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Forbes
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Al Green Sizzles As 2025 Tour Kicks Off In Chicago
Al Green performs on stage at Ravinia. Saturday, June 28, 2025 in Highland Park, IL 'I can't stop, I just can't stop!' sang soul icon Al Green, 79, enthusiastically and appropriately at the top of a set Saturday night just outside Chicago. 'No, I can't stop. No, no, no!' Green's contributions to recorded music are staggering. One of the all-time great soul singers, Green took to the stage at Ravinia in Highland Park, Illinois for his first performance of 2025, a rare opportunity to catch a living legend live on stage during a run set to continue July 12, 2025 in Durant, Oklahoma and September 21 in Hollywood, Florida ahead of a pair of appearances in California this October. 'On behalf of the O'Jays organization, we'd like to say thank you to each and every one of you,' said original O'Jays singer Walter Williams at the end of a terrific 75 minute opening set. 'Enjoy Al Green!' Numbering 18 musicians, The O'Jays were a joy to behold on a rare mild evening during an otherwise sweltering summer in the Windy City. Walter Williams performs on stage with The O'Jays. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Ravinia in Highland ... More Park, IL Williams was joined on stage by singer Eric Nolan Grant, who's been in the fold now for three decades, and powerhouse vocalist Nicholas Davis, who takes over for lead vocalist Eddie Levert (who's been largely sidelined since contracting COVID in 2022). 'Every now and then, you've got to be thankful,' Williams, 81, explained on stage at Ravinia. 'We are very thankful,' Grant agreed. 'We've been through a lot of tribulations. Eddie caught COVID and it compromised his respiratory system. But we're still hanging in there with him. That's our brother for life,' said Grant, becoming emotional during the look back. 'Walter too. Look, we almost lost him. But God is good,' said the singer matter-of-factly, turning to his right as he recalled Williams' fight with the contagious disease (one which left Williams in a diabetic coma, on dialysis and near death). 'Excuse me if I get choked up - but I couldn't fancy being without this band,' Grant continued, pausing as tears began to flow while highlighting the still heightened risk many face in the wake of pandemic. 'This is my partner for life,' said the singer as Williams, Davis and a pair of backing singers began offering up 'Stairway to Heaven.' (Left to right) Walter Williams, Nicholas Davis and Eric Nolan Grant perform on stage with The ... More O'Jays. Saturday, June 28, 2025 at Ravinia in Highland Park, IL The hits started early as The O'Jays worked up 'Back Stabbers' on stage Saturday with the core three members soon throwing down a patented spin during 'I Love Music.' Williams, Grant and Davis turned right as they shook, offering up an anthem for the times. 'People don't care who they hurt or beat, for the love of money,' sang The O'Jays during a poignant delivery of 'For the Love of Money.' 'All aboard!' shouted Williams as The O'Jays chugged toward finish with 'Love Train.' 'I love you, Chicago!' said Green on stage early in a one hour set, setting up 'Everything is Gonna be Alright.' 'I had a lot of time thinkin' about you,' he mused. 'And I made babies thinkin' 'bout you!' Al Green performs on stage at Ravinia. Saturday, June 28, 2025 in Highland Park, IL Synths and Hammond B-3 organ rang in the song as horns cut through, with Green's band of 13 - including a trio of backing singers, dueling percussionists and a three piece horn section - continuing to swell. The Reverend Al Green, who famously became an ordained Baptist minister in 1976, is pastor of the Memphis, Tennessee-based Full Gospel Tabernacle and took the Chicago faithful to church Saturday night. 'Did you all know I'm a preacher?' he asked on stage at Ravinia. 'I been preaching 49 years!' said Green, treating the audience to a show stopping rendition of 'Amazing Grace.' Al Green performs on stage at Ravinia. Saturday, June 28, 2025 in Highland Park, IL Between 1971 and 1974 alone, Green released a whopping eight gold singles, ultimately selling more than 20 million albums. Amongst them, 1972's 'Let's Stay Together' remains arguably his most enduring hit, with the soul singer working it up midway through Saturday night's set in between a pair of covers (Kris Kristofferson's 'For the Good Times' and 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?' by the Bee Gees). 'Oh, you know it too!' marveled the singer in recognition of the crowd's all hands sing-along. Green chopped energetically with his right hand, punching his fist while gesturing with his left as the horn section took center stage during 'Take me to the River,' conducting the ensemble with absolute precision. 'That's good, that's good,' he said, stopping the band on a dime. While he appeared slightly winded at times, Green was nevertheless in fine and powerful voice throughout, not a backing track in sight. Al Green performs on stage at Ravinia. Saturday, June 28, 2025 in Highland Park, IL Sitting down for a moment during a medley, Green and company worked their way through a refresher course in both Motown and soul, putting their spin upon Otis Redding ('I've Been Loving You Too Long' and '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay'), The Four Tops ('I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)') and the Temptations ('My Girl'). 'I know it's late,' said Green, sneaking a peek at his watch. 'But I ain't ready to go home!' he continued, preaching now to rapturous applause. 'It's feelin' good!' Backing singers and organ drove an extended take on 'Love and Happiness' as the band got the crowd clapping along, jamming out an extended outro as Green brought the saxophone, trombone and trumpet players to the foot of the stage before exiting stage right as the tight ensemble continued to cook. 'I came out here to have a good time,' said Al Green Saturday on stage outside Chicago. 'I didn't come out here to die!' he continued. 'I came to live.'
