Max Weinberg Surprises King Gizzard Show as Jay Weinberg's Stand-In

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard pulled off a surprise that had the crowd buzzing during their Friday night show at Queens’ Forest Hills Stadium. The Australian psych-rock band brought out Max Weinberg, the legendary E Street Band drummer, as a guest performer. But here’s the twist: he wasn’t the originally planned visitor.

Guest Jay Weinberg, who has become a recurring collaborator with the band, was supposed to make an appearance. The former Slipknot drummer has been sitting in with King Gizzard since a 2024 Nashville show, and the partnership has turned into something of a running bit. However, Jay was tied up in Nashville, so he did what any resourceful musician would do: he called his dad.

A Family Affair Takes the Stage

Guitarist Joey Walker explained the unexpected swap to the audience mid-set, explaining how Jay had phoned his father to ask if he could step in. Max Weinberg didn’t hesitate. He joined the band onstage as a second drummer, playing alongside regular drummer Michael Cavanagh during an extended version of “Hot Water.” The track became even more dynamic with dual percussion driving the groove, creating a moment that will stick with anyone who witnessed it.

It’s the kind of improvisational spirit that defines King Gizzard’s approach to entertainment and performance. These aren’t just by-the-book rock shows; they’re experiences where anything can happen. The guest drummer tradition started over the past year, and Jay Weinberg has become the face of it, but having his legendary father fill in proves the band’s willingness to embrace spontaneity.

A Year of Growing Collaboration

The relationship between King Gizzard and Jay Weinberg has evolved quickly. After that first 2024 Nashville appearance, he showed up again just a week prior to the Forest Hills show at the band’s Field of Vision II festival in Colorado. There, Jay played on “Hell” and even hosted a solo drum clinic, giving fans insight into his technique and approach to percussion. That’s not something you see every day, even from established touring acts.

The Forest Hills run itself is a testament to King Gizzard’s staying power. This marks the band’s fourth consecutive year playing at the venue, and for the first time, they’re doing three nights. The Aug. 20 and 21 shows were billed as rock performances, while Saturday’s finale switched gears completely into an all-electronic rave set. It’s exactly the kind of ambitious scheduling that keeps audiences coming back and talking. After Queens, the band heads to Brooklyn’s Under the K Bridge Park on Sunday for another rave show before heading to Australia in October, including a date at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion.

All of this comes during what can only be described as a typically prolific period for King Gizzard. The band released its 28th studio album, “Alien Metal,” earlier this year, continuing their relentless output and genre-hopping that has defined their career. Whether they’re playing psych-rock bangers or electronic experimentation, the band keeps finding new ways to push themselves and surprise their fanbase.

What makes moments like Max Weinberg’s cameo memorable isn’t just the star power or the novelty. It’s the genuine connection between musicians and the willingness to create something unplanned. Jay Weinberg could have simply sent his regrets, but instead, he brought his father into the fold. Max, despite his decades of experience with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, showed up ready to play. That’s the kind of musical generosity that keeps the spirit of live rock and roll alive.

Source: Billboard

When family members join forces onstage, do they create magic through blood relation, or is it simply that talented musicians recognize and elevate each other?