Taylor guitar, Perry performed three original songs from her newest album: “What Lies With You,” “Let It Die Here,” and “Sunday Best.” Her voice was powerful and raw, and the room fell silent as she sang each song with so much vulnerability that she appeared to become visibly emotional throughout the performance. It was as if she were playing for no one but herself, yet her voice and passion clearly touched everyone in the room.
After the event ended, fans gathered in the museum’s lobby, waiting for the chance to take a photo and say hello to Perry, who notably took the time to speak and take photos with nearly everyone.
The documentary premieres on Hulu for streaming beginning September 18, and Perry is scheduled to tour across the U.S. throughout September and October as a special guest opener for Indigo Girls. You can learn more about the documentary, album, and upcoming tour dates on Linda Perry’s website here.
