Sunday night I took advantage of the Kennedy Center's free concert series to see the Four Tops. Always wanted to see them and now I have. Of course, it wasn't the greatest thing with Lawrence Payton dead and Levi Stubbs not touring due to illness. And really, I think Levi Stubbs is most of the draw to see the band. (Interesingly, Payton's permanent replacement is Theo Peoples, who formerly was with another Motown act, performing/recording as one of the replacement Temptations surrounding Otis Williams)
The concert was great. Just about 1:15. No opening act. They performed all of their hits. (though I wish they would have given more time to "Bernadette" instead of inexplicably performing Heatwavw/Luther Vandross' "Always and Forever" with an extended vocal solo).
For awhile now, I have wanted to make sure I see "legends" perform at least once. Back at Cornell, I saw BB King and Tito Puente ("You know, one day, Tito Puente will be dead, and you'll say, 'Oh, yes, I've been listening to his work for years, and I think he's fabulous!' "). I'm kicking myself that I never went out of my way to see John Lee Hooker. And when I was in Chicago, I should have gone to the memorial service for Pops Staples. At least I think I have more time (though, sadly, probably few opportunities) to see Johnny Cash.
At least the Four Tops are now off that second list.
The concert was great. Just about 1:15. No opening act. They performed all of their hits. (though I wish they would have given more time to "Bernadette" instead of inexplicably performing Heatwavw/Luther Vandross' "Always and Forever" with an extended vocal solo).
For awhile now, I have wanted to make sure I see "legends" perform at least once. Back at Cornell, I saw BB King and Tito Puente ("You know, one day, Tito Puente will be dead, and you'll say, 'Oh, yes, I've been listening to his work for years, and I think he's fabulous!' "). I'm kicking myself that I never went out of my way to see John Lee Hooker. And when I was in Chicago, I should have gone to the memorial service for Pops Staples. At least I think I have more time (though, sadly, probably few opportunities) to see Johnny Cash.
At least the Four Tops are now off that second list.
posted by Kenny at
3/05/2003 03:19:00 PM
