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Chris Elwell-Sutton's rating
Lionel's big Hello
By
Chris Elwell-Sutton
26 Mar 2007
For many, he will be forever known as the "black Barry Manilow", defined derisively by his super-sentimental 1984 smash hit, Hello and the almost impossibly corny video that accompanied it. But Friday's long and energetic show, part of an 18-month world tour, demonstrated admirably the showmanship and charisma that has earned Lionel Richie a 30-year career and tens of millions of album sales.
Looking far younger than his 57 years, he opened with a slightly disappointing rendition of a rather uninspiring ballad, Just for You, on which his voice failed to shine. Nonetheless, he received a rapturous response from the 10,000-strong audience which contained many groups of high-spirited thirty-and-forty-something women, charmed by genuinely funny banter and an infectious grin.
Things went sharply uphill from this point as his band upped the tempo, delivering Commodores tracks from the Seventies funk era, with Richie reliving his days as an Afro-sporting funkster as he belted out the sexually charged lyrics of Brickhouse.
He was at his best, however, when sat at the piano, having comedically donned a bow tie, to perform ballads from his solo career as well as Commodores classics such as Easy and Three Times a Lady.
Creating a loved-up, singalong atmosphere, Richie showed off the warm soulfulness of his voice and provided a reminder of his considerable prowess as a songwriter.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (4)
Saw Lionel at Wembly on Sunday 13 May. After a slightly delayed start, which only whipped the audience up into more of a frenzy... Lionel did not disappoint. He was stunning throughout the whole 2 hours. Amazing for 57 years of age - puts most of the latest crop of singers to shame. I wonder if they will be around belting out hit after hit in 30 years' time. Truly awesome.
- Heidi, Poole, 14/05/2007 21:39
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My boyfriend and I went to see Lionel on Sunday. The whole performance was excellent and I was amased to see such a wide range of age groups attend. Sitting in front of us where 3 13-14 year olds having the time of their life! Worth every penny (Lover!).
- Sarah, Harlow, 14/05/2007 15:42
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The concert was AWESOME! Lionel Richie is one of pop music's biggest living icons of this era and he proved that with his latest outing at Wembley arena. It is quite funny how most popular black artists are always compared to a white singer. It's especially unnerving when it has a condescending twist to it if you ask me. Barry Manilow will always be the White Lionel Richie to many people.
- Garth, London, 26/03/2007 16:34
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My wife and I went to the concert on Saturday, boy what a performer. Nearly 3 hours he performed for and still left the crowd begging for more. Always a treat to go to a Lionel Richie show, never to you leave thinking you have been short changed.
- Darren, London, 26/03/2007 13:44
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