Post by Jonel on Mar 19, 2004 23:45:43 GMT -5
Ok, Four Tops/THEO fans, I'm back and it was WONDERFUL! If you EVER have the chance to hear/see the Tops at a venue where they are the ONLY performers. PLEASE go. I think every time I have seen the Tops perform, they have been on the same bill with The Temptations or with The O'Jays, Whispers or other classic soul/R&B group. This time, the concert was SOLELY The Tops and I have to say, it was the BEST performance by the Tops that I have ever witnessed in person. The band was awesome and the acoustics at the Jefferson Center's Shaftman Performance Hall were wonderful. Even Duke commented on the excellent sound of the auditorium. The band was joined by the Alexander horns from NC. George Roundtree took command. After the traditional tribute to Lawrence Payton "The Four of Us", Theo came on stage. He looked very fine; very fine indeed. He wore a sequined copen blue jacket with a complimentary wide lapel blue shirt, open to a V in the front with what looked like an oyster color microfiber silky trouser. Gold earring and bright gold neck chain. VERY SHARP. He sang MacArthur Park. His voice was in rare form tonight. I think part of it was the response from the crowd which was EXCELLENT--a great crowd. The crowd really showed their appreciation and the Tops responded accordingly. Everyone was clapping, standing, dancing, shouting and whistling for more. They really made the group feel welcomed. They sang all the traditional hits--Reach Out, Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch, When She Was My Girl; Ronnie sang Ask the Lonely; Theo did Keeper of the Castle; they did Bernadette, Standing in the Shadows of Love, Still Water, Walk Away Renee. Theo sang Always and Forever and tore it up...best I've ever heard him do it and the crowd responded with a standing ovation. They did In the Still of the Night...and I think, next to Always and Forever, it was my favorite of the evening. I love it when they do those early show tunes with the real close harmonies. Duke mentioned Levi and how much they miss him on the road and asked for prayer for Levi. He introduced the band and then the Tops came back to do one more set. The show lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes. I'm so glad I went. I've always enjoyed seeing them perform, but tonight was special because they owned the stage and the crowd was totally devoted The Tops' performance. The didn't have to share the limelight with anyone else and I think that made the difference for me........well.......and also, Theo ;-) Take care everyone! JONEL
)