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A Night of Motown Magic: The Temptations and Four Tops Light Up Indianapolis

By Larry Philpot on April 15, 2025

On April 13, 2025, the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis transformed into a vibrant time capsule, whisking a sold-out crowd back to the golden era of Motown. The Temptations and Four Tops, two of the most iconic vocal groups in American music history, delivered a performance that was equal parts nostalgic, soulful, and electrifying. Backed by a stellar 16-piece orchestra, the evening was a masterclass in harmony, choreography, and storytelling, with each group showcasing why their legacies endure. The Four Tops set the stage ablaze first, followed by the Temptations, who capped the night with a heartwarming highlight that left the audience buzzing. At around 1,100 words, here’s a deep dive into an unforgettable night.

The Four Tops: Soulful Swagger and Timeless Hits

The evening kicked off with the Four Tops, whose infectious energy and vocal prowess immediately set a high bar. The current lineup— now without it’s last original member, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, is Lawrence Payton Jr., Ronnie McNeir, Alexander Morris, and newcomer Michael Brock—proved that the group’s signature blend of soul and polish remains as potent as ever. As the lights dimmed, the 16-piece orchestra, a magnificent ensemble of horns, strings, and percussion, swelled into a lush overture that teased the crowd with snippets of Motown classics. The stage was set for a journey, and the Four Tops didn’t waste a moment.

File Photo: Motown legends The Four Tops perform in Indianapolis on April 13, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Opening with “Baby I Need Your Loving,” the quartet glided onto the stage in sharp, tailored suits, their synchronized steps a nod to the classic Motown choreography that defined their 1960s heyday. Payton Jr., son of original member Lawrence Payton, brought a smooth tenor that shone on “Ask the Lonely,” while McNeir’s versatile vocals added depth to the bittersweet “Standing in the Shadows of Love.” Brock, the newest member, injected a fiery edge, particularly on the uptempo “It’s the Same Old Song,” which had the audience clapping along.

The orchestra elevated every note, transforming hits like “Reach Out I’ll Be There” into cinematic experiences. The horn section blared with precision, while the strings added a layer of elegance to ballads like “Bernadette.” During “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” the crowd erupted, singing every word as if it were 1965. The Four Tops’ interplay was seamless—each member traded leads and harmonies with effortless chemistry, their smiles reflecting genuine joy in performing.

The set wasn’t without minor hiccups—a brief microphone glitch during “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” momentarily disrupted the flow—but the group recovered with professionalism, leaning into their vocal strength to keep the momentum. By the time they closed with a rousing medley of “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)” and “When She Was My Girl,” the audience was on its feet, roaring for more. The Four Tops’ 55-minute set was a triumphant opener, proving that their soulful swagger and bittersweet anthems remain timeless.

The Temptations: Otis Williams and the Heart of Motown

After a brief intermission, the Temptations took the stage, and the energy in the Murat Theatre reached fever pitch. The current lineup—Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Willie Greene Jr., and Jawan M. Jackson—delivered a performance that was both a celebration of their legacy and a testament to their enduring relevance. At the center of it all was Otis Williams, the last surviving original member, whose presence carried the weight of six decades of music history. At 83, