Four Tops ... Theo out? Say it isn't so!

[tsull1]

OK, I heard this on Facebook, a very reliable source, I'll leave it at that. Theo Peoples -- my favorite and I believe the most talented singer out there in soul music today -- has been fired/pushed out, whatever you want to call it. REALLY? Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME?!!

He was the main reason I was attending their shows. I love these legendary groups, but I'm not going to hear their background vocals. Seriously, Theo was the draw for me in the latest concerts. A true pro, he didn't try to be Levi, but his own man.

These groups are out-thinking themselves, they really are. Wish The Temptations would pick him back up. I'm a huge Theo fan and this disturbs me, and of course I don't know all the group politics.

Wish everyone could be like The Whispers: brotherhood, togetherness, unity, all for one, one for all.

Good grief ...

[Kamasu_Jr]

Haven't heard a thing about this. But Theo Peoples was already in the Tempts. Frankly, I was of the opionion that the Tops should have been retired after Losing three original members.

[stranger56]

Unfortunately, it's true! This guy single-handedly kept the Tops on the map, once Levi fell ill. It took audiences a long time to warm up to someone filling Levi's shoes, and to his credit, Theo took the lead in HIS own way. As tsull said, he didn't try to be Levi, and the audiences came back to The Four Tops again.

If Theo's not singing lead, Duke might as well fold up the tent and call it a day. Nobody wants to see someone else singing lead for The Tops.

I know I don't. And I've been supporting the Tops for over 40 years.

Done.

[rod_rick]

Anyone know what happend? Who will replace Theo as lead singer?

[midnightman]

I wonder if Otis decides to kick Bruce out, will he bring Theo back in? He always seems to bring back past members once he gets tired of whoever he hires lol

[REDHOT]

I'm sorry to hear this bad news,like it,or not,THE 4 TOPS will drew,no matter who's singing lead or background,we as fans care,but the audience could care less,they just want to hear,Baby i need your loving,Reach out[[i'll be there),I can't help myself.THEO PEOPLES is one of the best singer around today.But don't think it's over for THEO,he can sang his butt off,Something will come his way.
Please stay positive

[midnightman]

^ Yeah to many the Four Tops will always be Levi, Duke, Larry & Obie.

[stranger56]

Redhot, the only reason I disagree with you is because when Theo took over, people were walking out in droves, because he wasn't Levi. Venues stopped booking them. It took quite awhile for Theo to establish himself as the lead singer, and for people and booking agents to accept him as lead singer.

Now that he has done so, Duke's going to parade someone out there to try to do it all over again?

And for the record, word on the street is that the guy will be Harold "Spike" Bonhart, who was recently let go by The Spinners, for not being a "team player".

http://www.soulexpress.net/deep409.htm

[juicefree20]

This is very disappointing news.

Theo Peoples is one of the best singers that we have out there & he is the glue that holds that group together. Barring murder, or an eggregious act, I can't believe that Theo would ever be relieved of his duties.

It was impossible to replace Levi Stubbs & to his credit, Theo never tried to mimic Levi. I can guarantee you that if this is the case, any replacement for Theo is NOT going to go over very well. Theo is a major reason to follow The Tops & from my perspective, this move reeks of career suicide. As Tsull truthfully stated, Theo is a major reason that The Tops have been able to continue to go out there & put fans into the seats. And Stranger56 knows full well of what I speak & he knows even more about this than most of us here do.

All that I'm willing to say further is the following...

We've always been told that Theo was HAND-PICKED & APPROVED by none other than Obie & The Captain. They placed their trust in Theo to help to continue the tradition of The Tops. Now that they're gone, none of that is supposed to matter to the fans, nor the suvivors of Levi, Obie & Larry? The Four Tops legacy is also a major part of THEIR LIVES as well. And what of the fans whom painfully had to say goodbye to Levi & Obie in the past 5 years, whom have invested their emotions with following the current lineup?

And I have to believe that Theo, whom after all DID make it possible for tickets to continue to be sold, dates continue to be booked & for money to be earned...I have to believe that the man deserves FAR better than this. And having observed Theo up-close on several occasions, I can tell you that this man wasn't GIVEN a spot, Theo earned his spot the hard way.

Theo endured things which could've made a less resolute man shrivel from the spotlight. Imagine being CHOSEN by Levi, the man himself, to be his replacement. Imagine being walked out on, not because he wasn't GOOD enough, but simply because he wasn't a LIVING LEGEND, one of the most singular voices of any musical genre. Who could hope to replace Levi, a task which is simply an impossibility?

Regardless, Theo went out there & continued to pour his heart & soul out, continued to smile for those audiences, refusing to allow them to see how it must've hurt & eventually, he won over the vast majority of them. Theo is one hell of a singer & ranks up there with the best singers of the Soul era & is one of the few younger singers who brings those skills today.

Now, I've met & spoken with Spike, had a conversations with him immediately after he left The Spinners & afterward I found him to be pretty cool. I say this to say that while I believe that he's a cool brother, Theo is simply Theo, brings a completely different energy, dynamic & vocal power, that simply isn't replaced that simply, nor that easily. It was hard enough for the fans to accept the fact that Theo wasn't Levi & now that many of them have learned to accept Theo in his own right, they're now going to be expected to have to accept the replacement of a man whom WAS HAND PICKED by the legendary Levi Stubbs, as well as Obie?

Theo allowed folks to continue to put food on their tables for more than a few years & there's no way in hell that that should be forgotten so quickly, no way that it should be taken so lightly & no way that his contribution should be tossed away so cavalierly, as though it meant nothing. Theo helped put food on folks tables, money in their pockets & I'm sure for a rate not commensurate to his talent, much less his contributions.

This sounds like a knee-jerk reaction to something, what, I cannot say. But purely from a business perspective [[as regards alienating fans, vocal skills, stage persona, a hell of a voice, etc.), I simply believe that this is the wrong move, at the worst possible time. I look around & see that bookings for many of our classic Soul groups are WAY DOWN, as is attendance for many of them. From a business perspective, you don't give fans whom have enough economic decisions to make, ANY possible reason to not to want to spend their hard-earned money to come to see you perform.

Many shows HAVE NOT been selling out & several which would surprise you have been lucky to sell 1/2 to 3/4 of a house & I'm talking about some damn good groups. Man, for our generation of performers, it's gotten very rough out there & I do mean rough. Also not to be forgotten is the fact that many of the folks with the most disposable income are adults whom have grown up on Rap music & they are now hitting their "Nostalgia Phase". Consider further that in a mere 2 years, it will be 30 years since R&B groups such as New Edition first came onto the scene.

All of which makes it a bit rougher than it should be for the groups of our era, especially given their talent & lack of the need for autotune. But, that's where we are today, Jan. 3, 2011.

From speaking to several people over the years, this move could simply serve to alienate many fans, as well as to give others [[many of whom by the way, felt that The Four Tops should've ended following the passings of Levi & Obie) an excuse to finally turn the page on The Tops, once & for all.

Can you spell S-U-I-C-I-D-E?

As we used to say when we were kids playing punchball, this one is worthy of a do-over.

[jobeterob]

What this shows is that there is some value in these brands..............Four Tops, Temptations, Supremes, Spinners, Miracles etc.

As Red Hot points out, while we might be looking for real Tops n Tempts n Vandellas n Supremes, there are many examples out there of 3 or 4 or 5 young men or women going out there and selling that stylish dancing singing brand made popular by the originals.

[moe]

Juice,
Loved your post!! We went to see Theo at Wolftrap [[with TNT). I think the song he sang as a solo was "I Believe In Miracles." Oh my, oh my.............what a voice!! Otis was an idiot for firing Theo..........but Otis's loss was the Tops gain.....and is Duke an even bigger idiot for getting rid of him?
What a sad day...........

[gary_james]

zzzzzzzzzzz

[tsull1]

Well, I can't add anything to Juice's spectacular post. I sent a friend of mine an e-mail on what happened. She went to a show with me and thought Theo was fantastic, totally captured the crowd. She's not a big Tops fan, but she became one that evening as well as a Theo Peoples fan.

I've had a tough time going through Otis' many Tempts lineups [[thought Theo was great there, too), and am just coming around to Bruce Williamson [[took me awhile), whom I hope Otis doesn't sack. I also liked Bo Henderson, as well as the past Richard Street, Damon Harris, Glenn Leonard leads. I felt G.C. Cameron was a better fit with The Spinners.

That all said, I agree with the do-over on letting Theo go. Unfortunately, at the casino shows a lot of people aren't die-hards like me and just think perhaps the same lineup still exists until told otherwise. [[Those in wiser soul cities know better.)

I don't get it.

As I said earlier, The Whispers apparently have the model to follow. Heck, when one of their members passed away, they decided not to replace him and go as a quartet. Looks like I'll be spending my dough on Whispers concerts, probably not the Tops, unfortunately ... and I had planned to see them this summer. I'm re-thinking that one.

[stranger56]

Juice, there is nothing more I can say right now except for, THANK YOU! You nailed it, man! Theo has eaten his share of crap over the last 10 years that he's been singing lead. And he has gone out there every night and worked hard at his craft. He deserves a far better fate than this.

Excellent post, my friend! Excellent!

[paladin]

OK, I heard this on Facebook, a very reliable source, I'll leave it at that. Theo Peoples -- my favorite and I believe the most talented singer out there in soul music today -- has been fired/pushed out, whatever you want to call it. REALLY? Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME?!!





And I have to believe that Theo, whom after all DID make it possible for tickets to continue to be sold, dates continue to be booked & for money to be earned...I have to believe that the man deserves FAR better than this. And having observed Theo up-close on several occasions, I can tell you that this man wasn't GIVEN a spot, Theo earned his spot the hard way.

Theo endured things which could've made a less resolute man shrivel from the spotlight. Imagine being CHOSEN by Levi, the man himself, to be his replacement. Imagine being walked out on, not because he wasn't GOOD enough, but simply because he wasn't a LIVING LEGEND, one of the most singular voices of any musical genre. Who could hope to replace Levi, a task which is simply an impossibility?





Yes its true and I purposely held off from posting this information here on this forum. It wasn't that I didn't believe it, it was just so freaking incredibly stupid that I had to let it digest, make some calls, talk to La Familia and let this thing marinate for a few hours. You guys have said all I wanted to say and more. Theo was fired from the group, end of story. My problem continues to be.....How in the hell do you fire the person who dam near single handedly brought the Four Tops back from the edge of oblivion and made them a viable in demand act ? Being an ex Tempt helped for sure, but as Juice so eloquently put it......Theo went through hell replacing the most irreplaceable singer to ever walk and sing on this planet. He went out before the crowds and did it his way, it took time but this man persevered when others would have undoubtedly failed.

