Honestly, if you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on one of the most stylish hours in music history. It happened on September 30, 1987. The setting? The Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles. This wasn't some generic arena show with pyrotechnics and ego. It was Black & White Night Roy Orbison, a televised comeback special that somehow managed to be both a high-energy rock show and a deeply intimate tribute. Roy was 51 years old. He stood there, center stage, behind those iconic dark glasses, looking like he’d just stepped out of a noir film.
He didn't move much. He didn't have to.
When Roy Orbison opened his mouth, the room just... stopped. Most people remember him for "Oh, Pretty Woman," but this concert proved he was so much more than a 1960s hitmaker. He was a force of nature. And the "friends" he brought along? Just a small, unknown group of people like Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, and Tom Waits. Yeah, basically a Hall of Fame induction ceremony disguised as a club gig.
What Really Happened During the Filming
The vibe was specific. Director Tony Mitchell decided to film the whole thing in stark, high-contrast black and white. It wasn't just a gimmick. It matched Roy’s aesthetic perfectly—the mystery, the sorrow, the "Man in Black" energy that preceded Johnny Cash’s later revival.
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The band was terrifyingly good. You had the TCB Band—the guys who backed Elvis Presley—handling the rhythm. Then you had the guest stars who weren't just there for a paycheck. They were there because they were obsessed with Roy. Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello were literally acting like fanboys, sharing a microphone and looking genuinely thrilled to be playing second fiddle to the "Big O."
The Setlist That Defined a Comeback
- Only the Lonely – The one that started it all.
- In Dreams – Total operatic rock.
- Crying – If this doesn't give you chills, check your pulse.
- Blue Bayou – Pure vocal silk.
- Oh, Pretty Woman – The inevitable, explosive finale.
There were some deep cuts too. They played "The Comedians," a song Elvis Costello wrote specifically for Roy. Seeing them perform it together is a highlight that most casual fans overlook. It’s dark, moody, and fits Roy’s four-octave range like a glove.
Why Black & White Night Roy Orbison Still Matters
It’s about the "Late Career Resurgence." We see it now with legacy acts, but in 1987, it was rarer. Roy had been through unimaginable tragedy—losing his wife in a motorcycle accident and then two of his sons in a house fire. He had faded. He was a "nostalgia" act.
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Then came Blue Velvet. David Lynch used "In Dreams" in that creepy, legendary scene with Dennis Hopper, and suddenly, the world remembered that Roy Orbison was cool. This concert was the victory lap. It led directly to the formation of the Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne.
Tragically, Roy died of a heart attack just over a year after this was filmed. He never got to see how much of a staple this concert would become on PBS during pledge drives. It’s become the definitive document of his talent.
The 30th Anniversary Twist
In 2017, his son Alex Orbison released a "re-imagined" version called Black & White Night 30. If you've only seen the original broadcast, you're missing the "secret concert." After the main show ended and the audience left, the band stayed and played five more songs just for the cameras. The 30th-anniversary edit restores the original setlist order and includes this raw, stripped-back footage. It’s less "polished" and more "rock and roll."
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to experience this properly, don't just watch clips on YouTube. The compression kills the audio quality, and Roy’s voice needs room to breathe.
- Find the Blu-ray: The 2017 Black & White Night 30 version is the gold standard. The audio was remastered from the original multi-track tapes.
- Listen for the Background Vocals: Most people focus on Roy, but listen to the "backup singers." It’s k.d. lang, Jennifer Warnes, and Bonnie Raitt. That’s an insane amount of talent just providing harmony.
- Watch the Guitars: The interplay between James Burton (the legend) and Bruce Springsteen during "Ooby Dooby" is a masterclass in rockabilly guitar.
The real magic of Black & White Night Roy Orbison isn't the celebrity cameos or the fancy lighting. It’s the fact that Roy, despite everything life threw at him, could still stand on a stage and hit a high note that would make a professional opera singer weep. It’s a reminder that true talent doesn't have an expiration date.
Go find the full concert. Turn the lights down. Turn the volume up. You won't regret it.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
- Check out the Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1: This was Roy’s next big project after the special.
- Listen to "Mystery Girl": The album he was working on when he passed away, featuring the hit "You Got It."
- Explore the TCB Band’s history: If you liked the instrumentation, look into James Burton’s work with Elvis and Emmylou Harris.