Photo of the Little River Band by Carrie Ogle
A brief history: the Little River Band has been around for 50 years, starting in Melbourne, Australia. Their biggest hits charted in the mid-1970s to early 1980s. The lineup has gone through several changes; there hasn’t been an Australian performer in the band for almost 20 years and no original members since 1997. So the band that is now on tour celebrating 50 years is just an LRB tribute band. It is still enjoyable and fun to hear a great mix of classic radio hits you can instantly sing along with, performed by awesome musicians and singers.
It was a rain-chilled night with a sold-out crowd at The Factory in St. Louis. The crowd cheers as bassist Wayne Nelson, guitarists Colin Whinnery and Bruce Wallace, keyboardist Chris Marion, and drummer Ryan Ricks take the stage. Nelson greets the audience saying, “Hello, St. Louis, Welcome to the Little River Band’s 50th Anniversary. Are you ready to sing tonight? This is your party!” before LRB performs the group’s hit, “Happy Anniversary.” The evening’s set list was an instantly recognizable mix of chart-topping radio hits, like “Man on Your Mind,” “Reminiscing,” and “Cool Change.”
The audience was impressed with the band’s musicianship and flawless sound. A highlight for many is that every member can sing lead, which enhances the vocal arrangements. The concert was full of positive energy, audience engagement, and a fun atmosphere. The setlists include both classic hits and newer material, which fans appreciate. | Carrie Ogle
