By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 07:35 pm:

The Tops are coming up my way soon, double billed with the Tempts (not Dennis' Review).
The Tempts have been talked about over and over, but not The Four Tops, and I can find no information about their current makeup. Who are the current Four Tops, and has anyone seen them recently?
Thank you.

By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 07:42 pm:

Levi Stubbs isn't on the road but is still recuperating, so there are two "new" Tops, one who took the late Lawrence Payton's place and one who is doing Levi's parts -- someone will provide their names.

Duke Fakir and Obie Benson are still in the Tops.

I saw this lineup at Aretha's prayer vigil for Luther, and ...it's tough for anyone to sing "Ask the Lonely" after you've heard Levi do it.

With G.C. Cameron set to join the Tempts I'd say you definitely need to catch this show.

By Scratcher (65.238.172.116) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 07:47 pm:

The Four Tops current lineup is Duke Fakir, Obie Benson, Theo Peoples and Ronnie McNeir.

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 08:37 pm:

Thanks, Sue.
Two more questions.
1) do the Tops or Tempts have a web site? I couldn't find one for either
and
2) with Ronnie McNeir singing lead for the Tops, is the show worth $47 per? That's a lot of hamburgers I've gotta cook.....

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 09:07 pm:

Isn't Theo Peoples singing most of the leads?

By Scratcher (65.238.127.18) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 09:41 pm:

Notice how Douglasm thanked Sue and not me and I gave him the lineup.

Right ... Theo does handle most of the leads.

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 09:48 pm:

Sorry for the slight, Scratcher. Nothing intentional.
I understood, per their booking agent's site, that Theo took Lawrence Payton's place in the group after Lawrence died. That's why I thought Ronnie was taking Levi's leads.
But...
....my question still stands. Is the show worth $47 per plus ticketmaster charge?

By Scratcher (65.238.127.18) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 09:54 pm:

Yes, the Tempts and the Tops regardless of the lineup is a good show. I've seen it many times albeit some years ago; it's magical when both groups are on stage together singing each other songs. It's fun to see who's going to put on the best show: the Tempts or the Tops. I've seen shows where the Tops were the best by a nose and others where the Tempts smoke 'em.

By Sue (205.188.209.109) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 10:49 pm:

Good grief.

By Counterpoint (68.63.4.162) on Thursday, June 19, 2003 - 11:10 pm:

Scratcher,

What a delightful way to put it--your description of the Tempts and Tops concerts. If I may use a golf analogy, there are days when every drive is straight and every putt goes in, and then the next day may be like V.J. Singh's day after he set the Open record for low score: drives went way left and into the crowd, drives went way right and into the trees.

Sue,

What is this about G.C. Cameron and the Tempts? I thought that had all been settled and Bo was staying.

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.165) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 02:29 am:

I went to the FOUR TOPS and Temptations Concert last year gere in the UK and sadly I am not sure about going this year when they visit in October, this would be the first visit I have missed since my first as a young school kid 30 years ago.

Part was here they do major arenas, Manchester holds 21,000 and it had 6,000 in it, and second sorry but the "True" FOUR TOPS magic is not quite there.......... I was tempted to go and see them at THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL in London as that would be an experience.

LEVI we miss YOU so much, but we Pray daily for YOU! - but no one can take away ALL THE GOOD MEMORIES and my collection of CD'S

John

And as the first poster said tickets are not cheap! these days

By motownfan100 (172.136.123.110) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 08:30 am:

As good as Theo is (He's a baaaad man) there will NEVER be another Levi Stubbs. I have seen the TNT lineup lots of times with the new lineups and they no longer all come out onstage together.
As far as Bo goes, he is outta here after this weekend is what I've heard from a guy who is very close to the situation. GC Cameron is going to be in that suit the next time the Temps take the stage after Atlantic City. I can't say that I'd give up the 47 bucks. I'd rather just put on my cd's and picture how it used to be. Ahh the good ole days......

By gary (66.73.238.3) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 08:30 am:

Douglasm...regarding the Tempts' websites, there are several of them listed under Yahoo entertainment including their official site. Check out the "Temptations Forever" site...extremely comprehensive.

