Lionel Richie - Does all the classic hits at the Eden Project

*****

Amazing place, amazing atmosphere, amazing music!!!

Lionel Richie ***** Set in the stunning setting of the Eden Project in Cornwall, The Eden Sessions are a series of performances by some of the world’s top music artists. Since 2002 there have been many World class artists to play the stage set between the two biomes which The Times called "The eighth wonder of the World".

It is only fitting that a true music super star Lionel Richie should open this years sessions for 2016. With over one hundred million album sales, four Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe and an Oscar. Bringing his ‘All the Hits’ world tour to the UK the former Commodores frontman comes onto the stage with rapturous cheers and applause from the Sold Out!!! Eden crowd.

Dressed completely in black with the exception of a jewel studded jacket, Lionel oozes style and charisma who is sixty seven next week shows no sign of slowing down. The hair maybe a little shorter now than on the cover of the 1983 mega hit ‘All night Long (All Night)’ but the signature moustache and wide smile are ever present.

Opening with the 1983 hit ‘Running with the Night’ As Lionel seated himself at his centre stage piano, he unraveled one of his biggest hits ‘Easy’. His voice is still as good as ever but a little gruffness gives it a more mature and refined timbre.

He also bought a fun element to the show, linking romantic ballads including ‘Stuck on You’ through the means of former music formats. It feels like forever that people have sent their love homeward with their vinyl albums, CD's, eight track tapes and cassettes to “Call on Lionel Richie”.

Unfortunately, the weather did turn a little wet but the true entertainer that Lionel is, made a joke about not being able to wear hot pants and kept the crowd happy. The night continued with hits including ‘Brick House, Three times a Lady’ and with a bit of special help from the audience ‘Endless Love’.

Without getting too nostalgic, this tour is named ‘All the Hits’ and of course his greatest hits come at the latter end of tonight’s set. The performance of ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ is proof that this living legend still has plenty to give the adoring fans, only to be overcome with ‘Hello’ & the mega hit ‘All night Long (All Night)’.

Tonight was an unbelievable performance by one of the top musical artists in the World, and I am so glad I didn't miss it. So if I was you I would go and see him, while you still can... he really puts on a great show.

Lionel Richie - Setlist
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Running with the Night 
Penny Lover
You Are
Easy 
Ballerina Girl 
Three times a Lady
Sail On 
Lady (You bring me Up)
Endless Love
Angel 
Brick House / Fire 
Say You, Say Me
Dancing on the Ceiling 
Hello 
We are the World 
All night Long (All Night)

Review and Photo's by Pete Webb

Check Out! the Video for the classic single 'All night Long (All Night)' Below...