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Lionel Richie with Earth, Wind, and Fire Concert Review: Birmingham, Alabama May 28, 2024

Say his name and say it right! Lionel Richie is an icon. For anyone who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s then there are tons of songs by Lionel Richie on the soundtrack of your life. Originally, the Alabama formed Commodores, provided multiple funky chart-topping hits during the 1970s including ballad classics like Sail On, and Easy, and the ultimate of funk dance numbers, Brick House. Then when Lionel Richie broke solo, the 1980s were full of chart toppers from the smooth Richie. Lionel Richie not only wrote and sang his own mega-hits but also wrote chart toppers for many others like Kenny Rogers, Alabama, and collaborated with the one and only Michael Jackson to bring us We Are the World.

Straight off the most recent season of American Idol, judge and Alabama native Lionel Richie rolled into the Legacy Arena (formerly the BJCC) in Birmingham, Alabama with openers, the legendary Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Earth, Wind, and Fire

Earth, Wind, and Fire opened the night still boasting three original members including the legendary Phillip Bailey, along with Verden White, and Ralph Johnson, Earth, Wind, and Fire did what they do best, bring one of the tightest bands ever and get the crowd moving. With hits like September, After the Love Has Gone, and Shining Star, they are certainly a crowd pleaser, and have no fear, Phillip Bailey’s voice has not only stayed strong… it may have gotten stronger! A great act, Earth, Wind, and Fire far exceeds expectations, and it is no wonder they have influenced everyone from Phil Collins to Chicago.

Lionel Richie

Then, the main event, rising up through a door in the stage cloaked in smoke and asking, “Hello? Is it me you’re looking for?” is the iconic Lionel Richie. To say Lionel Richie is a legend is doing a disservice to Richie, he is iconic, and he brought a sing-along friendly playlist which scratched every itch for nostalgic fans. Not only did Lionel Richie sing most of his own chart-topping songs but also brought a healthy selection of The Commodores playlist with him as well including the crowd favorites Easy, Sail On, and Brick House among others.

Lionel Richie even rolled out the Endless Love duet with the crowd playing the role of Diana Ross. Lionel Richie even gave us a solo rendition of the famous ensemble 1980s charity hit We Are the World which is the subject of a new Netflix documentary. Lionel Richie broke up the set with several funny and charming monologues which played well with the crowd.

Lionel Richie has numerous tour dates coming up in 2024 including a lengthy run in Las Vegas later this year. For more information check his website - https://lionelrichie.com/shows/

May 28, 2024, Lionel Richie Setlist From Birmingham, AL Legacy Arena.

Hello

Running With the Night

Easy

Penny Lover

Stuck on You

Sail On

You Are

Dancing on the Ceiling

Three Times a Lady

Fancy Dancer / Sweet Love / Lady (You Bring Me Up)

Just to Be Close to You

Endless Love

Brick House

Fire

Still

Say You, Say Me

We Are the World

Encore:

All Night Long (All Night)

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