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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.
I loved Tower of Power and thought they sounded better than they did 30 years ago, but not so much fo WAR. I'm not sure why WAR got top billing; maybe it was because the concert was in LA? We felt that the TOP set was too short, and left during the third WAR tune that wasn't much more than a 20 minute vamp...
Basically I go to see Tower of Power. Tierra is a good band but it looks like there up just to go get their set done and get out. They went in without s true lead singer. For this high profile gig they had go go out and get a singer (Greg Esparsa) Steve is limited to what he can do. On a 1 to 10 scale I'd give them a 5. Tower of Power was awesome as usual. They kept the show going smoothily. Horn section was as tight as ever. Rhythm section was as funky as ever . And their lead singer was outstanding. On a 1 to 10 I'd give them a 9. Only because probably of the time element they didn't do an encore which is their main hit. "You're Still A Young Man" War has very talented musicians. But their 20 minute versions of their songs just keep dragging on. I actually started nodding off during thieir show. It picked up towrads the end. They have a lot of material. I don't know why they insist on "jamming" their set. On a 1to 10 I'd give them a 7. It was an OK concert. The Greek has to have more than two shuttle busses. It was a long wait to get back to where they had the handicap parking. I'd be hesitant to see Tower of Power there again if War is on the bill.
I WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT TOWER OF POWER DID NOT SING "STILL A YOUNG MAN" THEIR SET WAS TOO LONG .... WAR ...WAS JUST AS DISAPPOINTING !!! THEY OVER PLAYED THEIR MUSIC ... WE WERE AT A CONCERT .... NOT A JAM SESSION !!!
WAR and Tower of Power performance was terrible. The reason you go to these types of concerts is hear thier top 10 hits and as many of them as possible. Both bands played way too much instrumental songs, it was as if you were at a jam session during a practice time. Then all of the instrumental songs were very long and boring. The crowd was losing interest and several people left the theatre way before the concert was over. I will never attend a WAR and Tower of Power concert again. It was as if these bands were in a jam session just thowing out what came up. And what was up with WAR playing a James Brown song........What a terrible experience.
OK, I've seen TOP probably a dozen times, maybe more...the sound was unbelievably bad...the band is one of the finest groups of musicians you'll find anywhere on this planet and they gave a heck of a performance but that's because I know the tunes and am myself a musician of 40+ years...I was appalled at the lack of adequacy of the Front of House sound, not even sure I could give it a POOR rating, how about no-stars!!! What can I say, this sound issue before I even go to the silly video issue was a loser (ludicrous at best)...I love the Greek, my absolute favorite in LA but this was really odd...I get cost-cutting etc but, you have a $140K car in front of the venue and can't afford a decent FOH engineer??? And the Food??? Same thing...$140K car out front and the best we get are hot dogs and tacos??? I was considering a list of shows at the Greek this season but am not sure I am interested anymore...sorry, you asked and, I refuse to be held captive to a $12.00 beer??? we didn't drink but lemonade that I have to say was quite good
Tower of Power only sang three of their songs, then turn to doing a medley of James Brown songs, what a drag. Tower of Power must have blown a transformer, because they were terrible.......
GREAT SHOW WELL DONE! I CANT WAIT FOR NEXT YEARS SHOW
"Tierra" has always been my favorite, Rudy Salas you the MAN!! I try to make as many concerts per year, missed you at the Moose, you were great at the Strawberry Festival 2010 and it was great talking with you Rudy at the "Westside Crew" dance in the Marina, you guys rock! As for Tower of Power I last saw you guys at the Shrine early '70s, haven't skipped a beat if I closed my eyes I would have thought it was like listening to my stereo at home you guys were fantastic and you still got it. As for "WAR" well there are no words to describe those guys they are always at their best, made the night complete "AWESOME" I took my lady friend and introduced her to "Tierra", she loved it the whole night was a great success...
I got the tix for my parents for their anniversary. They loved the show. They were so excited and had a really nice time, the only problem they encountered was the younger adults sitting behind them. The two couples were wasted and yelling towards the end, they were annoyed. But the overall experience was very fun and they would go to more shows at the Greek
Great Latin influences with two great drummers. War still jams! Outstanding Saxaphone player, great guitarist, and thumping Bass player. A must see for old school jamming!
One of the best shows I've been to in years. The band was very tight, and sounded as good - maybe even better than back in the 70's. Not a dull moment, the groups ability to get audience participation was great. They covered all the songs that were so popular. If you get a chance to see them - don't miss out because they are great!
Loved it!, I have been to the theatre before, the lighting sucks etc. The opening act of Los Lobos was perfect and War was fantastic. Their message is the same promoting tolerance, patience and inclusion. They sang all their hits except "Spill the Wine". I was really concerned about it, but I loved every single bit of their performance! They are comprised of the best musicians I have heard in a long time. Again, Loved it, loved it. Would go see them again in a heartbeat.
Much better than I had thought. GREAT time with some good old guys.....just like me!
I grew up gooving to the sound of WAR in the sixties, and they have remained one of my favorite musical groups. The show was very nice and the sound was just like that heard on a quality sound system. My major beef was that I felt too much precious time was spent on introductions and showcasing individual performances by the members. While interesting, I would have been happier if this segment of the show had of been shortened and replaced with more of the MUSIC OF WAR that we have all enjoyed for these many years. That would have made the show approach PERFECTION!
Had a lot of potential if WAR would have stuck to the music and not the cheesy lounge act. 1/3 of the people were gone before the show ended.
First time experiencing War in concert, WOW! Their amazing rhythms and vocals kept us dancing the whole show! What fantastic musicians every one of them are. I would definately reccomend this show to anyone who enjoys good music! They really know how to get the crowd into it as well. Go see them if you get the chance!
This show was amazing. You can tell how much a band, especially one that has been around as long as war, appreciates their fans through the songs they play. They played just about every song a wanted to hear except the world is a ghetto. But hey they can't play all night can they? The only down side to the show that that when they played slippin into darkness they really dragged it on and milked it for all it was worth. I was personally looking forward to hearing a clean original rendition, as this was my first time seeing war. I had a feeling they'd do it up but not in the way that they did it. They dedicated it to the soldiers overseas And to people going through thier own personal struggles. Very cool. Ultimately this show was amazing, everyone was dancing and fans young and old attended. I had an amazing time and am ecstatic that I got to see these legends perform in my lifetime.
were good show. war was great tower of power was good
WAR sounded excellent. Every song they sang sounded just like they did years ago. The music and the singing did not disappoint the fans. Everyone was cheering and dancing and did not want the show to end.
This was one of the best shows I've seen in a while. Music was very close to original sounds and brought back great memories. I've already recommended to all my friends to see War if at all possible.