Lionel Richie – Union Transfer – Philadelphia (A PopEntertainment.com Concert Review)

Lionel Richie – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA – March 29, 2025

What makes a legend? To me, it’s a person who is admired for his or her exceptional achievement, their impact on their craft and on the world, and what they have done throughout their lifetime that has positively impacted society, art, or culture.

Lionel Richie is a legend. He is also an extremely talented singer, songwriter, record producer, a beloved TV personality, and a kind humanitarian.

Last night, we were treated to an intimate evening with the four-time Grammy award winner at the Union Transfer in Philadelphia. The event, put on by Wells Fargo’s Autograph Exclusive Concerts is open to their cardholders, offering access to purchase tickets for big name artists, like Richie, in small intimate venues across the US. Some other exciting upcoming Autograph Exclusive Concerts include Dave Matthews in Houston, Halsey in San Fran, Mumford & Sons in LA and Imagine Dragons in Dallas.

Building the excitement for the evening, doors opened at 5:30 for VIPs and 6:30 for GA. Courtesy of WF, fans enjoyed an exciting red carpet photo opportunity, spin-art vinyl record station to make their own piece of art, and signature drinks named after Richie’s hits. VIPs also enjoyed a buffet while the DJ on stage got the music started!

Hitting the stage a little after 8:00, the lights went down, and we were treated to a video montage of the 75-year-old artist through the years. When the lights came back up, there he was, and Richie immediately broke into his 1984 mega-hit “Hello.”

As the founding member of R&B super group the Commodores, Richie has been honing his craft as far back as the late 60s. His smooth vocals and engaging stage presence kept the standing-room-only crowd of around 1,200 (we told you it was intimate!) singing and dancing the entire night. A true showman, his fifteen-plus song set spanned two hours, and featured a mix of over fifty years of his timeless solo hits like “Running With the Night,” “My Love,” “Stuck On You,” “You Are” and “Say You Say Me.” He also did such Commodores classics as “Easy,” “Lady (You Bring Me Up),” “Sail On,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Brick House.”

Fans sang along with every word of every song which Richie not only encouraged but also joked about a few times. For his performance of his 1981 hit duet “Endless Love,” all the women in the audience were tasked with singing the part of the great Diana Ross, and they all jumped to the experience.

In an emotional moment for many, including myself, Richie discussed how G-d created us all the same before performing “We are the World,” the 1985 classic he co-wrote and recorded in an all-night session as part of USA for Africa. Alongside forty-four other entertainment icons like Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen and Quincy Jones, they made a masterpiece that night. In our current divisive political climate, experiencing his soulful, smooth, and calming voice singing one of the most historic songs in pop culture simply moved many to tears.

Richie engaged with his audience the entire night, sharing stories from the past and acknowledging his appreciation for their support for his long, exciting career. Seeing a legend like Richie is necessary for everyone. His talent is unmatched, and his charisma is infectious. You can tell his special relationship with his fans of all ages is one of mutual respect and admiration. When they screamed, he acknowledged them. In one special moment, a woman held up a sign asking Richie to sign her arm for a tattoo. He brought her up on stage, and not only signed her arm, but also her spin art record. It was a moment she will truly never forget.

The lights and the visuals throughout the night were bright, engaging and added excitement and new dimensions to each song. In addition, Richie’s band was simply amazing. Guitarist Ben Mauro, saxophonist Dino Soldo, drummer Oscar Seaton, keyboardist Chuckii Booker, and bassist Ethan Farmer, all brought their musical electricity through their performance. During some of his ballads, Richie also accompanied himself playing the baby grand onstage.

For his encore, Richie brought down the house with an extended version of his 1983 mega-hit “All Night Long (All Night),” and fans didn’t want it to end. The vibe from the night was one of joy and nostalgia. Richie's ability to blend different genres, including funk, soul, country and R&B highlights what a versatile talent he is. His impact on the music industry is immeasurable, and his talent continues to transcend generations. “Lionel has had such a positive effect on my life,” I heard one woman telling her friend. After tonight, I can tell you he made a positive effect on many, many more.

Setlist: Hello, Running with the Night, Easy / My Love (medley), Penny Lover, Stuck on You, Sail On, You Are, Dancing on the Ceiling, Three Times a Lady, Fancy Dancer / Sweet Love / Lady (You Bring Me Up) (medley), Endless Love, Brick House / Fire (medley), Say You, Say Me, We Are the World, Encore: All Night Long (All Night)

Deborah Wagner