Sunday

07-13-2025 Vol 2020

Earth, Wind & Fire Delivers a Night of Iconic Hits Despite Absence of Original Bassist

Earth, Wind & Fire brought their legendary blend of funk, R&B, and soul to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on July 6, delivering a powerful performance even in the absence of original bassist Verdine White, who is temporarily sidelined for medical reasons.

With torchbearers Philip Bailey Sr. and Ralph Johnson leading the 12-piece ensemble, the band kicked off the night with upbeat classics such as the infectious ‘Shining Star’ and the soulful ‘Serpentine Fire.’ The latter was highlighted as one of the best uses of cowbell in music history, captivating the audience alongside a slew of other crowd favorites like ‘After the Love Has Gone’ and ‘That’s the Way of the World.’

Bailey engaged the audience early, teasing a setlist that would feature chart-topping hits and cherished tracks, which culminated in a heartfelt tribute during the spiritual ‘Devotion’ in memory of co-founder Maurice White, who passed away in 2016. The performance also included the unique ‘Kalimba Story’/’Sing a Message to You,’ showcasing Bailey’s talent on the kalimba, an African thumb piano.

Philip Bailey’s remarkable four-octave falsetto, a defining characteristic of the band’s sound throughout their impressive 56-year career, shone during many performances, particularly on ‘Brazilian Rhyme (Beijo).’ Yet, there were moments when the 74-year-old had difficulty executing low-register notes during ‘Got to Get You Into My Life’ and struggled with some high notes in ‘Reasons.’

Despite these minor vocal challenges, Bailey delivered piercing high notes that could easily have shattered the venue’s plastic wine cups, demonstrating the power of his voice.

Although the absence of Verdine White was felt, Ray McKinley stepped in admirably, showcasing his own magnetic stage presence and offering a funky bass solo that served as an entertaining transition for the band’s instrumental interlude.

Equally noteworthy was B. David Whitworth, a long-time member since 1996, whose dynamic performance earned him accolades as an all-purpose player. He animated the stage with tambourine tosses, impressive cymbal crashes, and comedic dance moves throughout the evening, particularly during ‘Boogie Wonderland.’

The thrilling brass section, featuring Gary Bias, Reggie Young, and Bobby Burns Jr., added depth with their tight harmonies across powerful tracks like ‘Jupiter’ and ‘Sing a Song.’ The background vocals contributed by Johnson, Bailey’s son, and others provided an additional layer of richness to timeless tracks like ‘After the Love Has Gone,’ while Bailey Jr. even took the lead on ‘Serpentine Fire’ and ‘Let’s Groove,’ allowing Philip to focus on playing the congas.

Founded in 1969 by Maurice White, Earth, Wind & Fire has left an indelible mark on music with their 23 albums, eight No. 1 singles, and numerous accolades including nine GRAMMY Awards and over 100 million records sold worldwide. Their influence has been recognized with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and receiving the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019.

This rich legacy was evident during their 90-minute set, which was filled with hits and memorable performances, leaving fans satisfied and content. There was no regret among the audience, as nearly every cherished song was performed.

The energetic atmosphere reached its zenith with a lively disco finale featuring fan favorites like ‘Fantasy,’ ‘Boogie Wonderland,’ ‘Let’s Groove,’ and the universally beloved ‘September,’ creating a funk-filled experience that had concertgoers on their feet and energized.

As the crowd enjoyed the authentic joy of the performance, the band returned for an unexpected encore of ‘In the Stone,’ a lesser-known track from 1979’s ‘I Am.’ While it may have seemed anticlimactic to some, the reflective lyrics about love aligned perfectly with the band’s ethos and left the audience with a resonating message.

Earth, Wind & Fire’s performance was a luminous celebration of love, joy, and the power of music, encapsulating what it truly means to experience this iconic band live.

image source from:timesofsandiego

Abigail Harper