The O’Jays are currently on their final tour called “The Last Word Tour” which kicked off in 2022. The founding members of the famous R&B group, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, decided to embark on one last tour before retiring from the music industry after over 60 years performing together. The O’Jays rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s with hits like “Love Train” and “Back Stabbers” and became known for their musical storytelling and socially conscious lyrics.
Current O’Jays Tour Lineup
The current lineup performing on The Last Word Tour includes original O’Jays members:
- Eddie Levert – vocals
- Walter Williams – vocals
They are joined on tour by additional musicians:
- Eric Nolan Grant – musical director, vocals
- Dwayne “Smoove” Brown – keyboards
- Derek Jones – guitar
- Pablo Batista – percussion
- Louis Price – vocals
- Bill Johnson – bass
- Anthony Palmer – drums
This 8-piece ensemble faithfully delivers the classic O’Jays hits on tour. Eddie Levert and Walter Williams have an over 60 year friendship and musical chemistry as the heart and soul of the group.
Upcoming Tour Dates and Locations
The O’Jays tour is currently scheduled to visit the following cities and venues from October 2022 through April 2023:
Date | City | Venue |
---|---|---|
October 21, 2022 | Detroit, MI | Fox Theatre |
October 22, 2022 | Merrillville, IN | Star Plaza Theatre |
October 28, 2022 | Jacksonville, FL | Moran Theater |
October 29, 2022 | Clearwater, FL | Ruth Eckerd Hall |
November 4, 2022 | Augusta, GA | Miller Theater |
November 5, 2022 | Macon, GA | City Auditorium |
November 11, 2022 | Waterbury, CT | Palace Theater |
November 13, 2022 | New Brunswick, NJ | State Theatre |
November 18, 2022 | Greensboro, NC | Steven Tanger Center |
November 19, 2022 | North Charleston, SC | North Charleston PAC |
November 25, 2022 | St. Louis, MO | Stifel Theatre |
November 26, 2022 | Cincinnati, OH | Aronoff Center |
December 2, 2022 | Houston, TX | Arena Theatre |
December 3, 2022 | Dallas, TX | Majestic Theatre |
December 9, 2022 | Oakland, CA | Paramount Theatre |
December 10, 2022 | Riverside, CA | Riverside Municipal Auditorium |
December 16, 2022 | Chicago, IL | Chicago Theatre |
December 17, 2022 | Denver, CO | Paramount Theatre |
February 10, 2023 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium |
February 11, 2023 | Atlanta, GA | Fox Theatre |
February 17, 2023 | Pittsburgh, PA | Benedum Center |
February 18, 2023 | Cleveland, OH | KeyBank State Theatre |
February 24, 2023 | Jacksonville, FL | Florida Theatre |
February 25, 2023 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Broward Center |
March 3, 2023 | New York, NY | Beacon Theatre |
March 4, 2023 | Newark, NJ | NJPAC |
March 10, 2023 | Mashantucket, CT | Foxwoods Resort Casino |
March 11, 2023 | Boston, MA | Orpheum Theatre |
March 24, 2023 | Biloxi, MS | IP Casino Resort |
March 25, 2023 | Shreveport, LA | Municipal Auditorium |
March 31, 2023 | Richmond, VA | Altria Theater |
April 1, 2023 | Hampton, VA | Hampton Coliseum |
April 14, 2023 | Greensburg, PA | Palace Theatre |
April 15, 2023 | Columbus, OH | Palace Theatre |
The tour is currently scheduled to wrap up in Columbus, Ohio on April 15, 2023. The O’Jays website will have the most up-to-date information if any additional dates or venues are added to the schedule.
Ticket Information
Tickets for The Last Word Tour are available for purchase through the official O’Jays website. There are typically VIP ticket options available that include a meet-and-greet with Eddie Levert and Walter Williams. General admission ticket prices vary by venue, but usually range from $50 – $150 per seat.
Many of the shows have already sold out, especially in larger markets like New York City and Los Angeles. But tickets remain for some venues through the end of the tour in April 2023. Fans interested in securing seats are encouraged to purchase ahead of time, as remaining tickets may be scarce closer to show dates.
In addition to individual show tickets, there are also O’Jays VIP ticket package available in some areas that bundle a ticket with a pre-show reception, exclusive merchandise, and a photo opportunity with the band. These special packages allow fans a more immersive experience and time to interact with the legendary R&B group.
Setlist Expectations
Given this is being billed as The O’Jays final tour, fans can expect them to perform a “greatest hits” setlist covering their catalog of classic songs from the 1960s onward. Some fan favorites likely to be included are:
- “Love Train”
- “Back Stabbers”
- “I Love Music”
- “Use Ta Be My Girl”
- “For The Love of Money”
- “Give The People What They Want”
- “Let Me Make Love To You”
- “Family Reunion”
- “Livin’ For The Weekend”
- “Message In Our Music”
- “Survival”
- “Stairway To Heaven”
As seasoned performers, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams enjoy playing off the crowd’s energy and reactions. So there is always the possibility of spontaneous additions or substitutions in the setlist between shows.
But fans can count on all the major hits being delivered with the O’Jays’ signature funky soul sound and tight vocal harmonies. After over 60 years in the business, Levert and Williams are consummate showmen who know how to connect with audiences.
Why This is Billed as The O’Jays Final Tour
Group founders Eddie Levert and Walter Williams decided to name this The Last Word Tour as they plan for it to be their final run of show dates before retiring. Some key factors leading to this decision include:
- Age of Band Members – Levert is 79 years old and Williams is 78. After over six decades of touring and performing, they are ready to spend more time off the road.
- Health Factors – Levert and Williams want to retire while still in good enough health to deliver quality performances for fans.
- Desire for Family Time – With their ages, both Levert and Williams expressed wanting to spend more time with family while they are still able.
- Capped Off Incredible Career – They’ve achieved remarkable success and feel this is a good way to celebrate all those accomplishments with fans during final tour.
In various interviews, Eddie Levert has stated that both he and Walter Williams agree the time just feels right creatively and personally to wind down their touring days. He says they want to go out on a high note with this last tour.
Summary: Final Chance to See O’Jays Legends Perform Live
The O’Jays 2022-2023 Last Word Tour provides fans a final opportunity to celebrate the iconic R&B group’s enduring musical legacy. Original members Eddie Levert and Walter Williams will bring their legendary catalog of soul classics to major venues across the U.S. through next April.
Given Levert and Williams plan to retire from the road after this tour, audiences are encouraged not the miss the chance to see these influential artists and dynamic frontmen in their farewell shows. The O’Jays have given fans over 60 years of remarkable music and memories to cherish.
Their upcoming tour promises to deliver a high-energy experience packed with all the smash hits that made The O’Jays one of the most decorated and acclaimed acts in R&B history. Don’t miss the “last word” live concerts from Eddie Levert and Walter Williams as they take their final tour bow.
To follow The O’Jays journey through their last tour, check their website and social channels for updates on dates, venues, tickets and more. This is the ultimate send-off for a group that defined an era of soul and R&B music.