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WAR IN CONCERT:
Chicano funk icons War rolled their way to fame in the early '70s with classic hits like "Low Rider" and "Why Can't We Be Friends?", and they've kept fans dancing ever since with their groovy, socially conscious jams. The group's roster has changed over the years, but founding member Leroy "Lonnie" Jordan has remained a constant, and his familiar voice and jazzy keyboard licks continue to drive the band's fun-loving sets. The multi-ethnic lineup he's assembled stays true to the band's message of harmony and brotherhood, and their 2014 studio debut together – the first new War album in 20 years – proved they've got the musical chemistry to carry on the band's hallowed legacy. In concert they strike up the same funky, feel-good vibe that fueled War's rise to success in the '70s, and their party-starting blend of rubbery basslines, Latin percussion, and scorching saxophone always gets ticket buyers moving their feet.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
War formed in 1969 when famed producer Jerry Goldstein brought together former Animals singer Eric Burdon and a group of Long Beach, CA funk players he discovered at a North Hollywood club. The group started performing throughout Southern California as Eric Burdon and War, and in 1970 they released their debut album Eric Burdon Declares "War." Their first single "Spill the Wine" was a Top 3 hit on Billboard's Hot 100, making them stars overnight and leading to extensive touring. War was quickly hailed as one of the best live bands in the business, but Burdon left the group to pursue other projects a year later. Despite the sudden departure of their frontman, the best was yet to come for War – they dominated the R&B charts in the '70s with a string of No. 1 albums including The World is a Ghetto (1972), Deliver the Word (1973), and Why Can't We Be Friends (1975). The band remained a funk force to be reckoned with throughout the '80s and '90s, and in 2008 Burdon reunited with the group for the first time in 37 years for a one-off show at London's Royal Albert Hall. Since then founding member Lonnie Jordan has kept the music alive with a talented new lineup that made their studio debut on 2014's Evolutionary and continues to burn it up on tour.
WAR’s performance was outstanding. It was fun and the crowd had a great time. The merchandising boost was a bit of a nightmare. Only one gentlemen serving hundreds of people. Would’ve been nice if there was at least two. The bar served great Drinks, but again the line was long and it could’ve easily been shortened if there was twice the bartenders Overall though great show.
Great Old band with memories of good songs would recommend
One of our all-time fav concerts—Lonnie and his talented crew are so entertaining and fun 🤩 many fun family memories were made at Vina Robles Amphitheatre!
WAR with DJ AngieVee was a fabulous event! Ticketmaster provided great step by step details to help provide an easy process which led to a great experience.
we had so much fun. concert was good El Chicano was awesome.
We've seen more several times never disappointing Lonnie is very entertaining in the band is as tight as it comes. Love Vina Robles . It's a beautiful venue convenient Great sound Great weather Great wine.
It was nice to sit on the lawn and enjoy listening to WAR and El Chicano under the stars. The music brought back a lot of memories. Their music never gets old.
War was great! and so was the venue. I would definitely attend again!
Absolutely "EPIC"in all ways is the only way to describe our Southern California's Gold Iconic Greek Theater Concert wknd. experience with the most well loved band of all time, "WAR"! Not to mention the opening acts with Tierra Legacy, El Chicano, Thee Midnighters, Ozomatli, Dj Angie & Comedian Frank Quinones. Beautiful night out enjoying our favorite music of the Latin Culture! Can't wait for a "Repeat"! Caution; Alcoholic Beverages are very expensive, c'mon now... easy on the price "gouging"!
The opening bands were great. It really slowed the tempo down when a comedian came in immediately before WAR. The atmosphere was jammin' and people were ready to keep the party going. Having a comedian come in just killed the mood. The DJ played great oldies between the acts. I saw War 14 months ago at the O.C. Fair and they were great. This time they seemed flat. Too much talking by the original member. Just play the music! A little talk about the old days is ok, but that also brought the mood down and people around me were leaving early. It's a shame. If they had just come out rockin' with their hits and no comedy act prior, it would have been a totally great show.
I enjoyed all the performances and the sound system was great too. The highlight of War performance was outstanding. The weather was perfect for outdoor venue and people dancing was great. Thanks to all who participated and all the band performers. Ray Carrion and his musicians did a great job opening for the bands. Thank you
What a great time great groups our section was dancing singing just a great experience next season we need more concerts with similar groups we have been going to the Greek for years but it seems you guys just don’t book this genre much anymore !
The concert was Amazing! Everyone leading up to headliner were very good. The comedian wasn't funny and didn't fit in well with the entertainment on stage. WAR is a class act and always puts on a great show.
Theatre was small but very nice and clean staff was excellent and security measures were great bathroom access was good as well huge restrooms lines were not long for drinks and food definitely will be returning for future concerts
This event was epic! I wasn't expecting such a great line-up. The DJ had the audience on their feet inbetween the line-ups. WAR takes me back to my childhood days. Thank you to the Greek Theater for hosting such a memorable evening. We all look forward to the 2025 Season at the Greek. See you next year!
My husband and I attended, though it was enjoyable we both felt we have seen WAR perform better. All the musicians were good, but we felt there was a lot of improvising going on with the songs. We had last seen WAR as the opening act for Santana and they played like they did in the 70s. The venue was perfect; don't think we'd attend again.
Great show. Beautiful venue! Now, I'd like to compare w/ "The Low Rider Band". the other original members.
WAR is a great band. Many, many good songs and they played the best of them. Loni, the front man, did an excellent job entertaining. Seats are very comfortable at the Palace of Fine Arts. All good
First there should be a ban on recording with cell phones ! All night we had the people in front of us with the brightness turned up filming the show ! The phones shining right in our eyes. There was a lot of talking and the main singer repeated himself a lot ! Introducing the band members at least 3 or more times . We ended up leaving early before my date caused a problem with the people filming with phones. It really took away from the enjoyment of the live band experience . Probably won’t go there again. The seating was very comfy though.
Could not have been a better night of OG nostalgia, with the venerable Lonnie Jordan — at 76 — taking us all on a musical journey through War’s greatest hits. Plenty of references to his early “experiences” in SF, the inspiration for many of the songs, and a lot of extended jams. Loved the multi-generational audience, who were treated to an on-time 7:30 start sans an opening band! I still can’t get All Day Music out of my head, but that might be because I sat too close to the speakers, which were at full volume lol. Don’t miss the opportunity to see them..it’s their 50th anniversary tour.