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June 17, 2024

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Two Hall of Fame acts, Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind and Fire brought their Sing A Song All Night Long tour to Pittsburgh's PPG Paints Arena on Father's Day.

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Earth Wind and Fire opened up the show with a very tight and entertaining fourteen song set.  "Shining Star" kicked things off for the group that features three members that have been in the band for over fifty years; vocalist Phillip Bailey, bassist Verdine White and percussionist/vocalist Ralph Johnson.

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After playing "Sing A Song," the band launched into their great cover of The Beatles "Got To Get You Into My Life."

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The middle of the set consisted of their slower jams like "Devotion," "Reasons" and "After The Love Has Gone."

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However the end of the set got everyone up and dancing in their seats as the band knocked out three absolute bangers, "Boogie Wonderland," "Let's Groove" and the ever popular "September."

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Lionel Richie then came out and greeted the audience with "Hello."  

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He was indeed what the sold out crowd was looking for.

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Richie proceeded to run through a combination of his solo hits as well as many hits that he had as a member of The Commodores.

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Ever the entertainer, Richie often spoke to the audience between songs.  He yelled out "Steeler Country!" several times but early on he mistakenly referenced the arena as the home of "The Ducks."  He quickly corrected himself and said "Penguins! They're gonna throw me out of here before I get started."

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Throughout the evening, Richie made his way back to the white, grand piano to play his slower songs like "Easy," "Sail On" and "Three Times A Lady."

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His crack five-piece backing band provided the sound and energy for his upbeat song like "Running With The Night," "Dancing On the Ceiling" and "Brick House."

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In the middle of his set, Richie pointed out four young kids sitting in the front row and talked to them directly.  "Yes, it's an American Idol judge right in front of you!"  The looks on their faces were priceless.

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Closing out the main set were "Say You, Say Me," and "We Are The World" which happens to be celebrating its Fortieth Anniversary this year.

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Lionel Richie returned to end this concert full of hits and memories with "All Night Long."

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Photos and review by Greg Drugan

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