This is how he is being paid for all these years of toiling in the trenches, being booed and heckled because he wasn't Mr. Stubbs ? This is how he's being rewarded for standing fast in the midst of his adversaries and singing his ass off. I recently saw the Four Tops out perform the Temptations this past summer and they received standing ovations for their performance as the crowd cheered and lavished affection upon the Four Tops that is normally reserved for The Tempts.

Theo I wish you much success , and no don't go back to The Temptations, Otis let you go and you made the Four Tops your own. Don't go back to them either, you are much better off without them. However I will forgive you if one of them gets down on his hands and knees and begs you to return. The way I understand it groveling remains in his vocabulary....plus I got a fresh set of knee pads that I'd be willing to loan him just in case he can't find a pair so we could expedite the process.

[tsull1]

Kudos to the great posts here. Saw an interview with Theo once talking about the crowds who walked out when he replaced Levi. I was stunned at his response, something only a real mature person would say, someone with inner strength and integrity. His response: "I don't blame them, they wanted to hear Levi."

He could've complained, he could've gotten real upset, but he didn't. He stood strong and came through that. This shouldn't be his replayment for doing that. I don't think anyone but Theo knows what he went through. C'mon fellas [[oops, fellA), let Theo back in!

[jillfoster]

I won't watch them with that Theo guy signing. I saw all FOUR of them in 1988, and i'll just hold onto those memories. If Levi ain't singin, it ain't the four tops.

[Ric E.]

Bo Henderson might be next in line.

[destruction]

Well spoken...... Brothers. Gonna try not to repeat.....just relate. Cause you know I feel ya.

You've gotta be kidding me? Theo? The man in the small group of 6...i mean 4..... I mean a couple of.....singers.....Ooops, THE ONLY SINGER who sang lead with the Temptations AND the Four Tops? Suicide.....? More like Genocide.....Death of a Generation of Future Tops Fans.

Let me elaborate just a little. Just before Christmas I was driving my girls to the library. Even remember where I was on the street at the time.....5 blocks from my house. A Four Tops song came on and I covered the radio and asked my youngest,

"Who's that?"

I cld hear the oldest snickering in the back, and I glanced in the mirror and said.....

"Don't even".

My 11 year old proceeds to go through her soul group choices, "Not the Temptations, not the Stylistics, not the Dells....."

"Come on, the oldest begs.....we saw them"

"O, I remember, it was the little dark skin dude that can sing......he sang with Mr. Ronnie.....I can't remember his name."

"Little? Why did you say Little, he's as tall as Ronnie Mac."

"Yeah.....I just remember when he bent down and gave me a hug.....I forgot"

"Okay, tell her his name if you know, smartypants"

"His name is Theo..... Remember when he sang 'I Believe In Miracles'. <sings a snippet> That's how you sing a song. That was one of my all time favorite performances, him singing that.....Gerald Austin singing 'A Change is Gonna Come'. That's how I want to be able to sing, just stand and deliver, that's gonna be my style. Then I'll throw in some smooth moves like Mr. Russell Thompkins Jr.,.....bomp bomp....remember that dad....that's smooth."

And now I have to tell them that he was fired......for what pray tell?

Theo's singing with the Four Tops was the textbook example of how you sing a song made famous by someone else without imitation or diminishing the memory of the original performance. Whenever somebody says, "but he has to try to imitate 'so and so'", I say, "Listen to Theo singing with the Four Tops....it can be done....and done WELL."

My bro's Juice and kdub know I'm a Tempts lifer and viewed the Tops more as competitors than a group that I liked.....but I've become more a fan since I've gotten older and re-listened to a lot of music I didn't always appreciate.....like the Tops and several of Motown's female acts. After seeing them perform about 5 years ago.....I was completely won over by the guys. After that I played catch up, nearly matching my Tempts playlist with Tops songs.

Last year I took both my girls to the TnT show at the Lyric. It was the second concert for my oldest, but the first for my youngest. And of course if left an indelible mark on both of them. The dancing of Bruce with the Tempts, the bass of Joe's speaking voice, Roquel singing with his brother on stage and both of them crying, Ronnie singing and dancing as if he were 21, and many more.... the memories flood back to them from time to time.........and Theo....or as we call him here:
Mr. Stand and Deliver.

[sophisticated_soul]

Seems like a bad move to me. Actually I thought the Tops were fortunate to be able to continue without Levi. Unlike The Temps that evolved and progressed over time with multiple lead singers The Tops only had one - one very identifiable - lead singer. As well the Temps continued to record and have hits with different lead singers so the public was more accepting of the changes. The Tops did not have any of that going for them. I think they were lucky to land Theo and - after some painful backlash - have him accepted by The Tops audience [[not to mentioned being sanctioned by Levi). Lucky to be able to continue to work based on their hey day hits. In my mind Theo gave them that opportunity. Now they're booting him out? The Tops used to be all about family, now maybe not so much.

[GeeTee(HPK)]

All I can say is wow ............... :[[

[uptight]

Great story with your girls, Des!

[rod_rick]

All I can say is WHY is Theo no longer with the Tops?

[tallone]

As always Juice, you said it all. Theo is a class act all by himself.

[smark21]

Is Theo Peoples the first person to be fired from the 4 Tops? If so, then there might have been good cause. Just because he sings well on stage and behaves well in interviews and for the public doesn't mean he may not be easy to work with and deal with behind the scenes.

[RossHolloway]

I was fortunate to see the Tops [[and Temps) in DC about three summers ago and walked away incredibly impress with Theo. He truly has an amazing voice. I'm sure there must have been something going on behind the scenes to discharge this talented man. I'm hopeful Theo lands on his feet, and sooner than later, he has a voice that the world needs to continue to hear.

[stubby_girl]

Good morning Soulful Detroit Family,

We the Stubbs family are as surprised as all of you guys !! Theo was hand picked by my dad and Obie and we will continue to support Theo in any of his future endeavors. This is very unfortunate for the "Tops" .

Thank you guys for all the support you have given over the years and we pray for good things for Theo in the future.

The Stubbs Family

[RossHolloway]

Good morning Soulful Detroit Family,

We the Stubbs family are as surprised as all of you guys !! Theo was hand picked by my dad and Obie and we will continue to support Theo in any of his future endeavors. This is very unfortunate for the "Tops" .

Thank you guys for all the support you have given over the years and we pray for good things for Theo in the future.

The Stubbs Family

Stubby Girl- Can you fill us in with any detail about the going on behind the scene?

[midnightman]

Is Theo Peoples the first person to be fired from the 4 Tops? If so, then there might have been good cause. Just because he sings well on stage and behaves well in interviews and for the public doesn't mean he may not be easy to work with and deal with behind the scenes.

That's what I really wanna know. People still too shocked to ask what happened. Something HAD to have happened for them to suddenly drop Theo from the group. Didn't Theo have some problems when he was with the Tempts?

And I agree that Barrington could be next to lead the group but let's see if Duke will continue the Four Tops. But honestly, they can call it a day. Unlike the Tempts, who were always a revolving group of members though the public remembers them as the ones who were there for the '60s and early '70s, the Tops always had originals until the late 1990s.

So it'll be interesting who they pick after Theo was with them for 13 years.

[Penny]

I don't know. These groups just aren't the same and aren't the Tempts or the 4 Tops any more then Scherrie and Lydia aren't the Supremes. They need to let it go.

[arrr&bee]

Well here we go again with the revolving door of singers[hey duke it won't work with the tops]yes theo is a good singer but for a group like the four tops with levi's voice he never fit i'm stubborn about the tops so duke just close up shop.

[tsull1]

I don't buy this, "If Levi isn't there, it's not the group." I saw The Four Tops four times without Levi. All excellent shows.

In my initial concert, I expected Levi and to be honest, like many Tops fans, I was crushed when he wasn't on stage. [[This followed the opening act, The Spinners, and I was crushed John Edwards wasn't there, but his replacement, a guy named G.C. Cameron really made my evening!)

I heard the first opener, "Baby, I Need Your Loving," I sat and sulked because Levi wasn't there. "Who does this dude think he is, he's not Levi," I thought to myself. "Actually, he doesn't even sound like him!"

By song two, I started thinking, "Hmm, he doesn't sound like Levi, but maybe that's the point. Maybe he's his own dude."

By song three I started paying attention to the voice, "Well, I certainly can't be doubting this guy's talent, maybe I need to open up my closed mind."

By song five, I was starting to buy-in, not completely. By mid-concert, Theo People's was blowing me away. I hadn't put 2 and 2 together that he was with The Tempts because I'd refrained from Tempts albums for awhile until "Phoenix Rising" and he wasn't listed on the CD. I'd lost track for awhile on Otis' revolving door of singers.

Theo belted out some more songs, including the fabulous solo, "Always and Forever," Obie Benson yelled out, "Mr. Theo Peoples ladies and gentlemen! Theo Peoples." I put that name in my head. By then I was thinking, "I don't know where this cat came from, I don't know his background, but damn, he has a SERIOUS set of pipes. Major props to the group for finding not Levi II, but the most talented guy they could put in that position."

Yes, it's not the classic 4 group, just as The Tempts aren't the classic 5 group, but I've never left a concert from either group saying, "Boy that wasn't good." No, I loved each and every moment and judging by the smiles on the faces of the fans, they enjoyed it, too."

Some of us have embraced Theo Peoples and are disappointed with this move. Sometimes it's best not to hang on to 1966 and move on. Play your classic albums -- I do -- but accept change, too.

[gary_james]

It's over, don't beat a dead horse. Enjoy the old records and remember what a great time it was.

[tsull1]

It's over for YOU, some of us still appreciate the recent shows. I'll make a bargain: I won't tell you how to think, you don't tell me how to think.

[sophisticated_soul]

It's over for YOU, some of us still appreciate the recent shows. I'll make a bargain: I won't tell you how to think, you don't tell me how to think.

Very well said tsull1. Ditto for me.

[ladyvanaye]

I never understood why he wen to the Tops anyhow...honestly I lost rack of him after the Temps. He is a good artist and can do well solo.

[marv2]

This is a surprise. I had really hoped that the Tops would have stablized somewhat by this point.

[juicefree20]

Smark21 et.al...

Just consider the possibility that some of us know things that people with an ounce of brains understand that you don't post on internet forums, TMZ, or act like a Facebook whore, just so that a bunch of people who could care less can have their fill of gossip.

Let me ask you this...if you had a child or relative who was convicted of a crime, would you come here & tell us all of the sordid details because we WANTED to know?

Likewise, if you were fired from a job, would you want your friends to post in on the internet simply because we have the right to know?

More than that, some of us deal with these artists on a professional level. With that as fact, if you were us, would you slit your own throat & violate confidences, simply to satisfy the curiosities of people who really don't give a damn one way or the other?

