How Bill Murray Ended Up in a Bluesy Rock Band at 75 Years Old

The legendary Bill Murray is known for his unforgettable movie roles, his time spent as a cast member of Saturday Night Live, and his undeniable aura that has made him one of the biggest stars in the world. But did you know he’s in a band?
How to Watch
Watch Christmas in Nashville on Wednesday, December 3 at 10/9c on NBC and next day on Peacock.
It’s true. The 75-year-old icon is the frontman of the Blood Brothers, a blues-rock band specializing in covering under-the-radar rock classics by groups like The Kinks.
On December 3, Murray will bring his band to the upcoming NBC special Christmas in Nashville, when they will help celebrate the holiday with performances of holiday classics alongside a few special musical guests.
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But how did Murray find himself in a band at 75 years old? Keep reading to find out.
Here’s what to know about Bill Murray’s band
The Blood Brothers were founded in 2002 by guitarists Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia.
When the band was booked by Murray’s brother, John, to perform at the annual Murray Brothers’ Caddyshack Golf Tournament (named after Murray’s hit 1980 film Caddyshack, of course) Murray joined the band on stage in an impromptu moment after the group began playing a song by one of his favorite bands, the Rascals.
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The rest is history. Murray has been a full-fledged member of the Blood Brothers ever since, lending his unique vocal stylings to the nine-man band.
“This band is made up of all-stars,” said Murray in an October 2025 interview with the Boston Herald. “Each of them brings a different energy, which makes me really have to dig in. I enjoy the challenge each night and am thankful they keep it coming.”
Current guest guitarist Jimmy Vivino had nothing but positive things to say about the group’s frontman, citing his uncanny ability to control the crowd.
“If you can’t engage with the crowd, what’s the point?” Vivino said. “Watching Bill get off on stage is a perfect example of that. His charisma and his ability to connect is an amazing thing to behold.”
Here’s how to tune in to the NBC special Christmas in Nashville
Who’s ready for Christmas in the country?
Mark your calendars: Christmas in Nashville, hosted by Trisha Yearwood, airs on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC immediately following Christmas in Rockefeller Center.
It will be a night celebrating the holiday as only Nashville can. Murray will take the stage with his Blood Brothers for a special performance, but that’s not all. The lineup of musical guests is stacked, with Lauren Alaina, Ne-Yo, The War and Treaty, and Trace Adkins all scheduled to perform as well.
Replays of the special will be available the next day on Peacock.