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 08:40 am:

Thank you ALL for your input.
The problem for me is that living in Central Washington (they're playing at an Indian casino near Billingham) it's about the same as coming down from, say, Claire to catch a concert at Cobo--have I just dated myself?--and one almost has to do a cost/benefit analysis on the whole idea. I would VERY MUCH like to see the Tops again, but without Levi? And, based on the PBS specials, Dora prefers Dennis' Review to the current Tempts. Then there's the $100 for 2 tickets.
I've got about a month to decide. Given the lack of promotion, I don't think it will sell out.
Doug

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 09:32 am:

Turns out it's out of the question anyway. Show is scheduled for July 3, not end of July as I thought, and I can't make arrangements at work in time.
Again, thank you for your input.

By P.M. Berton (208.39.161.193) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 09:32 am:

Theo is actually at his best when he is singing non-Four Tops songs. Ronnie Mc Nair singing "Ask The Lonely"? ...worth about 47 cents. He is a good back up singer though.

By Scratcher (65.238.128.228) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 09:33 am:

Good points. I never saws the TNT show without Levi with the Tops and may have spoke to soon. I really don't know what kind of show they're doing now I just assumed it was the same. I saw them about four times and each show was the same.

By Sue (152.163.252.68) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 09:54 am:

I definitely couldn't recommend seeing the Tops without Levi, I saw them last month. Theo is a good singer, but singing other songs...it's not the Tops without Levi's voice.

As for the Tempts, I wouldn't have recommended them either until now, with G.C. Cameron.

By Sue (152.163.252.68) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 09:55 am:

P.M.

Totally agreed on Ronnie. Why do they even try "Ask the Lonely"?

By P.M.Berton (208.39.161.193) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 10:43 am:

Would anyone recomend that the Four Tops keep Theo Peoples let him sing "This Is My Promise" and some other nice ballads and add a singer who can sound closer to Levi Stubbs to perform the Four Tops hits. (Like the Stylistics have Eban Brown who sounds very similiar to Russell Thompkins Jr.

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.163) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 01:08 pm:

Simply No! - no one can replace OUR LEVI, Theo replaced Lawrence........ for me no more replacements otherwise "It's not the same old Song" and "ASK THE LONELY" is my all time Fave, which brings me to tears, the emotion but only from LEVI!

John

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 01:41 pm:

I certainly didn't mean to start an "Are these the real Four Tops" thread......
...but it does bring back the problem (discussed many times over) of paying 30 or 40 or 50 dollars to see an older act that you're at this point unsure of.

By MargieYa (67.126.160.94) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 03:39 pm:

I want to echo my sentiments that NO ONE can replace Levi Stubbs. But, as you can see from other threads here, Levi is recovering, and has made an appearance or two at some concert dates. Everyone pray that Levi regains his strength and is able to rejoin the group for next year's 50th Anniversary tour.

Besides Duke and Obie, there is Theo Peoples, and Ronnie McNair.

I was disappointed last year when Levi was not at the two performances that I attended, but, I will continue to go to performances because I love the Four Tops and want to support them.

Yes, tickets are expensive, but can you imagine how much it costs to tour, not to mention the toll it takes on everyone - flying to someplace at night, checking into a hotel, getting some sleep and then getting up the next day to rehearse/walkthru, then performing at 7 or 8, then starting it all over again. And remember, Duke and Obie are not young men - they are both in their 60's. I hope I can be half as energetic as Obie is at when I reach my 60's.

The Four Tops is still a class act, and I would hope that it behoves us, the fans, to continue to support them, and pray that Levi recovers to at least join them again (albeit only part time) for next years tour. I think it's the least we can do for all the glorious songs and memories they invoke that they have provided us for 49 years!!!

Margie

By DEBORAH (205.188.209.109) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 11:14 pm:

Hi Margie,

My name is Deborah and I am Levi's oldest daughter. That was very well said, and by the
way, it is wonderful to hear all of the great
things you all feel for my Dad.

My father is recovering, and like the rest of you,
we are praying that he will be able to join the
"Tops" on some of the shows for next year's 50th
anniversary.

I think Duke and Obie are to be commended for
continuing their careers while my Dad is recovering. Remember that these guys are like
brothers and I know for a fact it has been an
adjustment for them as well as for the public.

