On October 5, 2025, Moonalice played on the Swan Stage at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The band immediately after us on that stage was Nick Lowe and Los Straightjackets. We recently released our own arrangement of Nick’s song, What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace Love & Understanding, and were hoping to get his permission to play it in our set. Nick did not arrive backstage until after we started, so we played the song.

After the set, Roger ran into Nick backstage and introduced himself, apologizing for playing the song without permission. Nick dismissed the concern. He said, “I have heard your version. It is wonderful! I love the arrangement. I tried to get word to you, but I guess the message did not reach you.” So Roger took him to meet the band.

The bass player in Los Straitjackets told Barry that after our song came out, Nick brought it to rehearsal and made sure Los Straitjackets heard it. He told them he loved Lester’s vocal arrangement and wanted to embrace it in his own performances of the song.