The O'Jays, Billy Paul, the Intruders: Philly Tour, Fairfield Hall, Croydon, and Hammersmith Odeon, London
Tony Cummings, Black Music, February 1974
THE GEOGRAPHICAL luck of being able to catch the Philly package twice (at Croydon's Fairfield Hall and Hammersmith's Odeon) had its disadvantages too. Large chunks of the London audience, especially at Hammersmith, seemed more into coolly looning in Oxford bags and obligatory bored expressions than showing any outward signs of enthusiasm for the artists on stage. Still, the 20 per cent who came prepared to have spirits moved duly had them moved and the finale — of both shows — showed that even sterile echoey mausoleums can't stop good or soul winning through. Both times it was touch and go though. At Croydon, the Intruders started erratically.
Total word count of piece: 749