Founding Guitarist Johnny Quaid Reunites With My Morning Jacket In Idaho

My Morning Jacket pulled into Nampa, Idaho last night for the second show of their summer tour. The Louisville-bred quartet welcomed back founding guitarist Johnny Quaid to guest on the last five songs of their main set and the “One Big Holiday” finale at Ford Amphitheater.

Johnny Quaid, frontman Jim James' cousin, was a member of MMJ from their formation in 1998 through his departure in 2004. Quaid has since made sporadic appearances with the current lineup of Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, keyboardist Bo Koster, guitarist Carl Broemel and drummer Patrick Hallahan.

My Morning Jacket are touring in support of their 2025 album, is, and opened Wednesday’s concert with the LP’s “Out In The Open.” The quintet also performed is tracks “Time Waited,” “Everyday Magic” and “Half A Lifetime” in Idaho. Additionally, the pre-Quaid portion of the set featured such fan-favorites as “What A Wonderful Man,” “Lay Low,” “I’m Amazed” and “Run It.”

Johnny Quaid emerged for a fiery “Mahgeetah,” the song that opens 2023’s It Still Moves, the guitarist’s last album with the band. Quaid also added his guitar to the ensuing versions of “Phone Went West,” “Dancefloors,” “Steam Engine” and “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2.” The latter, from 2008’s Evil Urges, closed the frame and was the only song Quaid played in Nampa from after his time in MMJ.

The five-piece kicked off their encore with Circuital gem “Victory Dance” and then went back to is for “Half A Lifetime.” Johnny Quaid returned to the stage to join My Morning Jacket on the show-closing “One Big Holiday.”

Watch audience-captured footage of Johnny Quaid in action with My Morning Jacket in Idaho below:

Official soundboard audio should be posted soon on nugs.

My Morning Jacket now heads to Bonner, Montana for a concert on Friday, August 8. The summer leg featuring support from Melt on most dates continues through August 22.