Legendary singer Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons are currently on tour and its dubbed ‘The Last Encores Tour.” Even though this isn’t Valli’s final tour, he said he plans to cut back on his touring after 2024. That makes sense as Valli just turned 90 years old last month. He is the only original member still on the road as Bob Gaudio retired and remains co-owner of the Four Seasons brand. The remaining original members have passed on.
Valli had a huge backing band that included 4 backup singers, 2 guitar players, an organist, a keyboardist, a drummer and 3-piece horn section. He opened with “Grease” that seemed to get everyone primed and ready for what was to come. Valli and his band covered all of hits which included “My Eyes Adored You,” “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” and “Sherry.” There was good and bad to the show. First, here are a few of the positives. The backing band was great. Valli did tell a few short stories in between a few tracks. He also was able to introduce every member of his large ensemble. He also physically stood and didn’t sit down the entire performance. Second, here is the negative. Valli lip synched the entire performance. It wasn’t even trying to hide it as he was singing some words here and there but barely lifted his head to look out into the multiple tiers at the OLG Stage. He was mostly looking at the teleprompter. We did know he lip synched going in but didn’t know the extent of it. There were times the microphone wasn’t even by Valli’s mouth. Personally I felt bad for him. We were granted media tickets for review but not sure how the rest of the audience felt paying for their tickets and finding out this happened?
Valli still states he loves to perform and hopes he can come back to the wonderful new theater at the OLG stage. I never saw Frankie Valli and wish I did it sooner than later. At 90 years old, there is nothing left for Valli to prove. He is considered one of the most iconic singers of his generation. The Jersey Boys is based on his and The Four Seasons story. At this point now, I feel he can only tarnish his legacy if he continues to tour.
Setlist:
Grease (Frankie Valli song)
Dawn (Go Away)
Save It for Me
Beggin’
Silence is Golden
Tel it to the Rain
I’ve Got You Under My Skin (Cole Porter cover)
Opus 17 (Don’t Worry ‘bout Me)
Swearin’ to God (Frankie Valli song)
Stay (Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs cover)
My Eyes Adored You
Working My Way Back to You
My Girl the Temptations cover)/Groovin’ (The Young Rascals cover)
Who Loves You
December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Frankie Valli song)
Sherry
Big Girls Don’t Cry
Walk Like a Man
Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby Goodbye)
Encore:
Rag Doll
Let’s Hang On
We would like to thank Steven Cahill from the Fallsview Casino Resorts for the credentials to review the show.