They have been with each other longer than the
fifty years that they have been performing.They
have struggled together and had very humble beginnings, and that is what has kept them so close.

It was very hard for them when Lawrence passed, but they knew they had to go on, and even though
it took a while, they did. Now that my father has
been off the road for about 2 1/2 years, they
have had to make that adjustment also.

I know my Dad wants nothing more than for the fans
to continue to support the "Tops", and even though
he is not "out there" right now, with God's help
and your continued prayers, he can join his "brothers" next year, doing what he loves...
which is performing!!!

God bless you all and please continue to pray because we know prayer changes things!!!!

Love ya,

Deborah

By Chad (205.188.209.109) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 11:25 pm:

Thanks for that Deborah. I don't understand why some are so hostile towards the Tops without Levi. After all Duke and Obie are original members and it's not like you're paying to see fakes.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, June 20, 2003 - 11:53 pm:

I reviewed most of the above and didnt see any hostility-just an honest discussion. I think it's valid to want to know who is in a group and decide how to spend a chunk of money. It is not treason. The admiration for the group and Levi is quite evident.

By Chad (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 12:01 am:

That's your opinion Vandelron one that is not shared by me thank you.

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.163) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 02:16 am:

I can assure You Chad. there is no hostility towards the FOUR TOPS today from Me! - but as Vandelron says it is just honest opinion, no one in The Four Tops Camp would want us to make this personal.

It is so good to hear from DEBORAH, and that is Good News once again about OUR LEVI - Our Prayers will never Stop and we all look forward to the 50th even if I have to visit the USA to see LEVI back on stage again.

John

By Marv (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 02:55 am:

Deborah, I have a great pic of me and your dad the last time he played the Westbury Music Fair here in New York in 1999. I'd love to send you a copy of it. Also, will you dad continue to record , if not tour with the group for now? He and the Four Tops are my all time favorites.

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Saturday, June 21, 2003 - 10:45 am:

Chad....
...by no means did I intend to bring on any disfavor or discredit to the current Tops when I started this thread. But bear in mind, it would cost me 12 hours work time to pay for the tickets, a 400 mile round trip, 2 days off work (one each for me and Dora) to see two groups I haven't seen in 25 years. Thus the quality of the performance became an issue, especially with Levi temporarily on the shelf and quite frankly, a cost/benefit analysis was very necessary. In the end the fact that that the show is on a holiday weekend and not the potential quality was the deciding issue.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 03:05 pm:

Since I am being rounded on this forum elsewhere, I want to tell every one how embarrassing this thread was last week.

I am working on a webisode with the Four Tops Manager, Fred Bridges.

Fred reads the forum every day.

Can you imagine how he must have been feeling reading this load of crap.

People are trying to make a living.

There was absolutely no need for this.

David

p.s.The same applies to the SITSOM thread some time ago plus the latest attacks on Cellarful and Northern Soul CD'S which are TOTALLY unjustified.

By stephanie (64.63.221.146) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 03:16 pm:

Hey Gang
I dont know if this is true and Deborah.Levis daughter can correct me if Im wrong but I was told by someone a long time ago who is supposedly in the know that the Four Tops performing still give money to Lawrence Paytons family and to Levi as well because of the money that they bring in.
If you dont support the Tops Im assuming that it would affect the families involved.

I dont know if this is incorrect information I think those who want to see the Tops should support them for that reason alone and YES there are two originals left. I know we all love Levi but if this information is true then we can love him and support him and the late Lawrence Peytons family by attending the concerts or at least giving moral support if we choose not to attend
Stephanie

By MargieYa (67.126.160.94) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 03:17 pm:

Hi All,

Deborah, what I said I feel from the bottom of my heart. I know that tickets are exprensive for a lot of people. I know that if I wanted to get tickets close to the stage at the Universal Amphitheater for the July 12 performance, I would have to pay a ticket broker (read scalper) almost $500.00 per ticket (as opposed to the $75.50 per ticket the seats would normally cost). I won't pay that much money unless I was assured that say, $425.00 of the money went to the groups performing. I am so glad your dad is doing good, and will continue to pray that God grants him his heart's desire.

