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" It is indeed very difficult to
establish yourself in Germany. But when you once made it, they luv you
there 'till the end of your days' That's what our soap-singer no.1 said
once within a statement. And he is absolutely right. The big venues of
this country are always crowded, when Mr. Richie comes along, like almost
every year to give exspecially the ladies here his charming smile and vibe.
Today for instance, he says during the set, that he dearly hopes, that
there are more then 5.000 women in the audiance, everything else would be
dissappointing. - I met this artist a few years ago for an interview once,
and I have to admit, I have hardly ever met such a humorous and quick
witted man in showbusiness.
But as I
always say, it's all a matter of taste, though I still can't understand
all these aching eyes of all the girls in here. Mind me, you've gotta give
him that much, that he's got a huge aura and stage presence. And he is a
real entertainer, proving it every single minute.
Lionel Richie nowadays is much more successfull in Europe then he is in
his home country America.The current album 'Just Go' went to pos.9 in the
german charts, while it didn't enter the US charts at all. One more reason
to concentrate his focus on Europe and thighten his status... which
is like concrete anyway.
Lionel Richie is well known for his ballads, like the Commodores hit 'Three
Times A Lady' or the movie duet with Diana Ross - 'Endless Love'. And it's
exspecially these songs, which make the american artist so popular.
Countless awards whether it's platin and grammys draw his carriere. And
now with almost 60 years of age (birthday is june 20.) and just became a
grandad, he still looks like 40 something (thanks to whatsoever) and he
gets the dolls dancing as we say so.
Back to right now and the Munich Olympiahall, where the arena is seated as
well. There are aprox. 9.000 fans, I presume. There is no support and
Lionel starts his magic show at 8.30 p.m. In the beginning most of the
stage is still hidden behind a curtain, and there is only a piano situated
in the front.
Lionel,
dressed in posh black, steps cool into the limelight and has to stand at
least 3 minutes applause and cheers from the audiance, before he starts
the set with - yes... it's a ballad, which opens the 2 hours show. 'Easy'
is the slogan, and he sings and plays it with tons of feeling. After 2
third of the song, the curtain falls down.
From then
one hit single hunts the next (see setlist). And although Lionel Richie is
always the focus of the show, he gives his musicians enough freedom to
show their skills on their instruments, whereby it's the guitarist and the
sax player showing the most ecouragement.
Oh yes,
before I forget, there is a little help hidden within the monitor boxes
and can just be spotted from the photopit.
But it
seems, that the meistro doesn't use it too much. And let's face it in
generell, rather a teleprompter and live, as a full playback.
Mr. Richie
honours the Commodores with all the great hits, most of all of course 'Brick
House'. I have to say, I luv this song, which get's you dancing along with
it's steaming rhythm. On the whole it is a well done mixture of ballads
and easy listening and faster song, and there is no boredom at all. There
ain't many additional show effects, apart from the huge screens which
frame the stage. Those show old pictures and nostalgic images of the
Commodores and a sweet baby pic of grandpa' biggest pride.
‚Dancing On The
Ceiling’ closes the official set. And at this point all people in the
front rows have stormed the front. There is of course the usual encore,
which is finalized by 'All Night Long'. And all 3 generations within the
audiance are completely satisfied.. Lionel has left the stage, jumping
straight into a waiting limousine and is off the shore, before the band
has played the very last tune.
Yes, very nice indeed and a true success once again. And I have to confess,
I did like this gig very much myself.
Last but not least it is to mention, that there are rumours about a full
Commodores reunion. So let's wait and see, what's coming next...
Lionel we luv you...however...
http://www.lionelrichie.com/
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