If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Gary Clark Jr. staged a surprise for Formula 1 attendees in Austin this past weekend by taking over the city's Franklin Barbecue for a private show sponsored by Velocity Black.
The invitation-only event transformed the famed Austin barbecue joint into an intimate showcase for the rock and soul star, who played an hour-long set that included hits like “Things Are Change” and “Low Down Rolling Stone” as well as a cover of Jimi Hendrix's “Little Wing.”
Clark Jr., born and raised in Austin, is joined by wife Nicole Trunfio (a successful model turned entrepreneur brand for pregnant women, overalls), while other guests included Aston Martin Formula One development driver Jack Crawford; Franklin Barbecue Company owner Aaron Franklin; and Glenfiddich whiskey brand representatives, celebrating the brand's ongoing collaboration with Aston Martin team.
“I got a call to play music at a barbecue and I couldn’t say no,” Clark Jr. told the crowd of about 50 guests as he introduced himself to them. “I'm trying to find my rhythm right now,” he said a few minutes later. “I did myself a disservice and ate a ton of barbecue, so this might be a lowbrow blues set,” he joked.
Speed Black
While thousands of racing fans descended on Austin for the 2025 United States Grand Prix, the night was reserved exclusively for members Speed Blacka luxury digital concierge service that offers insider access to premium dining, entertainment and travel around the world – all through an easy-to-use app. Velocity Black's team of insiders come from the worlds of aviation, fashion, and hospitality and can oversee everything from private jet pickup to customized vacations to sourcing tickets to sold-out sporting events and concerts (think everything from World Series tickets to Sabrina Carpenter seats). Members also get access to special events tailored to their profile and interests, with the app using specially designed technology to define a “hyper-personalized experience,” according to a company memo.
Franklin Barbecue: A Manifesto for Smoking Meat
Best Selling Cookbook
Access to the Clark Jr. and Franklin BBQ private event was only available to Velocity Black members who received invitations through the Velocity Black app as a free membership. The restaurant, which typically closes once its meat sells out for the day, reopens exclusively in the evening, when Franklin's pitmasters smoke brisket, ribs and turkey paired with Glenfiddich x Aston Martin F1 16-year-old single malt whiskey. The party and music continued with a Dwight Yoakam concert at the Moody Center, as well as a formal party at a members-only speakeasy called “The Hideaway by Velocity Black.”
Glenfiddich Aston Martin F1 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
Official collaboration with the Aston Martin team – limited edition.
Velocity Black has also been the official luxury lifestyle partner of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 team for the past three years, and Velocity Black members had access to dedicated VIP tables at the Aston Martin Paddock Club over the weekend, as well as taking part in private garage tours and walking tours. pit lane. Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso even made a surprise appearance at the paddock club the day before the race.
Velocity Black's Austin activation will continue after the race, and later this fall, “Hideaway” will return to the Moody Center, offering VIP access to “the most exclusive corner of the arena's event space” for upcoming concerts by Tate McRae and Billie Eilish. More information about Velocity Black's offerings, experts and membership fees can be found here. available on his website.