Have you considered that by not making private details personal, that perhaps this is a situation which may be able to be salvaged? Don't we have some very famous groups whom if not for years of mouth-running & in-fighting between "well-meaning" fans, may well have been able to patch up their differences...differences, might I add, that their respective fans WON'T let them EVER forget?

Not even with the passage of 25 years or more.

Oftentimes the truth has proven to be that when you THINK that you want to know the truth, you really don't. Sometimes, the truth serves no one well.

Another reality about the truth is that even when you know the truth, you'd damn well better to prove it. Knowing & proving both contain just 7 letters [[no pun intended) but in terms of legality are often miles apart.

And many are the asses that have been singed by not understanding the difference between the two.

[rod_rick]

Smark21 et.al...

Just consider the possibility that some of us know things that people with an ounce of brains understand that you don't post on internet forums, TMZ, or act like a Facebook whore, just so that a bunch of people who could care less can have their fill of gossip.

Let me ask you this...if you had a child or relative who was convicted of a crime, would you come here & tell us all of the sordid details because we WANTED to know?

Likewise, if you were fired from a job, would you want your friends to post in on the internet simply because we have the right to know?

More than that, some of us deal with these artists on a professional level. With that as fact, if you were us, would you slit your own throat & violate confidences, simply to satisfy the curiosities of people who really don't give a damn one way or the other?

Have you considered that by not making private details personal, that perhaps this is a situation which may be able to be salvaged? Don't we have some very famous groups whom if not for years of mouth-running & in-fighting between "well-meaning" fans, may well have been able to patch up their differences...differences, might I add, that their respective fans WON'T let them EVER forget?

Not even with the passage of 25 years or more.

Oftentimes the truth has proven to be that when you THINK that you want to know the truth, you really don't. Sometimes, the truth serves no one well.

Another reality about the truth is that even when you know the truth, you'd damn well better to prove it. Knowing & proving both contain just 7 letters [[no pun intended) but in terms of legality are often miles apart.

And many are the asses that have been singed by not understanding the difference between the two.

Juice you are so right. Now I just wish Theo People the best in his next venture. Like Freddi Poole of the FLO's I'm sure as talented as he is he will land on his feet. Good luck Theo

[luke]

Well said Juice!!

[smark21]

Juicefree, I really don't care why Theo Peoples was fired but it seems some of you here are getting very melodramatic and having emotional meltdowns about the firing and getting mad at Duke Fakir and the rest of the group. Maybe The remaining Tops and their management are awful and ungrateful and acted without cause. But they have their side of the story and they may have had good cause to fire him. Who knows? In the end The 4 Tops are now an oldies group that works the casino, nostalgia and fair circuits and these kind of groups can be prone to having a revolving door when it comes to membership. Peoples put in 12-13 years with the group. That's a good run. And it might be a good thing for him as a singer to get another gig and sing some new material after 13 years of doing Tops hits. And I'm sure he'll get a gig with another oldies act, but let's face it the time for the 60's and 70's acts to make some decent money and draw a good crowd on the oldies circuit is coming to an end as the 80's and 90's acts are taking over that unfortunate segment of the market.

[stephanie]

Wow this is some shocking news! Maybe they got into an argument or something or Theo wanted to do something different I dont know. I wish Duke the best and if he sees fit to continue the Tops then so be it. I also wish Theo well he is a great talent. The music died when Levi passed for me but Theo and Duke and the other guys kept the torch going.

[msjoys]

Very surprising news indeed. Wishing Theo the very best in whatever the Lord has in store for him next!

[tallone]

Once again Juice, you've said what needed to be said, as well as everyone else.
I must piggyback on what Juice said. We really may not want to know the reasons why Theo is no longer a Top. Hell, I didn't want to know why David was no longer a Temp, back in the day.
Bottom line is this: Let's just support whatever road Theo may take, as well as the Tops. We are losing far too many talents as it is, with hardly anyone to replace them.
If Duke wants to keep the Tops going....good.
If Otis wants to make yet another change and the group continues....good.
Me personally, I'd rather see some sembelence of a group than no group at all.
Again. there are no groups out there to replace them.

[stranger56]

Before we all just accept this and wish Theo well [[which, of course I do), we, as the people that pay for the tickets that put the food on these guys' tables, need to make it clear to the person that summararily fired him that this is an outrage that we will not just accept with a smile.

Theo was hand-picked by two-thirds of the remaining Tops, after Lawrence passed. Because Duke is the only surviving member, does that give hm the right to change that? What about the interest that the Benson family owns? The Stubbs family? Don't they have a say in what goes on?

This situation SUCKS when a lead singer can be told after a performance that he is finished because he can't be afforded, when we all know damn sure he makes a lot less than the backup singer!

[WaltB]

For what it's worth, Theo did a solo album between the time he left the Temptations and joined the Tops. However it was a somewhat low budget project and did not have the financial muscle behind it needed to garner much airplay on the radio. I believe however that with the proper budget and promotional muscle behind him Theo could and should once again pursue a solo career. After all The Temptations "This Is My Promise" was written by Theo and throughout his solo album he also played keyboards.

[krl320]

I agree 100% Stranger 56! Four guys worked hard to build that group and 1 guy shouldnt make decisions tear it down! although 3 of them have passed way, the Paytons, the Bensons and Stubbs still want whats BEST for the group!



























Before we all just accept this and wish Theo well [[which, of course I do), we, as the people that pay for the tickets that put the food on these guys' tables, need to make it clear to the person that summararily fired him that this is an outrage that we will not just accept with a smile.

Theo was hand-picked by two-thirds of the remaining Tops, after Lawrence passed. Because Duke is the only surviving member, does that give hm the right to change that? What about the interest that the Benson family owns? The Stubbs family? Don't they have a say in what goes on?

This situation SUCKS when a lead singer can be told after a performance that he is finished because he can't be afforded, when we all know damn sure he makes a lot less than the backup singer!

[sophisticated_soul]

This situation SUCKS when a lead singer can be told after a performance that he is finished because he can't be afforded, when we all know damn sure he makes a lot less than the backup singer!

Is that it, he "can't be afforded"? That doesn't make any sense at all. How can you not afford the voice [[bread winner) of a group. WTF.:mad:

[stranger56]

Is that it, he "can't be afforded"? That doesn't make any sense at all.

That's what he was told.


How can you not afford the voice [[bread winner) of a group.

All depends on the distribution of funds, I would say.

[luke]

He made more than the others??

[oldiesmusicfan]

From reading some of the posts above, I think it's quite obvious that some of the members of this forum know many more details about the firing of the lead singer of the Four Tops, Theo, but they are choosing for now to be discreet and hope this mess blows over without too much harm done. Let's just wait and see how it all plays out.

Oldies

[rta5225]

I agree with that oldies. I can tell also from reading these posts that some information is being withheld. It sounds crazy though. I hate when it comes to this with these groups. They can be so talented and so fan friendly and gracious to their fans, then some thing like this creates a lot of animosity and ruins all of the fun.

[topdiva1]

The dysfunctional Motown family continues. All attitude, from past glories, and imaginary slights.

Theo is a great performer who was the Four Tops, hand selected, bread and butter front man. Apparently, sources say ".... as tempers simmered, nothing got worked out, and an abrupt ending was had".

Theo - who is know to stand and deliver - will of course land on his feet.

[paladin]

From reading some of the posts above, I think it's quite obvious that some of the members of this forum know many more details about the firing of the lead singer of the Four Tops, Theo, but they are choosing for now to be discreet and hope this mess blows over without too much harm done. Let's just wait and see how it all plays out.

Oldies




Apparently, sources say ".... as tempers simmered, nothing got worked out, and an abrupt ending was had".
Top Diva





Oldies you are on point.

Top Diva, nothing could be further from the truth. Sheesh !

[topdiva1]

Oldies you are on point.

Top Diva, nothing could be further from the truth. Sheesh !


If they are so agreeable - why was he fired from the group - and that's the truth.

[paladin]

I don't understand your comment and really could care less, your source obviously originates with Ms. Cleo. Furthermore I did not say anyone was "agreeable", only that your commentary was as far from the truth as China is to New York.

[jobeterob]

I strongly dislike Motown group politics too; it pervades all of them and I'm happy to see it is not a Supreme disease.

This man fairly clearly was a hugely talented singer filling big shoes; it was amazing he managed so well, very much like it was amazing Jean Terrell pulled it off.

And then the crap starts hitting the fan. This is why so much of the public starts to say things like "do these guys not understand there comes a time when it is time to hang up the shingle?"

[topdiva1]

I don't understand your comment and really could care less, your source obviously originates with Ms. Cleo. Furthermore I did not say anyone was "agreeable", only that your commentary was as far from the truth as China is to New York.

So my friend what is closer to the truth - say as Manhattan is to Brooklyn.

[paladin]

Heres a lil sumthin, sumthin for ya Ms. Manhattan........not from Ms. Cleo.....






https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/505411/16bbe0c7a727f645afdd977f1a26b0be/image/jpeghttps://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/505411/e4b2b9a867ecbffda241d88089ed5857/image/jpeg

From the Top Down. After a recent show by the legendary Four Tops, group leader Duke Fakir fired lead singer Theo Peoples. Theo joined the group some years ago, replacing the late Levi Stubbs. Duke claimed he could not afford Theo anymore and after a two night New Year’s gig [[they hadn’t worked prior to that in almost 2 months) he told Theo that was his last gig. No warning, no notice, no nothing. We don’t know Theo personally but we hear he’s a good dude and an accomplished songwriter. Theo also spent several years with the Temptations during the late 90’s with hits such as “Stay,” “This Is My Promise” [[which he wrote) and “Selfish Reasons.” He was a member of the Tempts in 2000 when they had there first platinum CD, Phoenix Rising and the Grammy award winning Earisistable. Amazingly enough Levi Stubbs hand picked Theo to join the group upon his leaving due to health problems. Is Levi turning in his grave?




http://community.icontact.com/p/theurbanbuzz/newsletters/buzz/posts/the-urban-buzz-1-5-2011 [[http://community.icontact.com/p/theurbanbuzz/newsletters/buzz/posts/the-urban-buzz-1-5-2011)

[StuBass1]

Just follow the money [[where have I heard that before?). The present day "Tops" are NOT The Four Tops that I saw perform and interact at the NBA All Star bnaquet in Detroit in the 70's, or the "Tops" I saw in Las Vegas in the 80's WITH the legendary Levi Stubbs, any more that todays incarnatin of The Temptations resembles in any way the Tempts I saw at The Roostertail in the 60's or even the rejuvenated Tempts of the Dennis Edwards era when they had huge commercial success by going in a new direction...NOT with Dennis Edwards going out night after night singing David Ruffins parts on hits from years gone by. If Ringo Starr [[through attrition) hired three cats who played guitars and sang with British accents, went out performing The Beatles catalogue, would you really think you were seeing THE BEATLES??? Come on... I'm sure that the performers in the Tempts or Tops "nostalgia" or "tribute" acts are quite talented in their own rights [[with one original member on stage with each)...but if I'm in Vegas and "todays" Tempts or Tops are performing at one venue...and the REAL Little Anthony and The Imperials are performing across the street...I'm going for the "real deal". There is nothing wrong with acts continuing to perform with road ensembles to contuinue to bring the old great hits to old and new audiences...but if I want to hear the Tops...I have a great CD of their greatest hits with LEVI, Lawrence, Obie, AND Duke!!! Ain't nothing like the REAL THING..

