Four Tops NEW lead singer

[ivyfield]

I didn't know Theo [[who's voice I LOVE) had left the group. So I'm just sitting at work watching the Tempts & Tops do an interview on BBC Breakfast. The Tops started to sing 'Baby I Need Your Loving' and unusually the original Motown backing track started up so I thought OH NO! Please don't lip-sync to Levi's lead. Through the first verse and chorus I thought 'This is just wrong' until I realised it wasn't Levi's voice doing lead - it's the new guy who sounds ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Very close to Levi - looks nothing like him but the sound - WOW! I'll try and post the clip - y'all really need to see and hear it! Stoned Love, Steve.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJulQ6LCgh8&feature=youtu.be

Update 30 mins later: Okay, I've just Google'd and watched the 'in concert' footage posted here with the new guy [[What's his name? He's not mentioned on the Tops official website) which is okay - but wait 'till you hear how they sounded today - in the original key too! They sounded much better than Bruce Williamson did fronting the Tempts 'My Girl' live which is also in this mornings show.
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So, looks like Theo has branched out with his own 'Review' show. Well, he is the only guy in the world who can rightfully claim to have been lead singer of both group's. Just wonder how good they are? With Theo's fantastic voice and looks, I'd pay to see them.

[jsmith]

Both of the BBC Breakfast programme's presenters are old soul fans, with the male presenter being a big Motown fan. He kept dropping quips into the interview with the Tempts [[well 2 of them, Otis & Ron) such as "I hope you sing that song about the 3rd of September, because that's one I always remember". Ivyfield is correct, the new lead singer with the Tops sounded super fine & as close to Levi as I guess it's possible for someone to get. The presenters commented on the fact that the groups had been in the studio before them [[& they are there for 5am), so the guys can't be too jet-lagged. All through the show [[which starts at 6am, with the Tops / Tempts closing out the show from 9am to 9.15) all the other 'specialist' presenters [[weather, business, sport, etc) kept commenting "I've just seen the Temptations [[or Tops), I can't believe it !!!". They did 'off air' sound checks in the studio as the time drew near for them to be on [[while VT clips were playing) & by all accounts, they had the studio staff [[& guy presenter) dancing around out of camera shot).
All in all, a great advert for both groups & their current UK tour [[with also features Tavares & the Crystals).
I guess Ronnie McNeir [[who was dressed more casually than the other guys but still looked good) will still sing lead for the Tops on some of the group's songs. What's the new guy's name & just how much of the show [[% wise) does he now handle lead vocals ?

[pj1]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17364661

[pj1]

I quickly glanced at a blog where someone mentioned that the Tops kept calling the new lead singer 'Spike'. Duke Fakir's Facebook page gives his name as Harold "Spike" Bonhart.

[marybrewster]

Makes you wonder why someone would leave the Temptations and leave the Four Tops for a "tribute" band. A bigger piece of the pie?

[soulwally]

Spike joined last year after a stint in the Spinners. Yes, he did sound pretty good. I've got to put a word in for Duke and Lawrence Jr when they joined the presenters on the couch. Duke still looks good and is a top-notch talker, while Payton came across very well, with references from both of them to his dad. Otis was pretty duded-up for 9 in the morning, while Ron had his Sunday casual stuff on.
I, too, still can't get into Bruce as the Tempts' lead singer, although the live back-up vocals were spot on.

[marv2]

So, does anyone know the formal name of Theo Peoples new group?

[ivyfield]

So, does anyone know the formal name of Theo Peoples new group?
It's T 'n T I think. Just google Theo and his website comes up with the pic.

[marv2]

It's T 'n T I think. Just google Theo and his website comes up with the pic.

Thank you. I will do that.

[ivyfield]

This is the third time I've been knocked out by replacement singers who can really sound like the original vocalist. First it was Olly Woodson, then Mark Scott [[Miracles) now this guy Spike [[Tops). I've played the clip from BBC Breakfast this morning a few times now - at the beginning it really does look like he's lip-syncing Levi. Incredible!!! [[or should that be indestructible?) I wonder if Levi ever heard this guy?

[Hotspurman]

I'm going to see The Temptations and the Four Tops with The Crystals and Tavares on 28th March at the 02. I was talking about the show to someone the other week and she said she wouldn't be going as so few of the original members were left. Whilst that is true, I'm still sure they will knock out a decent show. Am I right, or is it just my imagination?

[theboyfromxtown]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOH3Xjn94Xo

[Hotspurman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOH3Xjn94Xo

Thanks for this - I got stuck in traffic going to work so missed it in real time.

[theboyfromxtown]

I was impressed with the Tops lead singer too. Very impressed, in fact.

The link provided by PJ is much clearer than the youtube link that I posted but the latter link is longer and lasts for a good 10 minutes or so.

[marv2]

It is a bit strange, almost surreal for me watching them now because I've known these groups all of my life. I mean they were singing and performing when I was a baby and here they still are in some form. I last saw and spoke to Lawrence Peyton Sr. in 1988 and we were on the riverfront in Toledo Ohio. Otis is amazing in that he does not seemingly age. God Bless them!

[rta5225]

Wow! Thanks Ivyfield for posting that link. Spike does sound like Levi! I closed my eyes even before I saw the instructions to do so, because I just couldn't believe it! They've done a nice job with the group. I can't wait to see them again! I agree with your statement also about being blown away by replacements. I loved Ollie Woodson too. It's great when a group can pick great replacements because realistically speaking we always get attached to the originals and those of us that are music lovers of course want as much authenticity as possible.

[marv2]

It's T 'n T I think. Just google Theo and his website comes up with the pic.

I looked for Theo's website, but it looks like it's been taken down.

[marv2]

Ok I found it. It appears that Theo and his new group are going the tribute group route. They perform the biggest hits of both the Temptations and the Four Tops. Here is a video clip of them onstage.

http://www.theopeoples.net/tntvideo.htm

[jaybs]

Yes was quite impressed with the new Four Tops lead singer on BBC1 Breakfast, never missed a Four Tops tour from the age of 12, but a few years back I went and The Temps then blew them off stage, now I feel I just want the memories. The new Temptations lead I had never seen before until watching them on TV and was very disappointed.

Not impressed enough though to go along though even with The Tavaries in the line up who I have not seen live for years.

[jsmith]

I saw Tavares about 18 months back [[at the Prestatyn Weekender).
They were simply FABULOUS .... & really friendly guys to chat with as well.

[marv2]

I saw Tavares here on Long Island several years ago and they were great!

[heikki]

Hi!

An interview with Spike, when he joined the Spinners in 2003, at
http://www.soulexpress.net/deep304.htm

Also in my recent interview with Ronnie MvNeir we talk about Theo and Spike.

Best regards
Heikki

[ivyfield]

[QUOTE=heikki;99998]Hi!

Also in my recent interview with Ronnie MvNeir we talk about Theo and Spike.

Heikki - where do I find this interview? Still a novice on this site...

[heikki]

Hi Ivyfield!

You'll find Ronnie at
http://www.soulexpress.net/deep3_2011.htm

Best regards
Heikki