August 15, 2023 – Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia PA
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
Ladies and gentlemen, music enthusiasts of all ages, concert icons unite at Wells Fargo Center as two legendary bands take us on a magical journey through the realms of rhythm and soul, brought to us by none other than Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie. As the vibrant lights danced across the stage, and the crowd’s anticipation reached its peak, these legendary artists took us on a timeless musical adventure that transcended generations. Their awards and accolades as you’ll read below substantiates the level of talent being experienced on this night.
Opening the evening was the American musical group Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF). The band was formed in Chicago in 1969 and is still powered by prominent original members Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson. Their style and sound span over various music genres such as jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco, pop, and Latin. They are among the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of over 90 million records worldwide. Accolades include: 6 Grammys out of 17 nominations and four American Music Awards out of 12 nominations. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, and Hollywood’s Rockwalk, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band has received an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, a Soul Train Legend Award, a NARAS Signature Governor’s Award, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2012 Congressional Horizon Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. Rolling Stone has called them “innovative, precise yet sensual, calculated yet galvanizing” and declared that the band “changed the sound of black pop”. VH1 has described EWF as “one of the greatest bands” of all time.
Earth, Wind & Fire graced the stage on this evening with their unmistakable fusion of funk, soul, and R&B. The stage was set with elevated drums and percussion sections, an elevated keyboard set-up while the horn section and dynamic front-men spread out center stage. From the moment they launched into their set, the audience was transported to a place where every worry melted away, and all that mattered was the irresistible groove of the music. Their harmonious vocals, backed by a tight-knit band, created a sonic tapestry that was impossible not to move to. I was captivated by their choreography and how each song had different moves where every band member, no matter the instrument they were playing, were in sync and moved in perfect harmony. As I looked around soaking in the atmosphere, everyone in the packed venue were on their feet dancing with one another. We were transported to an environment of one massive, fun party! Classics like “September”, “Let’s Groove” and “Shining Star” had the entire arena on its feet, singing along with sheer joy. The horn section was electrifying, punctuating the melodies with bursts of energy that reverberated through the venue. I was surprised of how many songs I knew, pretty much singing every lyric to every song that played as they ran through hit after hit! It was truly an amazing show. I loved it!
EWF did more than get the crowd excited and in the dance and party mood for Lionel Richie, and what was about to be a captivating performance. Lionel, an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality rose to fame in the 1970s as a songwriter and the co-lead singer of the Motown group Commodores; writing and recording the hit singles “Easy“, “Sail On“, “Three Times a Lady” and “Still“, with the group before his departure. In 1980, he wrote and produced the US Billboard Hot 100 number one single “Lady” for Kenny Rogers. In 1981, Richie wrote and produced the single “Endless Love“, which he recorded as a duet with Diana Ross; it remains among the top 20 bestselling singles of all time, and the biggest career hit for both artists. In 1982, he officially launched his solo career with the album Lionel Richie, which sold over four million copies and spawned the singles “You Are“, “My Love“, and the number one single “Truly“.
During his solo career, Lionel Richie became one of the most successful balladeers of the 1980s, and has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. He has won four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year for “We Are the World“, and Album of the Year for “Can’t Slow Down“. “Endless Love” was nominated for an Academy Award; while “Say You, Say Me” won both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe award for Best Original Song. In 2016, Lionel Richie received the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award. In 2022, he received the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress; as well as the American Music Awards Icon Award. He was also inducted into Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Lionel’s performance started with showing images on a large digital video backdrop of his life, how he started his career, all his awards (as noted above) almost taking us through a timeline of his rising to fame. While everyone’s attention was on the video screen towards the back of the stage, a spotlight hit the end of the stage runway towards the middle of the arena, Lionel rose from below the platform dressed in black but with a white coat tail tuxedo jacket and opened with “Hello” greeting the crowd as they erupted in cheers, a testament to his enduring influence and timeless appeal
Richie’s smooth, velvety voice wrapped around the audience like a warm embrace, as he delivered hit after hit throughout the evening. From the heart-wrenching ballad “Hello” to the infectious optimism of “All Night Long,” his performance was a masterclass in charisma and musical artistry. The chemistry between Richie and his band was palpable, and his interactions with the crowd created an intimate connection that made the massive arena feel like an intimate gathering of friends. Lionel recognized with appreciation the diverse age group he has as fans. With his renewed popularity from American Idol, he now not only is recognized by fans in their 50’s and 60’s but also adoring fans who are 10, to 20 years old! One could tell how thankful and appreciative he is, recognizing how fortunate he’s been to have such a wide range of fans of all ages. He sang wonderfully moving about the stage and runway as well as at his grand white piano, and the images displayed throughout the show were beautiful and colorful and seemed to blend to each song he sang. It was amazing to experience him sing and perform, I knew each song and sang to it as did everyone else in the arena. I loved every minute of the show.
Throughout the night, both Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie seamlessly blended their classic hits with a modern touch, reminding us that great music transcends eras. The stage production was a visual spectacle, with stunning visuals and effects that enhanced the immersive experience. Each song felt like a journey, a testament to the lasting impact of these iconic artists on the music world. As the final notes reverberated through the Wells Fargo Center, there was a collective sense of fulfillment in the air. Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie had not only entertained us but had also transported us to a place of unity, joy, and nostalgia. It was a night to remember, a celebration of music’s power to unite and uplift. If you ever have the opportunity to witness these legends in concert, do not miss it – for they are a testament to the enduring magic of live music.
For more info please visit http://www.lionelrichie.com. http://www.earthwindandfire.com