[rta5225]

I know one thing, Duke better come up with a GOOD replacement fast. If these dates are still true, he better move. I don't know who he thinks he's gonna get, especially if the objective is to pay them as cheaply as you can.

The Temptations & The Four Tops Peppermill Concert Hall
West Wendover, NV January 15, 2011
Saturday 7:00 pm

Temptations & Four Tops Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Mount Pleasant, MI February 4, 2011
Friday 8:00 pm

The Temptations & The Four Tops NYCB Theatre at Westbury
Westbury, NY February 12, 2011
Saturday 8:00 pm

The Temptations & The Four Tops Bergen Performing Arts Center
Englewood, NJ February 13, 2011
Sunday 7:00 pm

[jillfoster]

Just follow the money [[where have I heard that before?). The present day "Tops" are NOT The Four Tops that I saw perform and interact at the NBA All Star bnaquet in Detroit in the 70's, or the "Tops" I saw in Las Vegas in the 80's WITH the legendary Levi Stubbs, any more that todays incarnatin of The Temptations resembles in any way the Tempts I saw at The Roostertail in the 60's or even the rejuvenated Tempts of the Dennis Edwards era when they had huge commercial success by going in a new direction...NOT with Dennis Edwards going out night after night singing David Ruffins parts on hits from years gone by. If Ringo Starr [[through attrition) hired three cats who played guitars and sang with British accents, went out performing The Beatles catalogue, would you really think you were seeing THE BEATLES??? Come on... I'm sure that the performers in the Tempts or Tops "nostalgia" or "tribute" acts are quite talented in their own rights [[with one original member on stage with each)...but if I'm in Vegas and "todays" Tempts or Tops are performing at one venue...and the REAL Little Anthony and The Imperials are performing across the street...I'm going for the "real deal". There is nothing wrong with acts continuing to perform with road ensembles to contuinue to bring the old great hits to old and new audiences...but if I want to hear the Tops...I have a great CD of their greatest hits with LEVI, Lawrence, Obie, AND Duke!!! Ain't nothing like the REAL THING..

Can I get an "AMEN".

[jobeterob]

I'll amen to that too.

I have this for a question: So, if they are following the money, is it OK for a Duke or an Otis or a Mary or a Martha, some of whom are not that well heeled, to continue "the living" and "the concerts" as Tops, Tempts, Supremes, Vandellas, because they want a certain standard of living or because they "love to perform"?

[topdiva1]

I'll amen to that too.

I have this for a question: So, if they are following the money, is it OK for a Duke or an Otis or a Mary or a Martha, some of whom are not that well heeled, to continue "the living" and "the concerts" as Tops, Tempts, Supremes, Vandellas, because they want a certain standard of living or because they "love to perform"?

I nelieve the answer is both. They have enjoyed a certain standard of living, as well as the roar of the crowd.

They are blessed.

[midnightman]

Just follow the money [[where have I heard that before?). The present day "Tops" are NOT The Four Tops that I saw perform and interact at the NBA All Star bnaquet in Detroit in the 70's, or the "Tops" I saw in Las Vegas in the 80's WITH the legendary Levi Stubbs, any more that todays incarnatin of The Temptations resembles in any way the Tempts I saw at The Roostertail in the 60's or even the rejuvenated Tempts of the Dennis Edwards era when they had huge commercial success by going in a new direction...NOT with Dennis Edwards going out night after night singing David Ruffins parts on hits from years gone by. If Ringo Starr [[through attrition) hired three cats who played guitars and sang with British accents, went out performing The Beatles catalogue, would you really think you were seeing THE BEATLES??? Come on... I'm sure that the performers in the Tempts or Tops "nostalgia" or "tribute" acts are quite talented in their own rights [[with one original member on stage with each)...but if I'm in Vegas and "todays" Tempts or Tops are performing at one venue...and the REAL Little Anthony and The Imperials are performing across the street...I'm going for the "real deal". There is nothing wrong with acts continuing to perform with road ensembles to contuinue to bring the old great hits to old and new audiences...but if I want to hear the Tops...I have a great CD of their greatest hits with LEVI, Lawrence, Obie, AND Duke!!! Ain't nothing like the REAL THING..

Right on. When I watched their "fiftieth anniversary" special, there were two of them [[and Levi on wheelchair) but already I can tell it wasn't the Four Tops. I can say the same thing about Otis and "his Temptations" and Dennis and his "Temptations". Just not the same.

That said, I wish Theo the best and it seems he was unceremoniously fired by Duke. Who knows what is going on and I'm not about to speculate any further.

[ms_m]

"I don't blame them, they wanted to hear Levi."


Whatever the outcome I’m sure people can respect and understand the brother has been through a lot, he doesn’t need to be dragged through the same old battles he started with and successfully overcame. He didn’t reach all the fans but he got more than enough to keep three other brothers and himself working for a lot of years.

Be it a casino or a fair ground, whether on the top of the charts, or not on the charts at all, a creative spirit needs to create, just as much as needing the air they breathe.

I understand fans preferring the originals over the new kids but this was never a battle of the new versus the old. The original thread started by Tsull was about a man, his music and his livelihood.

Be well Theo. Your enormous talent is very much appreciated by all your friends and fans.

Always and Forever.

[jaybs]

Another sad day in the Four Tops story, I very much liked Theo and he was chosen by LEVI STUBBS! which was good enough for me, but after Levi was not able to continue it was never the same, some people! shot me down for saying this but I still stick by it. THE FOUR TOPS were Truly Special and they were four guys who were friends for so long and the number of replacements is now a step too far for me.

I have the Good Memories, I have all the records that is THE FOUR TOPS and that is how it will now stay, I doubt the next line up will release an album and as for tours in the UK I will give them a miss and watch the many Concert DVD's I have of LEVI - OBIE - LAWRENCE - DUKE - THE FOUR TOPS!

[smark21]

Maybe Theo Peoples can go on tour with The FLOS.

[stranger56]

Wanna give props to tsull for starting this thread, and thanks to all who have supported Theo in these pages. At this point, we should probably sit back and see how it all plays out before launching any other protests. Maybe something good will come of all this, but again, the fans of Classic Soul have made their voices heard, and you all deserve praise for standing up to injustice.

God bless!

[olamaebarto]

This is very disappointing news.

Theo Peoples is one of the best singers that we have out there & he is the glue that holds that group together. Barring murder, or an eggregious act, I can't believe that Theo would ever be relieved of his duties.

It was impossible to replace Levi Stubbs & to his credit, Theo never tried to mimic Levi. I can guarantee you that if this is the case, any replacement for Theo is NOT going to go over very well. Theo is a major reason to follow The Tops & from my perspective, this move reeks of career suicide. As Tsull truthfully stated, Theo is a major reason that The Tops have been able to continue to go out there & put fans into the seats. And Stranger56 knows full well of what I speak & he knows even more about this than most of us here do.

All that I'm willing to say further is the following...

We've always been told that Theo was HAND-PICKED & APPROVED by none other than Obie & The Captain. They placed their trust in Theo to help to continue the tradition of The Tops. Now that they're gone, none of that is supposed to matter to the fans, nor the suvivors of Levi, Obie & Larry? The Four Tops legacy is also a major part of THEIR LIVES as well. And what of the fans whom painfully had to say goodbye to Levi & Obie in the past 5 years, whom have invested their emotions with following the current lineup?

And I have to believe that Theo, whom after all DID make it possible for tickets to continue to be sold, dates continue to be booked & for money to be earned...I have to believe that the man deserves FAR better than this. And having observed Theo up-close on several occasions, I can tell you that this man wasn't GIVEN a spot, Theo earned his spot the hard way.

Theo endured things which could've made a less resolute man shrivel from the spotlight. Imagine being CHOSEN by Levi, the man himself, to be his replacement. Imagine being walked out on, not because he wasn't GOOD enough, but simply because he wasn't a LIVING LEGEND, one of the most singular voices of any musical genre. Who could hope to replace Levi, a task which is simply an impossibility?

Regardless, Theo went out there & continued to pour his heart & soul out, continued to smile for those audiences, refusing to allow them to see how it must've hurt & eventually, he won over the vast majority of them. Theo is one hell of a singer & ranks up there with the best singers of the Soul era & is one of the few younger singers who brings those skills today.

Now, I've met & spoken with Spike, had a conversations with him immediately after he left The Spinners & afterward I found him to be pretty cool. I say this to say that while I believe that he's a cool brother, Theo is simply Theo, brings a completely different energy, dynamic & vocal power, that simply isn't replaced that simply, nor that easily. It was hard enough for the fans to accept the fact that Theo wasn't Levi & now that many of them have learned to accept Theo in his own right, they're now going to be expected to have to accept the replacement of a man whom WAS HAND PICKED by the legendary Levi Stubbs, as well as Obie?

Theo allowed folks to continue to put food on their tables for more than a few years & there's no way in hell that that should be forgotten so quickly, no way that it should be taken so lightly & no way that his contribution should be tossed away so cavalierly, as though it meant nothing. Theo helped put food on folks tables, money in their pockets & I'm sure for a rate not commensurate to his talent, much less his contributions.

This sounds like a knee-jerk reaction to something, what, I cannot say. But purely from a business perspective [[as regards alienating fans, vocal skills, stage persona, a hell of a voice, etc.), I simply believe that this is the wrong move, at the worst possible time. I look around & see that bookings for many of our classic Soul groups are WAY DOWN, as is attendance for many of them. From a business perspective, you don't give fans whom have enough economic decisions to make, ANY possible reason to not to want to spend their hard-earned money to come to see you perform.

Many shows HAVE NOT been selling out & several which would surprise you have been lucky to sell 1/2 to 3/4 of a house & I'm talking about some damn good groups. Man, for our generation of performers, it's gotten very rough out there & I do mean rough. Also not to be forgotten is the fact that many of the folks with the most disposable income are adults whom have grown up on Rap music & they are now hitting their "Nostalgia Phase". Consider further that in a mere 2 years, it will be 30 years since R&B groups such as New Edition first came onto the scene.

