Finneas, renowned for his recent Grammy triumph for Song of the Year alongside his sister Billie Eilish, recently participated in a special gathering hosted by The Macallan and The Hollywood Reporter. This exclusive Los Angeles event paid tribute to the 55th anniversary of the iconic James Bond film, 'Diamonds Are Forever,' showcasing a new limited-edition single malt Scotch whisky.
The celebratory evening took place at The Macallan Villa, where the new 'Diamonds Are Forever' 55th Anniversary bottle was revealed with much fanfare. This unique spirit draws its essence from the 1971 movie's plot, particularly highlighting Bond's (portrayed by Sean Connery) expertise in fine wines. Notably, the whisky was distilled in 2007, a subtle nod to Agent 007, and matured in hybrid European and American oak casks, with the latter having previously held red wine, reflecting elements from the film. Esteemed guests, including James Marsden, Jurnee Smollett, and François Arnaud, enjoyed exclusive sips of the whisky and explored the lavish villa, which featured a private Sherry tasting room and authentic film props like Blofeld's Bathosub and Bond's Honda all-terrain vehicle.
The festivities continued with a captivating performance by Finneas near the villa's infinity pool, following a toast led by The Macallan's global creative director Jaume Ferràs and master whisky maker Kirsteen Campbell. Finneas, who previously won an Oscar for the James Bond theme song 'No Time to Die' with Billie Eilish, performed a selection of his solo works, including 'For Cryin’ Out Loud!,' 'Little Window,' 'Let’s Fall in Love for the Night,' and 'Palomino.' During his set, he playfully engaged with the audience, quipping about the proximity to the highway and teasing his current work on Billie Eilish's upcoming album, expressing his enjoyment of such intimate performances. The distinguished guest list also included personalities such as Joel McHale, Lamorne Morris, Manny Jacinto, and various stars from television productions.
This event beautifully blended the worlds of music, cinema, and fine spirits, demonstrating the enduring legacy of artistic collaboration and the power of shared experiences. It serves as a reminder that excellence and innovation, whether in music production or whisky crafting, create moments of genuine connection and celebration, enriching our cultural landscape.