The Stylistics Dazzle Liverpool: A Night of Soul, Sequins, and Sweet Memories

The Stylistics are a staple classic of the ever-evolving music industry. Their music transcends time; however, it must be noted that the audience demographic in Liverpool’s prestigious Philharmonic Hall on a cold, rainy Saturday night was predominantly in their twilight years. That said, they knew every word to each song and happily sang the lyrics back to the performers.

There are two remaining members of the original band: Airrion Love and Herbert Murrell, who were joined by newcomer Bo Henderson, who performed as lead vocalist on most of the tracks. I say newcomer; however, he, along with their talented band of musicians, has been part of The Stylistics for over two decades. Bo’s voice was sharp, effortlessly hitting the high notes that many of their tracks require. He was truly magnificent!

They performed with ease, with Herbert exclaiming on numerous occasions the affinity they have with Liverpool and how they always receive a particularly warm welcome, which they highly appreciate. Not that it was needed, but Herbert endeared himself further by saying he felt in the presence of greatness, as Liverpool is synonymous worldwide with producing quality musicians who have shaped the music industry. This comment was received with rapturous applause and hollering whoops.

They were slick, with dance moves that punctuated the meaningful high notes of their tracks. Dressed immaculately in sequinned jackets with matching shoes, they gleamed and shone, reflecting the pride they took in their performance. This was proper old-school, top-notch, good-quality music.

Herbert did most of the talking between tracks, reminiscing about their inspiration for songs, who later recorded and performed them, and their chart success. He reminded the audience that they formed in 1966 back at their Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, local high school. He and Airrion have been lifelong friends who have rarely had a cross word between them, and he hopes that this will continue until they both reach the end of their days.

Airrion was hilarious, joking that at 75 years old ‘everything’ was still in full working order, and how a certain ‘magic’ blue pill could make for an interesting night for any ladies willing to party back at his hotel room. While this might sound a bit creepy in writing, it was not how it came across. He was humble, funny, and enigmatic, which no doubt explained why numerous ladies ran from their seats to the front of the stage, asking for him to pick them, while their husbands looked on and laughed. It was hilarious.

This was a concert that felt like putting on your favourite jumper: comfortable, warm, safe, relaxing, and utterly precious.

Set List

Heavy Falling Out, Star On A TV Show, Sing Baby Sing, Stone In Love, Betcha By Golly Wow, You’ll Never Get To Heaven, Thank You Baby, 16 Bars, Let’s Put It All Together, Break Up to Make Up, Stop, Look, Listen, You Are Everything.

Encore:
Jenny, Na Na Is The Saddest Word, I Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love).

After the success of the single “You’re A Big Girl Now,” Avco aggressively set their sights on the group’s first album launch. Philly’s veteran hit producer, Thom Bell, was approached and hired to produce the group’s first album, simply entitled The Stylistics.

With the group’s talent and success engraved in stone, the ball rolled quickly with the release of their second studio album, Round Two, now referred to as “the Philly sound with sweet love songs.”

Fast forward several decades, albums, CD releases, and group member changes: Herbert Murrell and second lead Airrion Love, the remaining original members of The Stylistics, have remained friends since junior high school. They continue to travel the country and worldwide, sharing their group’s music legacy.