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Emotional Lana Del Rey breaks down in tears before snogging husband as she opens debut stadium tour
LANA DEL REY brought plenty of drama to the stage as she kicked off her debut stadium tour – breaking down in tears and snogging her husband. And that was all during the first song, so there was plenty to get fans talking. 3 3 3 When she announced her debut stadium tour last summer, there were questions over whether she'd be able to bring the necessary theatrics to a room with tens of thousands of people in it. She proved her doubters wrong at the opening night at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, even if her performance of Stars Fell On Alabama did come with unexpected waterworks and a kiss with her other half Jeremy Dufrene, who she married in September. Composing herself, Lana said: 'It's good, it's just a long way to come.' She added: 'Oh my goodness. They're good tears. 'It's just actually funny to think about it in front of so many people. 'Thank you so much. I love you Cardiff.' It's a huge feat for a star to headline stadiums without an all-singing, all-dancing pop show, or a massive band to rock out with. Lana decided to transform the room into her backyard, draped with twinkly fairylights, with the gig acting like a singalong in the garden of her Louisiana home. On stage, there was a house surrounded by plants and even a pond, from which she, a band and a fleet of singers and dancers performed. While Lana had a healthy back catalogue to pick from, she opted to play a cover of Tammy Wynette's Stand By Your Man as she settled in. She explained: 'This is the first big show I've done while I've been married. 'I really love singing this song.' But the real crowd-pleasers were the lush tracks from her early career, with a dramatic string instrumental for Ride, which is impossibly moving, and her breakout hit Video Games performed from a swing. Lana's power is her irresistible mystique and she kept that up for the entire set. She will continue her stadium tour this week in Glasgow, Liverpool, Dublin and London. After turning 40 last Saturday, it's something of a celebration for her. This set may well leave fans crying out for more, but Lana proved she will be around for many, many years to come.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Q&A: Empire Of The Sun's Luke Steele On Loss, Grief, Al Green And More
AUSTIN, TEXAS - MAY 14: Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun performs in concert during the "Ask That ... More God" tour at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park on May 14, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by) Australian electronic duo Empire of the Sun just wrapped a hugely successful before now heading overseas. They'll return to the US in October to play Austin City Limits festival. Among the US shows was a sold-out LA date as part of the immersive Cercle Odyssey run, which also included Moby, Jungle and more at dates in LA, Mexico City and Paris. It was after the Cercle Odyssey show in LA that I connected over Zoom with Empire's Luke Steele to catch up on the tour and more. In a profoundly moving conversation, Steele talked about the power of music and the tour. Having lost his father a few months before the tour being with the fans each night took on a much deeper meaning for him. Steve Baltin: We're going to have fun to start with because I just finished interviewing Christian McBride, the jazz great bassist. And later today, I'm interviewing Willie Nelson. And I am sure that I'm the only person in the history of the universe to interview you and Christian McBride and Willie Nelson in the same day. So, if you guys are playing a benefit together and it's the all-star finale, what song do you want to do with Willie and Christian? Luke Steele: Oh, Willie's song, "Something You Get Through" from a record he did a few years ago. It just broke my heart cause I found that song right as the pandemic hit and all these people from the older generation, the '70s and '80s were losing the loved ones, and it was just so heartbreaking. These people had been married for 40 or 50 years and he just released this song, "Something You Get Through." I think I posted it on Empire where I just thought, 'Wow, it's not something you can explain really. It's just really something you get through.' So, that would have to be the song. Willie would have to take the lead on that one. Baltin: I like the way you put it though; it's just something that speaks to you. I was listening to your stuff again last night and I've always loved the song 'Alive.' Having nearly died twice, it takes on different meaning. For you, are there stories you've heard that really resonate with you, or they have similar effects for other people that's 'Something You Get Through' had for you. Steele: Exactly. I came back to that song because my father passed away a couple months ago. We had the funeral and then I'm on this world tour, but my mom was like, 'Your dad was a musician his whole life and even by the end in his eighties, that's two and three shows a week.' And mom said, 'You have to get on the road. That's what he would have wanted.' So, I was sitting in the back of the tour bus. And then that song for me, when I heard in the pandemic, it came back up. It's amazing, music it's like a beautiful friend, like a close friend that stays with you.' Baltin: For you, what are those songs from childhood because I know exactly what you mean. There are songs like "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor is one for me. The songs that have been with you for like 30 years and you don't know why, you don't know what it is about. It hits you when you're a kid and that's your song. Steele: Incredible, yeah. I always loved John Lennon, I remember going through my dad's vinyl collection probably when I was 10 or 12 or something and just not knowing anything about any of the artists, which is kind of a beautiful thing and then always coming back to Lennon, going, "Man, the melodies