A Soho Sessions benefit concert for AFTD was the subject of an article in Vanity Fair this week. The event, held November 5, honored Bruce Willis, currently living with an FTD diagnosis. In attendance were music legends, dear friends, and FTD advocates who all share a commitment to advancing progress toward an FTD-free future.

“Bruce would have loved this. He always loved live music,” Emma Heming Willis reflected before the show. The evening brought together music legends Keith Richards, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, Warren Haynes, and Larry Campbell, along with dear friends of the Willis’ like Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Michael J. Fox, Tracy Pollan, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. Everyone in attendance carried their own connection to Bruce, and their own memories of his kindness and spirit.

Norah Jones shared a personal memory of Bruce’s kindness, noting how he looked after her at an event years ago when she felt alone. These stories—of Bruce’s generosity, his love of music, his relationships—remind us that behind every diagnosis is a whole person, a whole life, a whole community of love.

Goldberg said, “We’ve been friends for 30 years, I think, so anything I can do for him and the family, I’m happy to do it.

“I’m sad that this cause exists, but if we’re gonna fight it, this is the best way I can think of.”

Mrs. Willis took the stage to address the crowd, expressing gratitude and hope. “This is incredible, and I love what you guys are doing here at the Soho Sessions for FTD. I honestly wish Bruce could be here, but he’s here in spirit.”

AFTD: “An absolute lifeline”

For the FTD community, nights like these matter deeply. Mrs. Willis has called AFTD “an absolute lifeline” for her family—words that resonate with so many who’ve walked this path. Looking back on when her husband received his diagnosis, she said she wishes she had known “that there was support out there,” recalling that they “were left with nothing, really; no roadmap, no support, nothing.” Now, through this event and her ongoing advocacy, she’s helping ensure other families can find that lifeline sooner.

The concert raised vital funds for AFTD’s mission to advance research, support families, and improve care for those affected by FTD. But perhaps just as important, it brought the topic of FTD into rooms and conversations where it might not otherwise reach.

“As Bruce would say, live it up,” Emma told the crowd. Even amid the challenges FTD brings, there’s still room for joy, music, and for gathering together with purpose.

Read the article here. Accounts of the evening also appeared on the People, Rolling Stone, and Daily Mail websites.