Righteous Brothers are loud crowd-pleasers

Joe Delaney

Friday, July 18, 1997 | 12:05 p.m.

Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield -- the Righteous Brothers -- delivered 35 years of mostly togetherness in an over-decibeled 75 minutes Thursday in the MGM Grand Hollywood Theatre. This was preceded by 25 hilarious minutes by those "very funny" fellows, and real brothers, Mario and Daniel.

Medley and Hatfield have such a great sound, individually and together, it is sad that one cannot fully enjoy the words, phrases and nuances, much of it lost in a totality of volume and an excessive use of echo chamber. It should be noted that this is a minority report because the overwhelming majority of the capacity crowd had a great time, rewarding the duo with several standing ovations. Nobody left.

"You've Lost That Loving Feeling" got them started, some good old rock 'n' roll followed, then it was "You're My Soul and My Heart's Inspiration," more rock 'n' roll with an inspired harmonica solo by Lucinda, who also sang a duet with Bill Medley on "I Had The Time Of My Life."

"Someone Who Cares," "He Don't Love You Like I Love You" and "Rock 'n' Roll Heaven" led to a three-song Ray Charles tribute, a show-stopper by Medley.

Rounding out the show: "Little Latin Lupe Lu," "Unchained Melody" -- a second show-stopper -- "Kokomo," "That Loving Feeling" (for a standing ovation), bows, then "Dream On" and "Let The Good Times Roll," which led into "Old Time Rock 'n' Roll" for a second standing O.

Mario & Daniel made three entrances this time; the last two to big laughs. The brothers wisely vary the act nightly, responding to each audience in kind. Their "Karate Kung Fu" is classic, leading into "Who Are You Talking To?" and the sock bolos closer.

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