To Douglasm, I say, the Four Tops still have a great show, however, if I were you, I would save my money and attend a show next year, in the hopes that Levi regains his strength and makes some appearances. Why not save your money and make a vacation out of it - travel to somewhere close to the Detroit area and catch them there. I know it is expensive, but I am planning on doing just that next year.

Margie

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 03:31 pm:

Thanks, MargieYa....
.....Actually, Dora and I have been kicking around the idea. Gordon (my brother) lives in the city, and I haven't seen him in almost 10 years......

By Margie (67.126.160.94) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 03:39 pm:

Deborah,

I've talked to you before - you told me about your Dad's latest great-grandbaby's birth. When I am at a performance, even without your Dad, it may be a little disappointing at first for the audience. But, then Duke explains why your Dad is not there, and the show goes on, and in no time, the audience is reveling in hearing The Four Tops songs - hits and others. They really get into it!!!

I've always marveled at The Four Tops - their love for entertaining us, the fans, and their love for each other. They have been together longer than most marriages last. It's a testament to their characters as people. I once read a quote that Obie said "We do our best and hope that people will like our work." We love their work!!!!

I think what is just as wonderful is the fact that you drop by here and provide us with information about your Dad. Not only are the Four Tops wonderful people, but, so are their children.

Thank you for keeping us posted. And, I hope I speak for everyone else, we'll keep praying for your Dad and the rest of the Four Tops.

Margie

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.165) on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 08:35 am:

David Meikle......... it is uncalled for the way you are trying to make posters feel guilty over there feelings for a Group we all Love - THE FOUR TOPS

You have tried to do the same over "Cellafull of Soul" compilations and you have caused upset.

Of course You are free to express opinions but your lack of being polite to other posters is uncalled for.

John

By David Meikle (81.130.211.124) on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 08:37 am:

For fuck's sssssake!!!!!!!

By Woody (152.163.252.68) on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 08:42 am:

David Meikle's feet should be held to the fire for the way he has treated posters in the last 24 hours. A quick and sincere apology to all is in order.

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.166) on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 09:03 am:

If I am ever wrong on anything, I am man enough to apologise, and I learn every day!! still and do not think in any way that everything I say or think is right.

John

By Stephanie (64.63.221.102) on Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - 12:47 pm:

Hey everybody lets get along please!!! I could be wrong but when a person has a passion for something they can get well passionate. I remember how I felt when I couldnt get people to listen to the Supremes and I got mad. Im not speaking for David but I think he has a passion for the Four Tops and Northern Soul and all of Motown and music history in general. I wish I had the knowledge of many of you on the Forum!!! I get jealous at times, but I will say this I DO know a lot about music and people and my hat goes off to David M and Ralph and all of the others who
keep this place alive. I say keep scanning the records and articles and keep conversation going.
I dont know how to scan I wish I did or I would scan the Northern Soul Classic "Heartaches Away my Boy" by Christine Cooper.
Northern Soul Lives!!
Stephanie
and so does Motown and Philly and Stax and ALL of the other labels

By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.136.170) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 03:08 am:

well the way i see it is this , you have one life
enjoy it , bugger the exspence you cant take it with you. as for different line ups no problem.
the drifters are still at it and there have been
59 members at the last count" i here no complaints so far ,its about the music "soul what counts" whether your a singer (goodday or badday)a musicsian ,manager or promoter ,you have to have a love to do it ,its in your soul and will be to the day you leave . i would be happy just to meet levi and just have a chat about the music
and when hes better listen to him sing.
i will be going to bournemouth whether hes in the line up or not ,just to show my support
for all the joy the temps and tops have given me over the years
debs all my love to your dad hope he feeling better
god bless

By Margie (67.126.160.94) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 03:38 pm:

Brian,

I too will be attending 2 performances this year, knowing that Levi is not in the lineup. But, I want to support the Four Tops so that they do have a 50th Anniversary tour. It's the least I can do after all the wonderful songs and memories.

Heck, I know this would never happen, because The Four Tops are a professional, class act, but I would be overjoyed if they showed, at the biginning of the performance, a tape of Levi saying "Hello" to his fans. As I said, they are a class act, and professionals, so it would be out of the question, but just knowing that Levi is working hard to return, makes me pray even harder that his heart's desire is granted.

