On the fifth stop of his first tour in over seven years, the notorious soul singer, songwriter, and record producer Rev. Al Green performed at the Fox Theatre on May 3rd in Atlanta, GA. Green took to the stage a little after 9 PM, dressed in a black tailored suit, white collared shirt, black bow tie, and black sunglasses. He began the concert performing his 1972 hit song “It Ain’t No Fun To Me” from his renowned album Let’s Stay Together. Green made a point to greet the crowd by gifting his signature long-stemmed roses to a bevy of women attendees.
A diverse crowd of young and older generations filled the Fox Theatre last Friday evening to experience Green’s first-time ever performing at the notable Atlanta venue. Several concert guests arrived dressed to impressed, wearing lien outfits, three pieced suits, evening gowns, and cocktail dresses. Prior to the start of the concert, attendees purchased cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, popcorn, chips, pretzels, peanuts, and an assortment of candy from the theatre concession stand to indulge in during the show.
Green executed a 13-song lineup, in the span of an hour and fifteen-minute long performance. He performed many of his classic singles such as “Let’s Get Married,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” “Simply Beautiful,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” and “Tired of Being Alone.” He was so passionate as he entertained the crowd, that he came out his suit jacket during mid-performance.
In a recent interview with The Atlanta Voice, Green stated, “My favorite song is ‘Tired Of Being Alone’ because it actually broke in Atlanta,” Green said. “There was a disc jockey in Atlanta, and he played ‘Tired Of Being Alone’ like he had a headache.”
“He played and played it. They told me, ‘Al you got to come to Atlanta. This boy in town is driving us crazy with this song.’ So I came over to Atlanta and walked into the club where he was, and he was so excited to meet me. I think he was just tired of being alone himself.”
Accompanying Green on stage was a trio of background singers and brass players, organist, two background dancers, and a full band comprised of a drummer, electric guitar players, and a keyboard player.
Mid-concert, Green transitioned from showcasing soul music into singing Gospel music such as his famous single “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”, and the well-known Christian hymn “Amazing Grace.” He also paid tribute to several late great artists during the concert by producing snippet performances of “My Girl” by Temptations, “I Can’t Help Myself” by The Four Tops, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” by Otis Redding, and “You Are Everything” by The Stylistics.
Though Green recently celebrated his 73rd birthday on April 13th, he continues to uphold his title as the prototypical soul-singer, best known for his iconic and flawless voice. As proven from his May 3rd concert, age has ceased to hold back Green from reenacting his legendary dance moves like dropping to his knees onstage during his rendition of “For the Good Times.”
Green concluded the show with his popularized single “Love and Happiness,” best known as the opening soundtrack in the 2000 film “Love and Basketball.” As he exited the stage, fans cheered and applauded in a standing ovation.