with this guy." Yeah, Lennon, Carole King, James Taylor, John Prine, all those old great artists. Baltin: I lost my dad two years ago. So, I'm very sorry about your dad. I know it's something that hits you each day and it resonates in a different way. I've talked about this with a lot of artists and grief is not a linear thing at all. It just comes about in very weird ways. So, for you have there been moments when you're on stage and there's just this catharsis from tens of thousands of people out there singing back to you? Steele: I know exactly what you mean. I hear about your dad as well, man. Yeah, there are certain moments and triggers. We do the song 'Ask That God' in the show, on the stage set there's like this big rock and I go and I stand on this rock and it hits the chorus on the visual, this giant hand comes across the stage and always that moment it takes me to the very time when he went to be with the Lord. It's quite incredible, it always takes me to that exact same place of crossing the Rubicon to the next side. Baltin: Does the song change for you or has the meaning changed? Steele: Yeah, that's what is so beautiful, the lyrics just take on a whole different meaning. Yeah, I think for that one because it just felt so heavenly. The songs called 'Ask That God,' don't ask the world, ask the father. I think it'smore powerful now for me. I've been reading this C .S. Lewis book about grief that my agent actually gave me. They said, love is the price of grief, and you get all these different quotes, and stories about it andwhat's been quite amazing is I always wondered about people delivering food to your house. But I realized what that is now like when someone really close to you passes away your food and cooking and everything is such a bizarre thing. With us it was hundreds of dishes and pasta and all this stuff and that's I now see like that in the movies. So, I understand that it's quite an amazing experience to understand that someone bringing a lasagna or something means so much. It's so warming to your heart. Baltin: What was the comfort food during all of this process? Steele: There's onions and bread and all that kind of stuff. It's incredible to see the array of people my father touched, from young musicians to he worked with some disabled people. He worked with the Vietnam veterans. So it was like that film, Big Fish. It's got the circus and this guy, and then at the funeral, they're all there and I just keep thinking about that film because it was like blues players in Houston, Texas to a choir that was put together and people from the street and stuff. He worked with this choir and then he worked with the veterans and all that. So, it was quite amazing to see the different fabrics of life and all the different people's hearts he touched. Baltin: That's got to be so interesting though, to see all the different lives he touched, and then you get to be out there and see all the different people who come to see you and all the different lives you touch. Steele: Especially now on this tour there's a real urge for people to escape the world and to live in that place. I ended up saying that quite a lot on the stage; this is our place, this is where you cry, where you laugh, you dance, you give it up to the Lord. This is the time of letting go. The shows took on a whole elevated meaning for that, cause it's not just music. It's never just music. It's always so many breakthroughs and spiritual overcoming's and things. Baltin: Who first did that for you when you were a kid? I remember seeing the Nick Cave shows after he dealt with loss. And those were transcendent. Steele: I can't think of the one show cause I'm just funny like that. But yeah, the show we're doing, it's taken on a whole other meaning. But everything from The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion to obviously seeing the boss. I remember flying back in from LA actually and had super jet lag and someone was like, "We got three tickets to the boss." And it was one of those, I drank a few wines and ended up just making it as the boss comes on, that was just incredible. BB King, I love BB King. I love that because it was just such classic Southern American showmanship, like this big basket of obviously fake gold watches, but he had necklaces, and he walked down the front and handed them out and it was just so rich, reverent kind of blues. That was like Al Green first time. I wasn't married at the time, but it was in LA doing a remix of Yoko Ono actually. I'm starting over and actually got the original vocals from Double Fantasy and we finished the session and then Al Green was at the Hollywood Bowl and I'd never been to the Bowl and managed to get some tickets and at the time I was carrying a little speaker on my hip, you know, one of those little amps with I was wearing the iPods around 20 years ago. And all the church groups from the South have come up, so there'd be groups of 10 or 15 all walking in, singing 'Let's Stay Together.' But that was another show with real reverence. Like, he'd come down the front, take his jacket off, and he'd go, 'Oh, half the ladies want me to keep it on, half want me to take it off.' That was just such another memorable concert. Baltin: Let's come onto the Cercle show then for a second. How much fun was it to be the one who helped start something off? It's like when you play a festival. I know you guys are doing ACL. It's a good challenge because it's not just your crowd. They're your fans there, but there's also people there to see Olivia Rodrigo. Steele: Yeah, it was pretty incredible, being able to step into something so immersive and so new. We designed our show called the Miracle Room. I built our show based on you're walking through the desert, and you find this giant box and you walk into it and it's like the new church of the future. It's early days all around you on the roof and you fall into this transcendental prayer which goes through a whole cycle of songs and ends with the cleansing and healing and that's what our show was designed about.
