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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.
When I purchased my tickets nothing was mentioned to me I would be stuck in a corner. I could only see half the band! Music was Great! I paid a premium price for Lousy Corner Floor Seats! I should of paid for "Cheap Seats" and get to see the entire band!
No I didn't go myself. I had purchased 2 tickets for the dinner n show for my brother and sister-in-law for their birthday(their birthdays are 4days apart) and they LOVED it!! On and on they went....how good the seats...how good the food....how good the show, including the comdiean/magician! My brother has always been a fan of War so being able to meet and take a picture with Marcos Reyes was the best. Put me in the best sister ever catagoy!!!
The band sounded great but I craved to hear more of their complete songs rather than a compilation of snippets. It felt like they spent way too much time on their individual introductions and riffs and not enough time playing the complete songs we all came to hear. The band was amazing, wholly and individually however. The concert started with a bang but then slowly wound down at the end. I would have liked to see the band encourage people to get up and dance. We were all dying to but being a dinner show, we were concerned with blocking views of others sitting. All in all, I thought they were great musicians and brought back some great memories of my high school days. I attended the concert with my high school girlfriends so it was a wonderful treat. I would recommend the band, just please, play more complete songs. You are so amazing!
Although I was not a huge WAR fan in the 70's I can say that I am now. The Band who are all amazing as individuals are even better togther. The venue was clean and the crowd was great to be around. Get off the couch and see them any chance you get. Well worth the time.
Fantastic! Really enjoyed the energy and musicianship.
Best concert ever! I love WAR always have, had not seem them in awhile. Amazing performance and I like how each musician showed there talent! GREAT JOB from the whole BAND!...I will go see them again. I can't believe that I lived in California for 6 years and didn't see them while I was there..Hummmmmm had I Slipped into Darkness....?
I've always wanted to see WAR live and finally got my wish. They put on a fun show playing their hits and enjoying the interaction with the audience. As least as good as the show, the staff at The Variety Playhouse made sure I great access and good sightlines (I use a wheelchair). I was so close the lead singer stuck the mic in my face to sing along at one point. Fantastic.
My partner and I had a great time at this event. There was a guy behind us that was loud and rude but other than that ---It was great!!
Front row, super show. Excellent musicians! Great sound and energy 40 years later!
WAR have been playing for yrs.and geeting better and better. They had us all singing they're Hits All geting along in a great atmosph.
It was a great concert, a nice Summer Night parting at the LA County Fair, the band was outstanding can't wait to see them again!!
Amazing lead vocals; can't believe he's 64 yrs young.
I see War two times a year, Greek and LA Fair. If I could I would follow their tour around the country, I would. I Love this group since back in 1969 when they got started. Concert was outstanding, they get better and better each time I see them. God Bless you Guys Love all of you. Thank you for a great time. xoxoxoxoxoxo
This concert was very disappointing. They were more of a tribute band than the real deal. Even though the musicians were talented, it was nowhere near the sound of the original band that I grew up with. I will not spend any amount of money going to see this band again. Lonnie….you still got it. When you sang “Don’t let know one get you down” you brought back great memories but your band sucked! Do yourself a favor and join The Lowrider Band. I will buy your merchandise and spend money to see you with the original band members.
war is such an amazing group. i went to the l.a. county fair just to see them. i saw them last year and they blew me away. each musician is so talented, and i love how they honor each one of them by having them play something highlighting their talent individually...they are a musical crossover phenomenon mixing rock, latin, r&b and jazz. they have talent, spirit, amazing music, lyrics and staying power. love, love, love them!
LARRY BRAGGS VOICE IS EVEN BETTER IN CONCERT! I WANT TO SEE THEM AGAIN!
MY ONLY WISH WAS THAT THEY WOULD OF PLAYED ALL DAY MUSIC AND SUMMER!!
TOP kicks butt! Larry Braggs, what an incredible vocalist! I saw the horn section 20 years ago backing David Sanborn and knew what to expect there....as always, "incredible". Hats off to Rocco and David Garibaldi, the rock steady rythm section. Nobody can sit still when these boys are cranking it on!!!
War and Tower of Power were both excellent. The sound needed help. Vocals were buried as well as the guitar (WAR). Otherwise a perfect evening.
Although War was good, Tower of Power stole the show!! Every song was a hit. Would see them again!