Fans dancing All Night Long: Lionel Richie at Shrewsbury - review, pictures and video
Lionel Richie fans were entertained All Night Long when the music legend took to the stage at Shrewsbury Town's ground.
The 68-year-old multi Grammy award-winning singer, who has been entertaining his fans for decades, stepped out on stage to the sound of claps and cheers last night , wearing a sparkly white jacket and white trousers.
He opened his set last night with Easy, which saw him on the piano, and it was followed by Running With The Night to the delight of fans.
Addressing them, he said: “Let’s get this party started. I’m here to play all the hits all night long.”
He also joked about the rain, which started just before he came on stage.
“In my calendar this was supposed to be a summer concert," he said.
“Now I don’t want to tell you but there is no summer about this.” And he joked: “I’ve got life jackets out back.”
The American-born superstar has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and his most famous hits include Three Times A Lady, Endless Love, Hello and Dancing On The Ceiling.
His appearance at Montgomery Waters Meadow followed on from the successful shows of Sir Elton John and Sir Rod Stewart.
And even the police got in on the act, tweeting:
As fans arrived in high spirits, the weather had looked better than the heavy rainfall seen at last year’s Rod Stewart concert which caused some technical issues. Security was tight and bags were searched as people made their way in, with doors opening at 4pm.
Many grabbed some food before the show from vans and stalls set up around the stadium, and fans queues to pick up a programme.
I’m Outta Love singer, Anastacia, was the support act warming the crowd up before the legendary crooner, who celebrates his 69th birthday next week, appeared on stage.
Fans shared their excitement prior to the gig.
Janet Bellingham, of Sutton Heights, Telford, came to the show with her daughters Amy Davies, 34, and Katy Bellingham, 37, who both surprised her with the concert tickets for her 70th birthday.
She said: “I was really surprised, I had no idea. It was just a coincidence that he happened to be here on my birthday. He’s one of my favourites, him and Elvis Presley.
“This is the first time I’ve seen him. I think it’s great that he’s come to Shrewsbury.”
Our reporter Lisa O'Brien tweeted from the concert:
Amy Fielding, who runs Eccleshall Bed and Breakfast in Staffordshire, was at the concert with her friends Delma Morrey, 44, and Kim Bright, 29, also from Eccleshall. The 42-year-old said: “I’ve been a Lionel Richie fan all my life.
“I love his music. I like Hello and all the other old classics like Dancing On The Ceiling. I’ve never seen him in concert but I love him. We are having a girls’ night out. We are very happy to be here and are having an amazing evening.”
Keri Johnson, 48, of Coseley, brought her husband Russell, 54, to the gig. Mrs Johnson, who said her favourite song is Cinderella, added: “I’ve been a big Lionel Richie fan forever. I just love his music.”
She said she had been excited about the concert for weeks, adding: “I’ve never been to one of his concerts. It was on my bucket list to see him before I reached 50.
“We are staying in a hotel but we holiday here a lot so it’s ideal because we get to come to our favourite place and see him at the same time.”
For David Sharpe, it was the hit All Night Long that he was most looking forward to seeing the star perform.
The 62-year-old, of Loppington, near Wem, was introduced to his music by his wife, Tricia, 57, who also came to the gig. She said: “It takes me back to my younger years when I hear his music. It’s a trip down memory lane. He’s had so many hits, I know the words so I can sing along. I couldn’t pick a favourite song. I like them all. I was really excited that he was coming to Shrewsbury.”
Sarah Potbury was celebrating her 44th birthday yesterday at the concert.
She travelled from Chester with her best friend Kat Palmer, 32, and Kat’s mother Selina Ashton-Palmer, 61.Kat, who bought her friend a ticket to the show as a birthday present, said: “I’ve never seen him before but I’ve grown up with his music because my mum’s a massive fan. “I love when he sings Endless Love.” The American-born superstar has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and is a multi Grammy Award winner.
Beginning in 1968, he was a member of the funk and soul band the Commodores and then launched a solo career in 1982.
His most famous hits include Three Times A Lady, Endless Love, Hello and Dancing On The Ceiling. Later this month the UK part of his tour will continue with visits to places including Leigh, Hove and Chesterfield, before he heads to Las Vegas in August.