All of which makes it a bit rougher than it should be for the groups of our era, especially given their talent & lack of the need for autotune. But, that's where we are today, Jan. 3, 2011.

From speaking to several people over the years, this move could simply serve to alienate many fans, as well as to give others [[many of whom by the way, felt that The Four Tops should've ended following the passings of Levi & Obie) an excuse to finally turn the page on The Tops, once & for all.

Can you spell S-U-I-C-I-D-E?

As we used to say when we were kids playing punchball, this one is worthy of a do-over.

Yes indeed.

[olamaebarto]

Smark21 et.al...

Just consider the possibility that some of us know things that people with an ounce of brains understand that you don't post on internet forums, TMZ, or act like a Facebook whore, just so that a bunch of people who could care less can have their fill of gossip.

Let me ask you this...if you had a child or relative who was convicted of a crime, would you come here & tell us all of the sordid details because we WANTED to know?

Likewise, if you were fired from a job, would you want your friends to post in on the internet simply because we have the right to know?

More than that, some of us deal with these artists on a professional level. With that as fact, if you were us, would you slit your own throat & violate confidences, simply to satisfy the curiosities of people who really don't give a damn one way or the other?

Have you considered that by not making private details personal, that perhaps this is a situation which may be able to be salvaged? Don't we have some very famous groups whom if not for years of mouth-running & in-fighting between "well-meaning" fans, may well have been able to patch up their differences...differences, might I add, that their respective fans WON'T let them EVER forget?

Not even with the passage of 25 years or more.

Oftentimes the truth has proven to be that when you THINK that you want to know the truth, you really don't. Sometimes, the truth serves no one well.

Another reality about the truth is that even when you know the truth, you'd damn well better to prove it. Knowing & proving both contain just 7 letters [[no pun intended) but in terms of legality are often miles apart.

And many are the asses that have been singed by not understanding the difference between the two.

Yes indeed.

[juicefree20]

Smark21...

The key to your opinion about this was made clear when you said that you didn't care. I understand that you don't care & that's fine. But I always find it to be a curious thing when people here clearly state that they don't care about an artist or song, yet feel compelled to comment about things that they say that they don't care about.

I've recently passed the 7 year mark as a member here & have seen thousands of threads about topics that I really didn't care about. And since I didn't care about those threads, my name doesn't appear in those particular threads, so as not to piss on the parades of people who DO care about those threads. Why waste my energy commenting on Tiny Tim if I could care less about him & his ukelele?

Yet, there always seems to be a tendency for some whom "don't care" to toss a wet blanket on the topics of those who create these threads & the others whom obviously "DO CARE" about the subject matter. Then folks wonder why there's so many unnecessary fights & unnecessary bickering.

Could it be that no one likes anyone to marginalize, nor trivialize things that are important to THEMSELVES?

Just an observation.

[juicefree20]

To Some, if not all...

When I first walked through these doors in December [[or was it October) of 2003, my understanding was that this was a site which was created to pay HONOR & RESPECT to a musical genre, its artists & creators whom the mainstream bastardized, trivialized, plagerized & for the most part, chose to ignore, but for a select few.

For that reason, the level of indifference displayed toward many of our artists, especially those whom are jerked around [[save for the usual artists whom have been canonized because they sang for Motown) is rather disheartening.

We have a group whom contains the names Bobby, Ronnie, Pete & Claudette, whom the mainstream has decided IS NOT worthy of recognition & currently, the only way that either [[minus Ronnie obviously) will walk through those doors is if they purchase a ticket. So yes, that is a display of total indifference. Yet, in our ways, many of us Soul music "fans" are guilty of the same behavior. From what I've read & on a continual basis, at that, if some don't care about a specific artist, whatever happens to them, so be it.

This despite the fact that it is obvious that there are still thousands of people WHO DO want to see these artists, which makes that stance a level of arrogance which I personally find to be laughable.

And for those whom will say that groups having just one original member should fold up, have obviously forgotten a bit of history. By your standard, the world would've missed out on some great music by The Bluenotes, whom after all of THE ORIGINAL Bluenotes decided to pack it in, gave the group to Harold Melvin, whom went on to massive success with his iteration of The Bluenotes.

Were The O'Jays the same when they lost Massey & Isles & later Powell? How about The Dramatics, some of whose original members were nowhere in sight when they began having massive success, even enduring a major shake-up after first finding that massive success?

Do you think less of The Flamingos & The Drifters because of their line-up changes & if you're a Gospel music fan, over the years, those line-ups have changed frequently. And as musicians are an integral part of any group or artists success, does anyone here think less of James Brown because of his frequent band changes? What about Parliament-Funkadelic & their changes? And if you're a Gospel music fan of specific groups, do you have less respect for The Soul Stirrers because they had line-up changes & Sam Cooke stepped in & eventually left? Do you feel that they too should've folded their tents after all of the original singers died off?

Just curious.

[juicefree20]

And finally...

What really bugs me about the level of insensitivity, callousness & indifference whenever these topics are discussed here is two-fold & from my seat, hypocritical as hell.

There are people who often weigh in on these topics whom have been screaming about how CERTAIN artists were unjustly fired & have continued to discuss & argue about it for more than 30 years now. But when it happens to an artist that they don't care about, they somehow don't believe it to be that big of a deal.

Which makes that hypocritical as hell.

It's as though because Theo is not an original, or because people don't want to accept the fact that Duke, with the blessings of Levi, Obie & The Payton Family, has decided that he wants to soldier on. Despite what some people here seem to believe, there are A LOT of people [[much less critical in judgement) who still wants to see Duke represent The Four Tops, with Ronnie, Roquel & THEO, ALL whom were HAND-PICKED by Levi & Obie.

Why should ANYONE who still has fans & a following have to retire or quit simply because folks want them to?
Theo's only crime as regards the fans is that he's not Levi & wasn't born 20 years sooner. From being around these parts for a while, I also have come to understand that there are fans whose palates don't quite take to Gospelized stylings & that is a matter of taste.

I'm sure that everyone here who works believes that he/she has & delivers value to their respective employers. Likewise, I'm sure that everyone realizes that they ARE NOT being compensated in line with what they are producing. But just as with some employers, you work because you HAVE to work. If you're a carpenter, you damn sure can't work as a rocket scientist & if you're a laborer or an accountant, you damn sure can't get a job as a brain surgeon. You are what you are & it's not very likely that in this day & age, economic climate & job market that you're going to transition into another field that pays your current wage.

Likewise with entertainers, this is their profession, it's what they do & just as you nor I can transition quite that easily, how much more difficult is it for them, especially given their lifestyles & expenses incurred while things were going well.

But what REALLY bothers me [[especially because it seems to be so damn subjective) is that some seem to have the attitude that we're talking about 7" slabs of vinyl, or pictures on a cardboard LP cover, or some grainy celluoid clip from the distant past. Those pieces of vinyl, those celluoid images & those cardboard covers are inanimate objects, but the voices & faces that appear on them ARE NOT.

They're flesh & blood humans, with the same troubles, bills & problems which are endemic to human beings. LP covers & vinyl discs don't have feelings, don't get sick & have no financial obligations that need to be fulfilled.

The same CANNOT be said for Theo Peoples, nor anyone else whom finds themselves in such a position. And that simple truth deserves a bit more compassion, deserves more empathy, because such a thing can happen to everyone here whom is not self-employed.

Or your husbands, your wives, your kids, your siblings, or your friends.

I'm simply asking those of this mindset to consider these things & to place yourselves in the shoes of others, before so callously disregarding their plight & informing us how much you DON'T care.

Someday, it could be you.

I'm really not interested in any arguing about this, nor trying to make anyone look bad. I have no axes to grind with Duke & I support The Four Tops, whether it's Levi, Obie Larry & Duke, or whether they're Ronnie, Bobby Ricky & Duke. If those were the men that were approved by Levi, Obie & yes, Duke, then I'd support them. I would prefer that we had Levi, Larry, Obie & Duke still out there, looking young, suave & cool as they were in my youth.

But they're not & as I look in my mirror, I'm not quite as young as I used to be either. And I'm damn sure not going to let anyone tell me when to go out to pasture, nor when to drift away from the elephant herd to die, until I'm ready to do so, or when Father Time or unfortunate circumstance makes that decision for me.

All of us want to have the right to decide when WE'VE had enough, which begs one question...

Why are some of us so quick to not afford these men & women the same right that WE believe that we should have?

Can you spell H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E-S?

[olamaebarto]

Smark21...

The key to your opinion about this was made clear when you said that you didn't care. I understand that you don't care & that's fine. But I always find it to be a curious thing when people here clearly state that they don't care about an artist or song, yet feel compelled to comment about things that they say that they don't care about.

I've recently passed the 7 year mark as a member here & have seen thousands of threads about topics that I really didn't care about. And since I didn't care about those threads, my name doesn't appear in those particular threads, so as not to piss on the parades of people who DO care about those threads. Why waste my energy commenting on Tiny Tim if I could care less about him & his ukelele?

Yet, there always seems to be a tendency for some whom "don't care" to toss a wet blanket on the topics of those who create these threads & the others whom obviously "DO CARE" about the subject matter. Then folks wonder why there's so many unecessary fights & unecessary bickering.

Could it be that no one likes anyone to marginalize, nor trivialize things that are important to THEMSELVES?

Just an observation.

Well said, dear.

[olamaebarto]

And finally...

What really bugs me about the level of insensitivity, callousness & indifference whenever these topics are discussed here is two-fold & from my seat, hypocritical as hell.

There are people whom often weigh in on these topics whom for more than 30 years have been screaming about how CERTAIN artists were unjustly fired & have continued to discuss & argue about it for more than 30 years now. But when it happens to an artist that they don't care about, they somehow don't believe it to be that big of a deal.

Which makes that hypocritical as hell.

It's as though because Theo is not an original, or because people don't want to accept the fact that Duke, with the blessings of Levi, Obie & The Payton Family, have decided that he wants to soldier on, because despite what some people here seem to believe, there are A LOT of people [[much less critical in judgement) who still wants to see Duke represent The Four tops, with Ronnie, Roquel & THEO, ALL whom were HAND-PICKED by Levi & Obie.

POINT BLANK!

Theo's only crime as regards the fans is that he's not Levi & wasn't born 20 years sooner. From being around these parts for a while, I also have come to understand that there are fans whose palates don't quite take to Gospelized stylings & that is a matter of taste.


I'm sure that everyone here who works believes that he/she has & delivers value to their respective employers. Likewise, I'm sure that everyone realizes that they ARE NOT being compensated in line with what they are producing. But just as with some employers, you work because you HAVE to work. IF you're a carpenter, you damn sure can't work as a rocket scientist & if you're a laborer or an accountant, you damn sure can't get a job as a brain surgeon. You are what you are & it's not very likely that in this day & age, economic climate & job market that you're going to transition into another field that pays your current wage.

