All Night Long

After seeing Neil Diamond in concert, I didn't think I would see another for awhile that would impress me. Then along came Lionel Richie, playing at the Colosseum at Windsor Caesars. Just a ten-minute drive from home, free parking, and to top it off...free tickets!

My first memory of Lionel Richie was watching him perform with The Commodores on Solid Gold. If you're not familiar with Solid Gold, it was a Top 40 music show that aired on Saturday nights. It was hosted by Dionne Warwick, then Andy Gibb and Marilyn McCoo. Arsenio Hall became involved in the last couple seasons of the show. The draw for me was not only the music but also the Solid Gold Dancers. I wanted to dress in their risque costumes and dance to the most popular music of the week.

When Dionne announced The Commodores were her co-hosts for the night and they played Heroes, I was moved by the ballad and the vocals of Lionel Richie. These men were so talented. I look at "boy bands" of today, and most don't play instruments. They are popular because of their image. I'm not saying they lack talent, but I don't think any of them compare to the music being put out in the 70's and 80's.

When Lionel left The Commodores and embarked on a solo career, I continued to follow him. I bought his Can't Slow Down album on cassette and listened to it on my Walkman (dating myself much?).

Years later, watching him play a mix of both his music and the music of The Commodores, I couldn't believe how many hits he had. His ballad with Diane Ross, Endless Love; Brickhouse/Fire medley (Fire is the theme song for Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen show); and of course, Hello and We Are the World.

The crowd went crazy when he sang old hits like Three Times a Lady, Lady (You Bring Me Up) and Sail On. 

Summer always brings great concerts to the area. I think Bob Seger will be next!

~MT