Richmond, VA – VOTE THE SPINNERS IN NOW!! That was the thought going through my mind as I left the Tin Pan in Richmond, VA on February 19, 2023. Having attended the second sold out performance of the day by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominated iconic band, The Spinners, I understood the hype and was on my way to cast my vote(s).
The night kicked off with their band introducing the show and warming us up with a little instrumental soul. It was obvious that everyone was really looking forward to the performance as many were already starting to party in their seats.
The Spinners came out, dressed to kill, and kicked right off with “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love“. What was amazing to me is that there was no opening band to warm us up, everyone there had just eaten (the venue is also a fine restaurant) so one would think it would take a little time to work up the crowd. Not so! The Spinners, consisting of Jessie Robert Peck (bass), Marvin Taylor (tenor/baritone), Ronnie Moss (co-lead tenor), and C.J. Jefferson (lead tenor) had brought the party and the audience was ready to eat it up!!
They all have pipes, but to be honest, when Ronnie went into “Funny How Time Slips Away“, which he pointed out was a collaboration between Willie Nelson and The Spinners, we got to witness the tenor in chief!!
Richmond was not the first stop on this tour. They had played several larger venues on this trip but C. J. let the audience know he had confidence that Richmond would party the hardest. He had a bet on us. Now of course, his basis for the bet was interesting (judge for yourself) as he felt even though it was a Sunday night, none of us had anything to do on Monday (except me of course). He got a ton of applause and a little laughter (should the geriatrics be offended? If so, they were not!). He then talked about how the greatest gift God created being the woman and the dedicated the next song, “Sadie” to all women and especially mothers. As the audience sang along with the chorus, C. J. said, “just for a moment, let’s change all our mother’s names to Sadie so we can all sing to them!” Everyone obliged!
What happened next made my heart skip a beat. I believe it was Robert (but may have been Marvin) that basically said, “We have noticed a lot of cameras out there, probably taking pictures and shooting videos! We just want want to make sure everyone knows that without our EXPRESS written consent… “. I knew that I thought I had permission (I did) but every phone in the place disappeared. He went on, “I reiterate, unless you have our EXPRESS written consent to take photos or video…” those with phones sunk deeper in their seats… “you have our permission to take all the pictures you like. We are in showbusiness, we like our pictures taken! If you post on social media, please share with us!” There was a great sign of relief and tension releasing laughter. I love these guys!! Everyone there was now 100% connected with the quartet. I was witnessing something special.
After “Mighty Love” we learned what we already knew, the lone surviving member of The Spinners, Henry Fambrough (baritone), did not make the trip. We were asked to send our greetings, which we loudly did (I think they heard us 3 counties over). This party was for Henry and he had to know about it.
As things wound down a little, Ronnie led us through “Ooooh Baby Baby“, Marvin, “Let’s Get It On“, and C. J. “Love Don’t Love Nobody“. C. J. made us all do it with him, and made sure we all knew, ‘it takes a fool’! He asked all the women point at the men and say, “You were a fool” and then changed to “You are a winner, you got the best prize!”
After a very familiar “Cupid“, they let us know that the Party was not over! “Having a Party” followed, the lights came up and a few ladies were treated to a short dance with C. J. The expressions and moves were priceless! It was wonderful to see music connecting with so many, tables were moved a little so there could be dancing in a dinner venue! Classic! Their connection with the audience was definitely Hall material. While I have not been to every show at the Tin Pan, this was one of the best band / audience interactions I have ever experienced.
After a few more party and love songs, they went into their final piece, “Rubberband Man“. Of course, they had a little fun too, bringing out VERY large rubber bands and doing all sorts of things with them on stage.
It was an awesome show. Yes, I have seen and photographed several Hall of Fame bands in the past. Every one of them was awesome but every one of them was also in a larger venue without much intimacy. What we witnessed at the Tin Pan was the epitome of rock and roll and the show. Yes, they would have been entertaining on a stage, holding the mics out getting the people to sing along, but what got me is how they actually made us part of the show. From the party, to the dancing, to even telling us to sing Sadie to our moms (after renaming them of course) and calling the men in the audience fools (and then winners), we WERE a large part of the show. They have got my vote! This stop, the Tin Pan, next stop, Cleveland!
The Spinners Gallery
The Spinners Setlist
Could It Be I’m Falling in Love
It’s a Shame
Funny How Time Slips Away
I’ll Be Around
Working My Way Back to You
Sadie
Mighty Love
Ooo Baby Baby (Ronnie Moss)
Let’s Get It On (Marvin)
Love Don’t Love Nobody (CJ all singing the fool)
Cupid
Having a Party
Then Came You
One of a Kind (Love Affair)
They Just Can’t Stop It (Games People Play)
Rubberband Man
Show Date: February 19, 2023
