During the 1980's I was listening to REM, U2, Metallica, The Clash and Earth Wind and Fire. Lionel Richie really didn't interest me at all. He was one of those hit the radio button guys to change the channel.
Maxs Mom and I bought $25 tickets in the nosebleed section on that Live Nation ticket day. Jesus, the upper section of the CHI Center in Omaha is like climbing straight up a ladder. Its surprising that after a few beers more people don't take a header and break bones (I once had a coworker who did just that and broke her shoulder, How many beers involved is a question). The upper section was packed and figuring the obesity epidemic it was tight quarters. When you're 6-2 you also have no leg room. But alas.
Earth Wind and Fire opened and quite frankly they still have it. I saw them a few years back opening for Chicago and they dominated that also. I left early during the Chicago set. Opening with Shining Star, singer Phillip Bailey can sing just as he did in the 70's and 80's. This guy is phenomenal as are the other two original members, Verdine White the bassist and Ralph Johnson the drummer/singer. I mean their hour long setlist was a joy to listen to, It was one of the few times I didn't want the opening act to stop. All the hits were there, and they sounded just as good as ever. Serpentine Fire, Got to Get You into my Life, After the Love has gone, Boogie Wonderland and September. With a constant giant screen constantly showing deceased original member Maurice White, these guys obviously miss him.
Then came Lionel Richie. Hello opened. Ok that's familiar. And then this old rocker turned into a sappy wuss as Lionel played his hits, bantered with the crowd telling stories and had the crowd sing along. Hey man, for $25 this was fantastic.
Dancing on the Ceiling, Say you Say Me, Brick House, Endless Love with the crowd singing the Diana Ross parts, and a solo version of We Are The World (watch that Netflix documentary if you want the back stories). Then of course the "encore" All Night Long which got the crowd blowing the roof off the place.
Lionel Richie seems like great guy. His stories were warm, his jokes landed, his crowd banter seemed sincere, his constant references to Omaha (no Hello Cleveland moments) and his voice was still strong. He also looked exactly like he did in 1987. I won't ask how that is accomplished.
Look Lionel Richie is great. Earth Wind and Fire is greater. This was the best $25 concert I've ever been to.
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