ABC News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Carla Wehbe — 'Gentle With Me' (live for Like A Version)
Go easy through your day with Carla Wehbe's live performance of 'Gentle With Me' in the Like A Version studio. Commanding the space with her powerful vocals and unflinching confidence, the Eora/Sydney-born singer-songwriter smashed through the track from her latest EP, Dark In The Light . An unreal debut, come back anytime Carla. Posted 2h ago 2 hours ago Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 10:30pm
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"It's all about gut feeling" – IW Festival boss on what makes a true headliner
Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings has revealed that when it comes to booking headline acts, social media clout comes a distant second to old-fashioned instinct. The long-time organiser of the Island's biggest music event says a performer's ability to connect with a real crowd is what truly matters – and no number of TikTok views can replace that. 'It's gut feeling, really,' said Mr Giddings. 'I've learned the hard way in my years in the music business that some people might have sold a lot of records, but they're useless when it comes to performing.' Crowd scene at the main stage at Isle of Wight Festival 2024 (Image: Paul Blackley / IWCP) Recommended reading: Isle of Wight Festival 2025: Main Stage and Big Top schedule revealed! "We're levelling up": Co-op adds second Isle of Wight Festival store for 2025 While he appreciates the appeal of digital fame, he's seen its limits. "I do know artists who've had a million views on TikTok, who can't sell 300 tickets at a club in London. "Just because all these people want to watch them on socials, doesn't mean they're going to pay money to go and see them in a field," Mr Giddings added. The 72-year-old, who has brought the festival back to life since its relaunch in 2002, knows a thing or two about putting on a show. From U2 and Madonna to Phil Collins and Blondie, he's worked with some of the biggest names in music. Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Giddings explained that picking the right acts for Seaclose Park is about more than numbers. 'You want to book acts that have a catalogue that's going to entertain an audience for an hour, hour and a half,' he said. 'And someone who's capable of performing to an audience of 50,000 people in a field, because they need to be able to project, to entertain." Crowd scene at the main stage at Isle of Wight Festival 2024 (Image: Paul Blackley / IWCP) Mr Giddings, who runs his music agency Solo out of London, says finding fresh talent is a vital part of the job. 'Because I'm older, we book acts from past, present and future,' he said. 'There's a discussion in the office as to what new bands are coming up, and you're projecting as to what they're going to be doing in the year's or nine months' time.' There's also room for fresh ideas from all corners of the operation. 'If the truck driver comes up with a good idea and it's a better idea than mine, then go for it,' said Mr Giddings. 'We've got 15 stages on the Isle of Wight, so whatever stage you're at in your career, you can play one of those stages.' Jay-Z, who headlined Friday night at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2010 Looking back on the magic moments over the years, one in particular stands out – Jay Z. 'I remember thinking 50,000 people couldn't go wilder, and then Kanye West walked on with them, and it exploded. 'I turned to my left, and there was Beyonce standing there – I thought 'It couldn't get better than this'.' Now, with more than two decades of organising the modern incarnation under his belt, his passion is undimmed. 'I absolutely love it, which is my downfall because I work all the time, I never think I've actually had a job,' he said. 'It's the most satisfying thing ever to provide entertainment for people.'
