Al Green show shorter than expected, No complaints from concertgoers

By Timothy Cox

For Westminster Patch

BALTIMORE, MD -- The Rev. Al Green’s suburban Baltimore concert was about a half-hour shorter than his scheduled 90-minute show.
But during impromptu surveys, after the show – nearly 100-percent of the attendees were more than satisfied, and offered no angst about the Rev. Al's brief performance.
On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, the Bethea's of Baltimore, were part of the 4,000-capacity crowd who filled the seats at the HALL at Live Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland, who said they really enjoyed themselves.
Cathy “Dinah” Bethea, who attended the show with her husband of 43 years, Michael Bethea, was one of the lucky ladies who was given a traditional red rose, as Green has delivered since the early 1970s.
“After all, he didn’t have to come here,” said Mrs. Bethea. “We were just happy to see him,” she said.
Brief show or not, the Forest City, Arkansas native delivered what the people came for – extraordinarily soulful vocals that’s garnered him Rock and Roll Hall of Fame status (1995).
His setlist included “Take Me To The River,” “Let’s Stay Together,” the Bee-Gees-penned “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart,” "Still In Love With You,” his break-through 1971 debut hit, "So Tired of Being Alone" and the Kris Kristofferson-composed "For The Good Times."
He sprinkled conversation with audience members in between tunes. And during a mid-point of the show, he sang odes to Motown with “Sugar Pie Honeybunch,” and "My Girl;" an ode to Tommy Bell and Philly Soul via “You Are Everything and Everything is You,” and an ode to his Memphis mentor, Otis Redding, via “I Been Loving You Too Long.”
The odes were short snippets, but oh so sweet and immediately evoked fun-filled crowd response and sing-alongs.
Backed by a full-sound rhythm section, the players included a three-piece horn section and a soothing three-member backup vocals – ala Isaac Hayes’ Hot Buttered Soul troupe.
One observer named Cheryl the Pearl of southeast Washington, DC, said she thought the Rev. appeared to have experienced some discomfort at one point in the show. "Seems he grimaced with what appeared to be pain," she said. He did complained about aching knees. "He looked out of breath at one point," she said.
After all the man is no spring chicken and it's just amazing that he's still doing his "old music thang," ala Anthony Hamilton.
Green completed the gig with his signature tune, "Let's Stay Together," waved to his audience - and without fanfare, slowly walked off the stage - with not one request for an encore. It was as if the audience sensed that the man had given his all and showtime was over. Plus, given the general age group of the audience, they were probably ready to go home too!
A Columbia, Maryland couple known as "Brother" Rodney Moore, 67 and longtime wife, Diona aka "Mary Elizabeth," said they loved the show, but were unhappy with security treatment.
"We were two-stepping in the aisle and some tall security guy made us stop," said Mr. Moore. "We weren't blocking anyone's view because we were in the aisle. I spent 500 dollars for these two tickets," Mr. Moore said. "Still, to me, the show was spiritual," said Mr. Moore, referring to Green's performance of his gospel-flavored crossover hit, "He's Coming Back." We love Al Green," he added. "He's a living legend."
One hilarious moment occurred when the singer delivered roses to audience members on three occasions during his show.
One gentleman approached the stage all three times, but Rev. Al ignored him every time. You'd have to assume the guy was probably trying to secure a rose for his wife or significant other, but Rev. Al wasn't feeling it. So therefore, No visible woman. No rose gift.
Overall, the performance was historic. But based on his excessive weight gain, the legend was forced to sit on a stool for a good bit of his show. Of course, he's no longer the svelte sex symbol of 1974 - but, then again, who is? And his senior-citizen audience could relate, and obviously approved of his effort - especially for someone born on April 13, 1946, making him 79-years-old.
So, keep on rockin' and rollin' Reverend Al, whose birth name happens to be Albert Leornes Greene. He deleted the final "e" on his surname for professional reasons.

(ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Timothy Cox is a longtime journalist and professional musician. He's worked in gospel and secular bands in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Augusta, Ga. and is currently with the Westminster Municipal Band. He can be reached at teacawks2@gmail.com.)