The Four Tops, still with original member Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir, are in Australia performing the songs that date back to their first hit ‘Baby I Need Your Loving’ 54 years ago.
At 82 Duke can still sing. He is the last surviving member of the original line-up that featured Lawrence Payton (d. 1997), Renaldo ‘Obie’ Benson (d. 2005) and Levi Stubbs (d. 2008).
Veteran promoter Dennis Smith, the legend still behind the annual The Go Show events, brought The Four Tops to Australia to give Melbourne and Sydney a little taste of Vegas minus the tacky casino backdrop. These shows are pure class, being performed at the Sofitel Melbourne and Sydney.
The Four Tops event is dinner, drinks and show giving fans of the legendary band a music and culinary experience with great food, fine wine and pure soul.
The Four Tops performed greatest hits songs from their career, a couple of Christmas covers and one surprise, I had no idea founding member Renaldo ‘Obie’ Benson co-wrote the Marvin Gaye classic ‘What’s Going On’, which they included in the setlist.
Songs performed by The Four Tops, Melbourne, 6 December, 2018
Down In Acapulco
Baby I Need Your Lovin’
Bernadette
It’s The Same Old Song
Walk Away Renee
Shake Me Wake Me
Mack the Knife
What’s Going On
When She Was My Girl
Ain’t No Woman (Like You)
My Favourite Things
The Christmas song
Reach Out I’ll Be There
Standing In The Shadows of Love
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch (Can’t Help Myself)
The current line-up of the Four Tops includes Payton’s son Lawrence Payton Jr, Lewis McNeir (who was the band’s musical director for several years before replacing Levi Stubbs when he was too ill to continue and Harold Bonhart, who has been lead singer since 2011.
The Four Tops evening begins with dinner served from 6:45pm. The package includes all drinks including white, red and sparkling wine as well as beer and soft drinks and complimentary program.
Dennis Smith tested the formula previously with The Temptations and plans to do multiple events each year. When you can see a quality act without having to walk through a tacky casino, this becomes a very unique experience.
Follow Noise11 on Twitter for news as it happens
For news as it happens follow Noise11 on Facebook
Listen to the Noise11 Music News channel now at iHeartRadio