Likewise with entertainers, this is their profession, it's what they do & just as you nor I can transition quite that easily, how much more difficult is it for them, especially given their lifestyles & expenses incurred while things were going well.

But what REALLY bothers me [[especially because it seems to be so damn subjective) is that some seem to have the attitude that we're talking about 7" slabs of vinyl, or pictures on a cardboard LP cover, or some grainy celluoid clip from the distant past. Those pieces of vinyl, those celluoid images & those cardboard covers are inanimate objects, but the voices & faces that appear on them ARE NOT.

They're flesh & blood humans, with the same troubles, bills & problems with are endemic to human beings. LP covers & vinyl discs don't have feelings, don't get sick & have no financial obligations that need to be fulfilled.

The same CANNOT be said for Theo People, nor anyone else whom finds themselves in such a position. And that simple truth deserves a bit more compassion, deserves more empathy, because such a thing can happen to everyone here whom is not self-employed.

Or your husbands, your wives, your kids, your siblings, or your friends.

I'm simply asking those of this mindset to consider these things & to place yourselves in the shoes of others, before so callously disregarding their plight & informing us how much you DON'T care.

Someday, it could be you.

Bravo! Bravo! Well done!

[smark21]

Supremes fans have deservedly earned a reputation for getting caught up in the drama of the group's interpersonal relationships [[at least those aspect that have been made public) and I've noticed that fans of other groups look down on Supremes fans for such behavior. The 4 Tops have, until recently, been seemingly, a group with little to no public conflict between the members. So someone gets fired and all of sudden a few 4 Tops fans here are acting as over the top as some Supremes fans can be what with trashing Duke Fakir, taking sides, declaring when the group was really over, labeling the ousting of Peoples an "injustice" or making demands that the family members of the dead members get involved to rectify the situation. That's why I've become interested in the thread and the news--seeing fans other than Supremes fans get all angry and start lashing out. It's a nice change.


BTW, has there been an official announcement that Theo Peoples has been let go? And if he's out, who's going to be the 4th Top for the next batch of shows?

[ralpht]

Nice post, Smark. And I agree with you. I've been following this thread and the thought kept occuring to me that I had to say, "Guys, its called show business. This is nothing new. Accept it"

[smark21]

Nice post, Smark. And I agree with you. I've been following this thread and the thought kept occuring to me that I had to say, "Guys, its called show business. This is nothing new. Accept it"

Bands break up all the time. It's sad, but that's how it is. Perhaps 4 Tops fans are spoiled because the line up was stable for so many decades and the only personnel changes were due to sickness and death. Until now. Maybe one reason why the firing is not being well handled is because this is the first time something like this has occurred in the group's history?

[stranger56]

Nice post, Smark. And I agree with you. I've been following this thread and the thought kept occuring to me that I had to say, "Guys, its called show business. This is nothing new. Accept it"

Wow! Just that simple? If I didn't know better, Guys, I'd say we were just spanked by the Administrator for caring that a brother lost his job with no warning whatsoever.

See? The thing is, we weren't even talking about "show business". This thread was about a guy losing his job, his income, with no warning, in today's economy! I couldn't give a damn if he was a carpenter, electrician, or the lead singer of the Four Tops.

It was wrong. It sucks.

But hey, that's show business.

Jeez!

[juicefree20]

Smark:

In fairness, I can't see what anyone's written here as "trashing" anyone. In fact, when you compare the worst comment in tis thread to what's usually written about The Supremes, David Ruffin or Berry Gordy, the responses here are quite measured in nature.

The only thing that was said was that Theo was fired. No one gave the specifics as to why, no one got into detail. All that some WHO KNOW are saying is that it was done, perhaps in haste, perhaps without considering the past, the difficulty there was when fans realized that Levi wouldn't be returning, as well as the effect of the passings of Levi & Obie.

It took quite awhile for The Tops to recapture many of their fans & Theo won people over to where he was accepted & embraced by many of the same fans who'd previously shunned him.

That has a huge effect on their business & considering what they endured to get back on that path, why mess a successful business model?

THAT is the point.

That & the fact that there's nothing, as you put it, "melodramatic" about a man being unfairly stripped of his livelihood. And if ANYONE here is guilty of "trashing" anyone as you assert, please show us the offending words.

Perhaps you, Webster & I have different definitions for the phrase.

There's nothing here that's remotely resembling a Supremes thread. No name calling, none of that. NOTHING has been deleted from this thread, so, you should be able to find plenty of evidence here in order to substantiate your claim.

I await to read your findings.

[ralpht]

Stranger,
You're wrong. It's show business. Sometimes things work and sometimes things don't work. What took place between the Tops is their business and we shouldn't try and judge what we know nothing of. Theo is a talented dude and I'm sure he will do well with what next comes his way.

[stranger56]

Ralph,

Administrator or not...YOU'RE wrong! If I'm expected to pay to see a product, then I have a right to an opinion about it. Yes, it's a business, but it's a business that would be nothing without people like us who have to put down our hard earned dollars to put food on these guys' tables. That gives me a right to have an opinion, and no one will take that away.

And as far as judging what we know nothing of, speak for yourself, Sir. Perhaps you know nothing of this topic.

But you have no idea what I know.

[midnightman]

Another day of drama at Soulful Detroit and we're still not clear on what really happened. I'm not amused that this has spilled over. You think people can have a discussion without screaming at each other or bickering at each other.

[juicefree20]

I can't say that I see any screaming or bickering going on here. There's no name calling, no threats, no cussing or anything that should be remotely considered to be a problem. That seems to be a problem with society today. If everyone's not in total agreement, it must mean that WW III is about to erupt & here, in this thread, that certainly hasn't been the case. I see no "trashing" of anyone & am still awaiting proof of such behavior to be exposed here in this thread.

Now, what I DO see is that a person created a thread which informed fans about a situation & people who DON'T know the goings-ons are trying to tell those who DO know what's going on [[but really aren't at liberty to discuss it in any depth) how they're WRONG for discussing this situation & THAT'S wrong.

Another thing that's wrong is the stance that this is just business, so that's just the way that it is & if anyone really believes that, let me ask you the following questions...

McDonald's is also a business. If you, the consumer [[just as those who purchase tickets to concerts) don't like their practices or marketing decisions, do you just accept what they decide that they WANT to give you for your hard-earned money, or do you, the consumer tell them in no uncertain terms that since it's YOUR money, that YOU want what you want, not what they want to give you?

If you're unhappy with your cable or cell phone provider, do you simply accept the changes that THEY decide to enact, or do you as a consumer have the right to raise your voice in protest & speak up for what you want?

When your neighborhood supermarket does likewise, do you continue to shop there, do you voice your displeasure & if not satisfied take your business & YOUR money elsewhere. If you frequent a restaurant because you like a specific chef, then learn that he's been relieved of his duties, do you voice your displeasure, then if not receiving satisfaction choose to take your business elsewhere?

Isn't that what business is all about? Do you as the consumer NOT have that right, or do you simply waive your rights to choose what product you want?

With this as fact, with the bottom line for all of the above being business, INCLUDING singing groups, someone tell me exactly what makes this situation any different?

NO business is bigger than their ultimate boss, which is whom?

THE CONSUMER!

And you can bet your hat that THAT has EVERYTHING to do with business. Unhappy consumers = ZERO BUSINESS. So, for all of the reasons that went unconsidered, it is ALL about the business.

And in this thread, consumers spoke up about what they WERE willing to accept, as well as what they WEREN'T willing to accept.

We all do it when it comes to everything else, so why is this any different?

Quick answer...IT'S NOT

Think about it :)

[ralpht]

Juice,
You make good points, as always, but the fact remains that a business move was made for whatever reason. Fans may disagree with the decision but that takes us back to square one in that we don't know the entire story. And whose to say that in the end all parties involved make out for the better? Like I said old pal...Show business.

[tsull1]

Thanks juice for the spot-on posts.

I think listeners will determine what a group is, not someone telling us that if Ringo Starr toured as The Beatles they wouldn't be The Beatles. They might be, but I doubt it. It depends on who would buy the tickets. Jagger could probably dump half or more of The Rolling Stones and they'd still be called The Rolling Stones.

Being a Beatles fan, I know their history and when McCartney left there was talk of adding Billy Preston and just going on as The Beatles like that with perhaps Lennon playing bass or getting another bass player. McCartney was even OK with it, but the group eventually decided they didn't want to do it. If Harrison and/or Lennon [[just one of the two) were alive today and decided to re-unite with Starr and get one other guitar player and call themselves The Beatles, they'd be The Beatles. If Starr opted out, they'd still be The Beatles.

I've seen The Beach Boys play numerous times in numerous lineups. Saw them with Brian Wilson and without. Saw them before Dennis and Carl died, and after Dennis died. [[Now it's a circus with Love's group and Jardine's group.) But there was Love, Jardine, Brian Johnston, and they played Beach Boys music.

So I'll take my Tops as I want to. My first concert was without Levi and as I noted here with Theo, who won me over as the night went on. I wanted to see the living legend Levi, but it didn't happen. But THE FOUR TOPS still delivered the concert, didn't they?

Which brings me to The Spinners, who many fans only consider the group during the Phillippe Wynne years. REALLY? He was there like 7 years at the most -- a glorious seven years, yes. John Edwards was given the freaking Theo treatment when he first replaced Wynne, boos raining down [[boy, soul fans are a tough bunch!), but John hung in there for 18 f--king years -- is that enough for people? Maybe he should've gone for 25, perhaps THEN would they be considered the REAL Spinners. Interesting how Wynne [[who at times was a tough teammate in the group) is given a free pass. They didn't boo him because he replaced Cameron. See, we can play this game all day. We can pick and choose who are the real groups and who are not. Damn straight Jean Terrell was a real Supreme, otherwise I'm not grooving to "Stoned Love" and "Up the Ladder" and those great duets with The Four Tops, right? To me they're The Supremes and Jean IS A Supreme. No grudge for me, I'm a Diana Ross fan, too.

To me some of the original Four Tops stuff wasn't that great, like "Catfish" which makes me ill. Some of those later albums -- with the original four -- sucked. Is that the REAL group or not? Sure doesn't sound like HDH to me.

Somehow heavy metal, rock, and country groups accept changes, while soul fans have oh so tough standards and aren't afraid to boo the replacements. Count me out of that garbage, sorry.

As for this latest incident, I hope Theo returns. Why? Because I love seeing him perform for The Four Tops -- the real Four Tops in my book.

[midnightman]

Lol ok maybe not screaming/bickering, but it seems this forum can't go anywhere without an argument at least lol :)

[juicefree20]

Moe, Tsull, Stranger56, Paladin, Des, Tallone, Rod_Rick, Luke, Ola Mae & Ralph...

