Temptations serenade the Hatch Shell!

[dave910]

This past Saturday night, I joined my friends Jody & Reese and we headed to the DNC Hatch Shell in Boston to check out the "Temptin" Temptations. This was the second in the free summer concert series that Oldies 103.3 was promoting. The Motown legends performed for 60 minute set that included their biggest hits and few that even I didn't recognize. We were around a lively group that knew the words to just about every song. The set began with common favorites: How Sweet It Is, The Way You Do the Things You Do, and Ain't Too Proud To Beg. The group appeared in white suit jackets, black shirts and black slacks. I mention this because the Temptations are known for not only their vocal style but are very classy performers, something that I don't see that much anymore. There were also great ballads to serenade the ladies: Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), Since I Lost My Baby, and an obscure gold single, You're My Everything. The material was primarily from the 60's and early 70's but the band did play "Stay" which was a #1 hit on the Urban AC charts for 11 weeks in 1998! The band has gone through many line up changers since it's inception nearly 50 years ago. But Otis Williams, has been the lone surviving member of the original group. At one point during the performance, his band mates noticed Williams crouched down at the mike and asked if he had his daily B12 shot. Williams, was of course just fine and joked with the audience then sang the rest of the song. There was a special accapella version in the set which proved that these seasoned men could sing just as well as any up and comers. I also wanted to add the the choreography was great considering that a few of these guys are in their 50's and 60's! They still have the moves! The band took time to introduce themselves, even one vocalist with the nickname of "Mr. Big Stuff." Adrian Williams was one of the keyboard players, coincidentally was the nephew of Paul Williams whom was part of the original line up from 1964-68. The elder Williams struggled with alcoholism throughout his life and committed suicide in 1973. The band wrapped up their set with "My Girl" and "I Know I'm Losing You". Having 16 top ten records, it's damn near impossible to fit all the hits in a 60 minute show. But the Temptations definitely left the 17,000 assembled harmonizing and dancing to their music.

After the show, I was hoping to meet Otis Williams and have him sign my copy of his autobiography. This was a long shot. Well I didn't see Otis, however, one of the members did come out to sign a few items. My friend Reese got the group member to hold my book in hopes of signing it, but no luck. Regardless, I had an awesome time and I highly recommend anyone to check out the Temptations if they hit your town. Here's the set list (the most I can produce from memory)!

How Sweet It Is
The Way You Do the Things You Do
Ain't Too Proud To Beg
I Can't Next To You
Ball of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)
Papa Was A Rolling Stone
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
Since I Lost My Baby
You're My Everything
Stay
Get Ready
My Girl
I Know I'm Losing You

[Dawn]

Sounds like a really enjoyable show, Dave! Good to hear that the band is still performing. It's interesting that they included the 1998 song - I hadn't realized they had charted that recently. Great setlist!