Margie

By DJ (130.156.140.2) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 01:33 am:

Since this is an open Forum we should be allowed to post and be honest in our oppinion. There's another Soul forum out there where the moderator injects his views and if you go against them you get zapped! That's not a true forum. That's why I enjoy Soulful Detroit.

Everybody won't agree with everybody's view. But that's what a discussion forum is all about. Talking about the Four Tops I love the group, but I'm not a fan of Ronnie McNair. He's good in the background. But not on leads.( Especially not on "Ask the Lonely". ) Theo Peoples is a good singer who carries the professionalism and polish he developed with The Temptations. I especially like him on ballads.

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 05:12 am:

Hey everyone...I few weeks ago I heard it announced on the radio about the "Legends of Soul" tour coming to Indianapolis (where I live)...The Tempts, the Four Tops, The Ojays, and the Spinners...needless to say I had my tickets by that weekend. I'm well aware of all of the lineup changes, but what the hell, I've never seen ANY of them live before, it's worth the forty bucks to me. They'll be performing at the Indiana Black Expo on Sat., July 19...I actually took off work so that I can attend. The funny thing is, they are all performing Saturday, and that Friday, one night earlier, is the big "Scream" concert...for those that don't know, the "Scream" tour lineup consists of B2K, lil' Bow-Wow, the Marcus Houston (the lead singer from Immature), and a few others. So when I tell people that I'm going to "the concert" on Expo weekend, they automatically assume it's the latter (I guess cause I'm a little too young to be going to "oldies" concerts)...no offense, but you couldn't PAY ME to go to the "Scream" concert, with thousands of little girls doing just that in my ear...screaming, let alone have ME PAY 40 bucks to see it.
I'm sure the Legends of Soul concert will be everything I hope it is, I look forward to it...and I'll let you guys know how it is...in my truthful opinion. :o)

By RD (63.188.33.136) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 07:47 am:

Job, I might drive to Indiana (Is the show going to be in Indianapolis?)myself to see that one. I've never saw all four of them groups on one show in my life; the after party (if there is one) is going to be a blast.

Who's the opening act among that four?

By stephanie (64.63.221.28) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 06:30 pm:

I do not see what the big thing is over Lil Bow Wow I could see if he was like Michael Jackson or
Donny Osmond or that young protege that Quincy Jones had his name escapes me right now..
Stephanie

PS That guy that did Round and Round for Prince and a few other songs.

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 06:07 am:

Stephanie...the young man you are talking about is Tevin Campbell, the object of many of my school daydreams and recipient of some fanmail from me when I was 12 years old... :o)

RD...Yes, it's going to be in Indianapolis, downtown, at Conseco Fieldhouse (home of the Pacers)...and I apologize for my mistake...it's the Tempts, Tops, Ojays, and the WHISPERS, not the Spinners...I hope you still feel it's worth going to see...I know I do.

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 06:15 am:

...RD...not sure about the opening act but I will find out today and post it later on tonight...tickets are buy one, get one free (you can't beat that) at 49.99...all seats except for VIP seats which are 39.99...I'm going with a friend who isn't particularly into old-school music, but since I was going to buy mine, I just picked up the free one for her (she'll go to just about anything if it's free )...just step two in my attempt get her "hip" to real music...step one is playing it all day, EVERY day, so whenever she's around me you can bet she's listening to goooood music :o)

By RD (63.188.33.148) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 07:40 am:

Buy one get one free! What a bargain. Never heard of that kind of offer for a concert. Should be a sellout. Should also be a great show, groups try to outdo each other in these type concerts. Particularly the opening and the closing act. Every group will bring their A game. However the venue is kinda large for vocal groups and depending on your seat you might want to bring some binoculars; vocal groups come off better in venues with capacities of 8,000 or less.

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.164) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 08:40 am:

I agree with You about the size of venues for the kind of VOCAL Groups we all love so much here, THE FOUR TOPS and The Temptations are again doing the Manchester News Arena here in England UK and that is 19,500

John

By RD (63.188.33.148) on Wednesday, July 02, 2003 - 08:44 am:

Yep, basketball arenas are too big for basketball let alone watching a vocal group.