I wasn't trying to overlook you, I just wanted to retain my train of thought. But I want you all to know that I appreciate your thoughts & kind words. I just want to thank all of you for understanding where I'm coming from, as well as the spirit in which my words were meant.

For my part, I just want to see all of our artists respected & treated right. You have to understand where I've been & what I've witnessed over the last 7 years.

I stood side-by-side with Levi, Duke & Obie with the 2 men, Ronnie & Theo, that they ALL selected to continue in their tradition, damn what some fans may feel. The choice that they made were their choices & they made them.

I stood there in The Sands when they paid tribute to Levi Stubbs & I saw the tears in Levi's eyes as he sat there, leaning forward in his seat & rooting Theo on, as though he was tying to send all of his spirit & energy to Theo. I'll never forget that night, nor how the hair stood up on the back of my neck, nor the energy that was in The Sands that night.

I didn't see it 3 months later through my tv set. I was there & witnessed ALL of it, both on-screen & off. I heard Levi, his family & more than that, the fans & production staffers, all of whom were blown away by Theo & ESPECIALLY Levi, who had nothing but great things, as well as his approval of Theo. He felt that he was leaving The Four Tops in capable hands.

The next day, I stood with Obie, Louvain & Theo as they spoke highly of him & Theo was embarassed to hear them speak about him in such glowing terms. Little did we know then that a mere 3 months later that Obie would be gone. That day in March, I also observed the way that Theo interacted with the fans who approached him, as well as the platitudes that they heaped upon him. Platitudes that he accepted with a great deal of grace & modesty.

As a photographer, I'm always moving & as such, I hear what people are saying & know what they're feeling. I'm just a photographer & no one tried to hide their opinion because the photographer is standing nearby. I see & hear things in that crowd that you don't hear from the stage. And what I've heard has been overwhelmingly positive. Understand that I don't see or correspond with them as I do with artists in my area, but we have a pleasant rapport.

When all is said & done, Theo is a hell of a performer whom has earned his props.

It's not his fault that he wasn't there when we were kids, before some of us went bald or had the need for a little blue pill. They've grown older & so have we. That doesn't mean that anyone has the right to tell us that we shouldn't be doing what we love to do, now does it? Nor does it mean that their fans, of whom they have many have no right to voice their opinions, a right that as fans, they have & as supporters, have earned.

I find it quite strange how that part of the equation some goes overlooked so often :)

[juicefree20]

Midnight Man

TOUCHE'

I understand where you're coming from. But honestly, you have to admit that as debates go, this has been one of the most respexctable threads of disagreement & very civil in tone! And to be respected is the fact that not ONE Supreme, nor FLOS has been harmed in this thread!

Which makes any mention of either entity in this particular thread a bit displaced!!!

[midnightman]

^ Hahaha yeah true. Least this AIN'T like a Supremes thread. Not to mention, you're kicking butt with all of those essays breaking it down! LMAO! :)

[StuBass1]

"Follow The Money" = Economics...

This topic seems to have taken on a life of it's own, although I don't get in on too many topics these days. I am quite certain that the overwhlming majority of the participants on this thread have a good understanding of the principals of economics...however, perhaps it should be adressed just quite how they apply here...

If the present day "Four Tops" [[and I have already given my feelings on that topic), believe that it will be beneficial for the entire operation to replace a certain performer or employee [[for economic or other reasons), it will ultimately be up to the CONSUMER to decide the wisdom of the ultimate outcome [[in their attendance and/or recording sales). Sometimes...leaving aside folks personal feelings, that losing one situation leads to opportunity in another situation...and in the meantime...the performer [[in this case) who loses HIS position becomes an opportunity for ANOTHER performer to showcase his or her talents. I...like most of you most likely have at some time become better off after losing a position we had become comfortable in. For those who don't like it it's the old "Golden Rule"..."He who has the gold [[or the naming rights)...makes the rules". Sentimentality aside...it's all about business...and anyone who thinks it isn't needs to come up with some contractual "cheese" to keep things the way they wish it would be. I'm sure it's a tough go in this economic AND cultural environment for some of these artists and groups...original or nostalgia, to get their "fair share" of the entertainment dollar...but they will get paid what the market will bear, and hopefully better economic times will free up some more cash for personal and leisure spending.

[jaybs]

I disagree Ralph, Yes the Original FOUR TOPS were Truly Talented in their own right, but it is many of us most loyal fans that helped them reach the level they did and even more so here in the UK! Yes when Lawrence sadly passed away he had to be replaced and perhaps so the same with Obie, but the loss of LEVI was enormous and even though I respect and really like Theo the group was never the same, so I feel we do have the rights to express our opinions!

Market Forces someone discussed earlier, then Yes many of us now will vote with our feet and no longer support what will no longer be The Four Tops, as I said before we have OUR MEMORIES & NO ONE CAN TAKE THE MANY SUPERB ALBUMS AWAY THEY RELEASED AWAY FROM US!

[sophisticated_soul]

But honestly, you have to admit that as debates go, this has been one of the most respexctable threads of disagreement & very civil in tone!

It has been. The thread is passionate, angry sometimes. But the anger is generally directed at the issue - a current, unfolding event. The majority of the posts here are aimed at the event, not at the other posters. This is the reverse of what I see in the threads that I consider screaming and bickering. However, on any thread, someone choosing to post that they don’t care about the thread subject matter or that they are not interested in the thread subject matter should not be surprised if they are rebuffed.

[ralpht]

Stranger,
I'm not professing to know what you know. I'm not clarivoyant. But I HAVE been in the entertainment business for about 60 years and feel comfortable calling a few things as I see them, based on all those years of experience. I can remember when Arthur Godfrey fired heartthrob singer Julias LaRosa from his TV show. The outcry from fans was tremendous in support of LaRosa and predictions were made that Godfrey went too far and would sacrifice his show. That didn't happen and his show remained popular on the tube for a number of years further while LaRosa went on to have himself a solo career. When I was a musician on the road, I ran into him somewhere in Canada and we discussed this and he laughed about it.. Stubass summed things up rather well I think.

[luke]

Juice you said it all about people starting things by commenting on stuff they have no interest in. Your post should be enshrined here and read and re-read. And thank God there out outcries about things like this! Passion needs to be expressed. Isn't that why Soulful Detroit started?

[stranger56]

....we shouldn't try and judge what we know nothing of.

Ralph, this is the quote that I have a problem with. It seems to assume none of us here know anything about what went on. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As for the Godfrey/LaRosa incident, I'm also familiar with it. Let me ask you. Do you think the fans were wrong for crying out on support of LaRosa? If not, then why don't we have the same rights as they did? I'm not saying that everything won't work out in the long run, as it did for Godfrey and LaRosa...I'm not clairvoyant either.....but since you brought up a moment in history, why wouldn't we have the same right to complain that folks did back then, without being told we don't know what we're talking about?

Just curious.

[ralpht]

Stranger,
I agree with you. The fan has every right to voice an opinion and complain if there is disagreement in something. Since you remember the Godfrey incident, you must be in my age group. My condolences for that. I can remember despising Godfrey for what he did to LaRosa. My disatisfaction didn't help to change things and it all worked out in the end for all involved.

[stranger56]

Sounds like we're just about on the same page now, Ralph. Sometimes our voices can effect a change, and sometimes they can't. But, I'm sure you'd agree that the worst scenario would be to stop trying at all. This has been a lively debate...I've enjoyed it. Now, I will go back into my shell for awhile, and see how this show business thing plays out.

Be well, All.

[ralpht]

Stranger,
Don't stay in the shell too long. I've enjoyed the debate.

[traciewillis2000]

If this story about Theo being let go by Duke is true it is truly a sad day in Four Tops history and the end of the line for me as a fan. After seeing Levi, Obie, Duke and Lawrence for many years I never thought they could continue with replacements. However when Lawrence passed and the other three guys were careful in selecting an incredible talent in Theo I felt it wasn't their fault a fellow member passed and they should be forced to stop because of this. Then when Levi became ill and the true voice of the group was gone I wondered as great as Theo is would people accept a different voice singing lead and I sat there many times when people walked out because he wasn't Levi. Yet through all this Theo showed great poise and grace in accepting that it wasn't that he wasn't great himself but it was that he was replacing a legend that caused those people to leave and didn't let it get to him. In the years since he has become the voice of the Tops especially to those who never saw Levi live. I also accepted Ronnie cause Duke, Levi and Obie approved and of course supported Roquel because he was Lawrences son and because in all cases replacements were made because of death or illness and kept the family spirit of the group. However if Duke now thinks he's gonna do whatever he wants and just throw out the guy who has carried the group and been loyal to him he can do it but I for one will not support him or the Tops anymore. Best wishes to you Theo Peoples.

[tsull1]

Tracie, I'm right there with you. Now if The Tops are with The Tempts or Spinners or someone else in a double-header concert, I'll go, even without Theo. But if Theo is sacked permanently, I won't attend a Four Tops concert with just the group. I'll be done with them. People can say what they want about my [[bad) attitude and that they're not the same group anyway, so be it.

I greatly enjoyed the four Four Tops shows I've seen with Theo and believed he was carrying the group. He really made the concert for me.

I don't know all the politics here, but sometimes you just have to come to your senses and right all wrongs. If not? I'm done with them ... sorry.

[moe]

I've said what I wanted to earlier......
BUT......I couldn't stop laughing at the comment you, Ralph made about Julius LaRosa and Arthur Godfrey. I'm not sure how many of our SDF members remember either one of them. You're a relic, Ralph..........LOL!!

Hi Juice!!

[bjmingo]

I only went to see Theo perform. This is the end of the line for me, also.
Maybe, Duke is depending on the gambling at the St Regis Hotel. I believe Duke is part of the investments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvbJcJsetBk

[stephanie]

I was not around then but I DO remember the Julius LaRosa and Arthur Godfrey tension. I discovered him as a child singing on the Jerry Lewis Telethons and watched ever year to see him sing and did research and that is when I found out. Shame on Godfrey but it didnt hurt him but what it did bring out was how mean he was behind the scenes.

[ralpht]

Moe,
Me, a relic? Yeah I guess you called that one.

[ralpht]

Yeah, Steph. Godfrey took a ton of heat over that one. But in the end, all concerned came out okay.

[traciewillis2000]

I was wondering have The Tops performed since this announcement about Theo was made? If so can someone confirm if sadly he is in fact gone from the group and if so who replaced him? Thanks in advance.

[juicefree20]

What's up Moe?!?

[marv2]

I met Theo back not long after he joined the Four Tops. What some may not know or recall is that he initially came in as a replacement for Lawrence Peyton. When I met him, Levi was still the lead singer. What impressed me was that Theo was a geniunely nice guy and that he was very close to my age [[which immediately let know the great range in age and experience between him and those old war-horses Levi, Obie and Duke! LOL!)


