Nocturne Live 2023 - Lionel Richie, Gabrielle and Mica Millar - Live Review

Nocturne Live returned to The Great Court at Blenheim Palace in 2023, and the venue was once again bathed in sunshine, looking as stunning as ever. With ten thousand seats filled and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill ready to party, the atmosphere was electric. Tonight, the crowd was buzzing with excitement - and plenty of Lionel Richie puns - as they prepared for a night of pop and soul magic.

Nights one and two of this year’s series were headlined by none other than Lionel Richie, the 73-year-old icon who has been making hits for over five decades. Richie delivered a flawless performance that delighted everyone in attendance, proving once again why he remains one of the most beloved entertainers in the world.

Before Richie took to the stage, the audience was treated to a fantastic warm-up set from Gabrielle, supported earlier by Mica Millar. Gabrielle, who rose to fame in the 90s, brought her unique voice and charisma to the Great Court, performing hits like When a Woman, Give Me a Little More Time, and Sunshine.

Her storytelling and words of wisdom gained cheers from the crowd, and her set was a reminder of just how many great songs she has in her back catalogue. Gabrielle briefly left the stage, allowing her backing singers to energize the audience with a version of Ultra Naté’s Free and Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. She returned to close her set with Out of Reach and Dreams, leaving the crowd perfectly primed for the main event.

The night, of course, belonged to Lionel Richie. Taking to the stage in a red sequined jacket on night one and green sequined jacket on night two, Richie kicked off the show with Running With the Night, a funky track from his 1983 album Can’t Slow Down. He followed it with Easy, one of his many classics from his time with the Commodores, and had the audience singing along to every word.

Richie’s trademark charm and humor were on full display as he welcomed the crowd, saying: “Hello, Blenheim Palace! I’m Lionel Richie, and I’m here to play all night long!” And that’s exactly what he did.

For almost two hours, Richie treated the fans to a hit parade of pop and soul gems spanning his entire career. His solo hits included Penny Lover, Stuck on You, My Destiny, Endless Love (teasing the audience that Diana Ross was backstage), Dancing on the Ceiling, Hello, and Say You, Say Me. He also revisited his Commodores days with songs like Brick House, Three Times a Lady, Sail On, and Lady (You Bring Me Up).

Richie even surprised the crowd with a heartfelt rendition of We Are the World, the charity anthem he co-wrote with Michael Jackson in 1985. Before performing the song, he appealed to the audience—and the world at large—to remember that we’re all human beings and to love one another. It was a poignant moment that added depth to an already incredible show.

You wouldn’t guess Lionel Richie is 73 years old. His boundless energy, flawless vocals, and ability to work the stage ensured that every single person in the audience felt connected to the performance. Richie took time to interact with the crowd, making sure everyone had their camera phone moment and keeping the energy high throughout the night.

Having seen him perform at the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, it was a treat to experience Richie in a more intimate setting at Blenheim Palace. The closer proximity to the action made the evening feel even more special.

Lionel Richie proved once again that he is a timeless entertainer who can connect with people of all ages and backgrounds through his music. His voice, charm, and charisma remain as strong as ever, and his ability to deliver hit after hit with such passion and joy is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Hello, Lionel Richie. We’re glad you’re here.

Nocturne Live will return to Blenheim Palace from 12th-16th June 2024, and if this year’s performances are anything to go by, next year’s lineup is sure to be just as spectacular. Keep an eye out for the announcement later this year!