| Author | Message | ||
  douglasm (douglasm) 4-Laureate Username: douglasm Post Number: 109 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.118.222.193 |
itsjeff posted this on the Discuss Detroit Forum. It's an interesting article and brings up a real question about what should happen to the Tops http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07 /27/arts/music/27TOPS.html doug | ||
John Barry Sheffield (jaybs) 3-Pundit Username: jaybs Post Number: 51 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.92.168.168 |
An interesting and thought and soul searching article - LEVI STUBBS will always remain my LIFE, he has given me so much JOY with His tremendous vocal and also much enterainment, strength and encouragement. At the sad time of the death of Lawrence< I wondered what would happen, we had for a while the Three Tops but it was not the same. Then they became the Four Tops once more and my heart ruled my head, this article brings up the point - what if anyone else should be replaced, well for me my Head would rule this time and not my heart - We have the Memories and No One can ever take then away! they are with us FOUREVER! Ronnie McNair finsihes the New York Times article saying: "It's not about who's up there. It's about the music." - well Ronnie I disagree! - I miss LEVI and His Health is the most important THE FOUR TOPS were Four Tops, I would never like to see it 21 Tops. May tomorrow Wednesday 28th July be Truly Special at THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE for LEVI STUBBS and memebers of the FOUR TOPS - they mean the world to me FOUREVER - I would give anything to be there, but I will be in Spirit, and thankfully it will be captured on DVD! John | ||
zebop (zebop) 4-Laureate Username: zebop Post Number: 83 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.139 |
I've got strong opinions about this--I'm not really liking the very idea of the Four Tops carrying on like this. I know there's monetary concerns and the love from the crowds but really... Not loving Theo Peoples in the group either. I think those Four Tops songs need humor, drama, if not Levi then someone who has those larger than life qualities and a similiar vocal tone--if that's remotely possible... | ||
Helene (helene) 3-Pundit Username: helene Post Number: 56 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.32.166.37 |
I saw the Four Tops earlier this year - with the Temptations. At the time I had no idea that Levi was in poor health and wouldn't be appearing. The disappointment I felt was truly crushing. I made up my mind that it really was the end of an era, and that I wouldn't return.And then I remembered all of the memories that those songs hold for me - stuff that really stirs my heart.And I decided that for as long as we had Levi, Obie and Duke on this Earth, that the best way I could think of repaying them for all of those memories would be to fully support them. So, for as long as they love us enough to continue sharing their music with us,I'll be buying the tickets. I'm sad to read that audiences have walked out when discovering that Theo was singing in place of Levi, but I can identify with their disappointment. Theo has a tremendously strong voice, he's just not Levi though. It's not his fault. In any other situation the audience would be marvelling at his talent. I remember wishing that Levi's replacement could at least sound like him. That's just selfishness on my part though, I feel. The truth is that each one of the Four Tops is truly irreplaceable.If only Norm Whitfield would release that album, maybe it would help the transition. The only way I found out about Levi's health was through this forum and the internet.I can understand how many people would still be expecting to see Levi - only to be disappointed. If I were ever granted three wishes, one of them would definitely be to see and hear Levi on stage once more. How lucky our friends in America are . God bless those wonderful Four Tops - and, Norm, can we PLEASE have that album soon? | ||
Ryon6 (tyrone) 1-Arriviste Username: tyrone Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 192.128.134.68 |
I, too, found the article to be interesting. The Tops were not my fave male Motown group but I liked them though. I've bought their albums and played them but nothing really special until the Still Waters album came out. Disappointed when they left Motown. Fave tune "I Believe In You And Me". Bought the boxed set, love it. First time seeing the group, maybe 5-6 years ago, never really wanted to see them. But now, I love the TOPS,the originals anyway. I also like Theo though disappointed in the Motown 45 performance. I also disagree with Ronnie - indeed it is about the music and it is about the performers, any one of the originals. Ronnie, just look at the Supremes situation when Jean, Lynda and Scherrie toured. Negative fan mail and responses galore, they couldn't tour in the US. Even when Ross toured with Lynda and Scherrie -- bad press. Not a good idea, Ronnie! | ||
Kdubya (paladin) 4-Laureate Username: paladin Post Number: 144 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 206.185.64.23 |
Strange fruit indeed. I love Theo but not as a Top. Levi's voice is so distinctive,unique an instrument within itself. Like Dennis Edwards and Eddie Levert & Teddy, their presence will always be missed on those songs they popularized. Maybe there is a guy out there who sounds like Levi.....this has been done for other groups ...........no the hell with that..I dont want to see them like that......but would I enjoy seeing them ?.....yes....The lead singer for Harold Melvins Bluenotes is a very talented and entertaining man, I have also enjoyed the Stylistics with Eban Brown......but I dont want to enter into discussions about "fake groups" either. I truly love the music people but in this case maybe it's time to end their dynasty. Everything must change.........and the band played on.............. Kdubya This was the probably the most difficult post I have made to this forum. It may very well not be my last on this subject. | ||
mike s (mike_s) 4-Laureate Username: mike_s Post Number: 86 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.93.33.10 |
Kdubya has a point that everything must change...and the band played on. But I just don't rate what "the band" are playing right now! | ||
John Barry Sheffield (jaybs) 3-Pundit Username: jaybs Post Number: 53 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.92.168.164 |
Just a week ago I complained to the new AMG Website as they had included in the FOUR TOPS album listing, the four guys who go under the name The Four Tops and Tour a lot, thankfully AMG deleted the CD listing, the CD was an HITS CD and the lead vocal trying to compare with LEVI STUBBS was even falsetto. Like one other poster this was a hard subject to approach but I so strongly disagree that with Ronnie McNair that "It's not about who's up there. It's about the music." - if that was the case Ronnie I would not have pushed to get that impostors CD taken off the AMG listing - The FOUR TOPS mean the world to me! LEVI is like a Father figure and the love for Duke and Obie, but one day it must end sadly, but we will ALWAYS HAVE THE MEMORIES! AND THE MUSIC! Enjoy TONIGHT Guys at The Detroit Opera House, hope Health permits OUR LEVI to sing His one song, again the DVD and TV in some Countires will allow us all to share with this Special Occassion, I even hear that Two New Numbers are to be included by THE FOUR TOPS! Please once again Norman Whitfield! - please release the album YOU have in the can with The FOUR TOPS, they ruchly deserve it. Regards John | ||
Lucy (lucy) 2-Debutant Username: lucy Post Number: 15 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 204.210.159.134 |
Hi John, I've read your posts and all the others. I will say that the last time I saw the Tops perform without Levi,I too was crushed. IT'S NOT THE SAME AND NEVER WILL BE. LEVI'S VOICE IS IN A CLASS OF IT'S OWN. THERE NEVER EVER WILL BE ANOTHER LIKE IT. NO ONE,IN MY OPINION CAN WORK A CROWD LIKE MY BELOVED LEVI. | ||
Rick (bassik4) 1-Arriviste Username: bassik4 Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 68.163.34.180 |
Hi All, Although I didn't read the article,I agree with Lucy on that. The Four Tops are NOT The Four Tops without Levi Stubbs. Nuff said... |