I said to Theo "man, y'all were great!" and he was ecstatic to hear that, unlike most music stars. He appeared almost nervous like wanting to be accepted as a part of the group. He was doing background harmony at that point. He gave the group a more youthful vibe and appearance.

I am sorry he is no longer with the group. I am not sure if he should join another established music group or if he should just go solo. I think I would like to see Theo form his own original group and continue on a lead singer.

[tsull1]

Thanks for the post, Marv. If he's indeed gone, so am I with The Four Tops. All reports here have complimented Mr. Peoples on his class and friendliness.

I hope he finds some solo projects or with a group. He's too talented to fade away. He needs to find a great producer and make this a go. He has the talent, stage presence, polish, looks, etc., to make this a strong go. Four Tops loss, perhaps and hopefully Theo's gain.

[topdiva1]

I was wondering have The Tops performed since this announcement about Theo was made? If so can someone confirm if sadly he is in fact gone from the group and if so who replaced him? Thanks in advance.

Yes - who will replace him - surely they have someone in training. Will it be someone known or unknown - any guesses?

[stranger56]

As I mentioned earlier, the gentleman's name is Spike Bonhart, formerly of the Spinners. The group is just coming off a cruise, where Spike sang lead, and they have a gig scheduled tomorrow, and all indications are that Spike will be with them there.

After that, there is a break for a couple of weeks so who knows? It's possible that they can all mend their fences before the February gigs, but for right now, their lead singer's name is Spike.

He was recently let go by The Spinners for "not being a team player", so we'll see if this is a long term solution, or just a short term problem.

[arrr&bee]

tracie, i'm right there with you. Now if the tops are with the tempts or spinners or someone else in a double-header concert, i'll go, even without theo. But if theo is sacked permanently, i won't attend a four tops concert with just the group. I'll be done with them. People can say what they want about my [[bad) attitude and that they're not the same group anyway, so be it.

I greatly enjoyed the four four tops shows i've seen with theo and believed he was carrying the group. He really made the concert for me.

I don't know all the politics here, but sometimes you just have to come to your senses and right all wrongs. If not? I'm done with them ... Sorry.they stopped being the same group when-levi-obie and lawrence passed.

[rod_rick]

Theo would be a good fit for the Spinners vocally. Just a thought. I just wish him well on whatever direction his talent takes him.

[juicefree20]

This site has a few nice clips of Theo, including one with 'The Queen Of Soul'...

http://raggedy-soundofsoul.blogspot.com/2011/01/theo-peoples-special.html

Theo is a bad, BAD boy!

[traciewillis2000]

Thanks stranger56 for the update. What a downer! As I recall that guy Spike didn't even sing lead with the Spinners did he? I thought he was the tenor? Well like I said if this holds up I won't support them anymore and enjoy my Cd's and Dvd's. Luckily I have the classic Dvd's to relive the days of when I saw Levi Obie, Duke and Lawrence together many times in concert and the Stardust video from a few years to enjoy the times I saw Theo leading the group.

I tell ya what if I was Dennis Edwards and his management I'd consider contacting Theo. Imagine a Temps Review with Dennis, Theo, David Sea, Paul Williams Jr and if they added say Glenn Leonard for a fifth member with this year being the Temps 50th anniversary. That combo would make Duke and Otis groups look like imitations. Theo would add the voice of Stay and This is my Promise and they could even add a Four Tops medley to the show.

[juicefree20]

Tracie...

The problem with such a scenario is that it would put Chris & Mike into the same situation that we're complaining about, not to mention Dennis doing what we're disagreeing with & that would be problematic & would render every protestation in this thread hypocritical.

Just as with Theo, Chris Arnold [[high tenor) & Mike Patillo [[bass) have been with Dennis through good times & difficult times. With Dennis being a loyal person, I wouldn't imagine that he'd treat Chris nor Mike in such a manner. For him to do so, would be doing the same thing to these two men, that was done to Theo. And most of us here feel that what happened to Theo was wrong.

Also to be considered is the fact that Glenn is doing his own thing now.

[tsull1]

Theo would fit The Spinners, but they have a truly outstanding lead in Charlton Washington, who is fantastic. For those who say they're not the same group since Phillippe left, B.S., Charlton [[and Mr. Edwards, and Mr. Cameron, who also sang lead with the group ... Frank Washington not so much, IMO), have all been more than capable replacements.

I wish Theo well and hope he finds a better path, though I'll miss him in the group. I think he needs to go out on his own.

[traciewillis2000]

juicefree

I don't know the workings of Dennis group if your right then I agree with you. I only said it cause The Review has had many people come in and out through the years so I'm not sure how stable they are. I know David Sea has been in and out cause at one time Greg Finley was in his place. and I've seen Bernard Gibson, Ali Woodson, and Paul Williams Jr replace each other multiple times. I've also seen Chris replaced by both Steve Harris and Damon Harris at times. Even though I believe a few years back Damon only came in temporary because Chris was ill and Bernard and Paul rotated with Ali because of either Ali solo appearances or illness.

[ms_m]

Initial reports are saying Spike did a very good job on the cruise and even sounded like Levi. Apparently he is known for mimicking singers. The biggest complaint from the audience was the absence of a band, they used tracks.

I'll be checking them out in a few weeks and will give a complete [[unbiased:p) review. Seriously though, I'm willing to listen objectively.

Whatever my personal feelings are on this subject, I'm happy there are people still working. Many members in this entourage I've known for almost 30 years. Their happiness and financial security is important to me.

All my best and love to Theo, Daphne and his entire family. I wish them well in whatever they do.

[bjmingo]

Here it is in writing, Theo is Out!!! I think he is a genius at music.
:confused:
:mad:
http://raggedy-soundofsoul.blogspot.com/2011/01/theo-peoples-special.html

[marv2]

I've been thinking. Theo should get with one of these new, hot, young female vocalists and do a "power ballard" to get his name out there individually.

[tsull1]

I've been thinking. Theo should get with one of these new, hot, young female vocalists and do a "power ballard" to get his name out there individually.

Great point, Marv. I'd like to see Theo make a name for himself out there. I consider him the top soul singer out there today ... clarification, not the greatest living soul singer, those would be Russell Thompkins Jr., Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Bobbie Smith, etc. But I think Theo has the strongest voice out there in soul music today.

Perhaps this is a win-win for Theo. He did his part with The Four Tops and did it extremely well. I think his talents might extend beyond the casino circuit. Teamming up with a great female singer is a fabulous idea, and in turn, perhaps he could be an opening act for some big time groups.

I wish him well and thank him for the great concert memories.

[sophisticated_soul]

Okay, the decision is final. So be it. Life goes on. I wish Theo the very best in his new endeavors. My fondest hope is that one day he will look back on this difficult moment as something that changed his career for the better. Power to the Peoples. Theoplis Peoples that is.:)

[marv2]

Theo Peoples was born Theopolis Peoples, III . Thank you! hehehehehehe........

[ms_m]

Marv, his name is Theoplis
not Theopolis

[theboyfromxtown]

Soph

I feel that way too. I wish them all the best and thank them for doing what they did.

[Kamasu_Jr]

Marv, his name is Theoplis
not Theopolis
Score one for Ms. M; Some think they know everything, but they don't. lol

[ms_m]

Hi Kam, it's good to see you. Hope the fam is well.

I wasn't trying to score any points but correct the spelling of Theo's actual name.

If it's all the same to you, I'd rather stay out of the middle of a pie fight and this goes to anyone reading this so please, don't use this to throw back at Kam either.

Thanks:)

[marv2]

Thanks ms_m. I've seen it spelled Theopolis and also Theoplis.

[marv2]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_Peoples

and then there is:

http://www.theothe3rd.com/biography.htm

[ms_m]

You're welcome. I've seen it misspelled as well and if possible I try to correct it. Unfortunately that's not possible on many sites but since it was possible in this case, I spoke up.

I will admit to having an advantage though, I did his original website [[which has transformed somewhat since the initial site went up) So I can assure you, my spelling is correct.:)

I'm sure it's not a big deal to some but as a general rule people like to see their name spelled correctly although these things don't always pan out. shrugs

[marv2]

You're welcome. I've seen it misspelled as well and if possible I try to correct it. Unfortunately that's not possible on many sites but since it was possible in this case, I spoke up.

I will admit to having an advantage though, I did his original website [[which has transformed somewhat since the initial site went up) So I can assure you, my spelling is correct.:)

I'm sure it's not a big deal to some but as a general rule people like to see their name spelled correctly although these things don't always pan out. shrugs

That is great. You sound like a very talented woman. Do you still do Web mastering? [[ I don't know if that is the correct term?)

[ms_m]

Do you still do Web mastering?

Rather complicated question Marv. I happened into it by default I guess you could say and one site lead to another since all the folks knew each other. LOL

I've pretty much sworn off although I do have two in the works, one for Spyder and another for Tobi Benson Walker, after that I hope to be done with it. LOL

I enjoy creating them but they are labor intensive and I'm not great with code which makes the job twice as hard for me as someone who is.

If you or anyone is looking for a web designer I can recommend one for you though, Ron Tyson's webmaster is awesome. [[although she will probably kill me for throwing more work her way....hahahaha)

[marv2]

Rather complicated question Marv. I happened into it by default I guess you could say and one site lead to another since all the folks knew each other. LOL

I've pretty much sworn off although I do have two in the works, one for Spyder and another for Tobi Benson Walker, after that I hope to be done with it. LOL

I enjoy creating them but they are labor intensive and I'm not great with code which makes the job twice as hard for me as someone who is.

If you or anyone is looking for a web designer I can recommend one for you though, Ron Tyson's webmaster is awesome. [[although she will probably kill me for throwing more work her way....hahahaha)

My brother Matt is a webmaster but it's all Fortune 500 , corporate stuff. I was thinking along the lines of more sites for entertainers that need help.

[ms_m]

If you know of anyone looking, hit me up on SDF email and I can have Tyson's webmaster reach out to you and or them.

After I finish these last two my plan is to hang it up. It takes me away from other areas of the biz I prefer concentrating on. I allowed myself to wear too many hats at one point and it was too stressful for me to continue being a one person record company. I enjoy web design but it's not where my real passion lies when it comes to this biz we call show.:)

[marv2]

If you know of anyone looking, hit me up on SDF email and I can have Tyson's webmaster reach out to you and or them.

After I finish these last two my plan is to hang it up. It takes me away from other areas of the biz I prefer concentrating on. I allowed myself to wear too many hats at one point and it was too stressful for me to continue being a one person record company. I enjoy web design but it's not where my real passion lies when it comes to this biz we call show.:)


I understand and I will do that. Thank you Ms. M.