By Ed Condran
Earth, Wind & Fire continues to thrive since three members from the legendary band’s early days continue to perform. Bassist Verdine White, vocalist Philip Bailey and drummer Ralph Johnson have been at it for more than a half-century.
“We’re still keeping it together,” White said. “We love what we do. There’s not a band out there like us.”
Soul, jazz, pop, gospel, rock, psychedelia, folk and African are some of the sounds that make up the Earth, Wind and Fire sonic potpourri.
“We’ve always went out and did whatever we wanted to do,” White said. “There were never any limits. We would just go for it. We didn’t look around to see what anyone else was doing. We had our own agenda.”
The band, which formed in 1969 in Chicago, has enjoyed commercial success and critical acclaim. “Shining Star,” “That’s the Way of the World,” “September,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “Let’s Groove” are just some of the group’s hits.
“It’s been an amazing run,” White said. “We’re still together after all of this time. But I think back to when it all began. Part of it is that we formed at a very exciting, inspired time.”
Earth, Wind & Fire, who return to The Venetian for seven shows Oct. 9-19, came of age during a revolutionary period in music history. The Beatles were coming to a creative halt, The Rolling Stones were at their peak. “Flower Power” and the eclectic Detroit sound dominated the charts. And then there was Woodstock.
“It definitely was an incredible time,” White said. “The world changed. It was an inspirational period, a radical time in the history of our country and so radical for the bands.”
Earth, Wind & Fire was off to a running start with its eponymous album in 1971, and the band never looked back. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have had an inordinate amount of success in the studio. The band, which has sold more than 100 million albums, possessed an uncommon commercial touch.
“I have so many great memories making our music,” White said. “It’s been a blast. I’m so thankful that so many fans have loved our music.”
What hasn’t changed with the enduring Earth, Wind & Fire is that the group remains a solid live act.
“We still love to put on a show,” White said. “We connect with the audience, and I think we’ve grown as musicians, and we still love touring. There’s still nothing like getting on that stage.”
More: VenetianLasVegas.com
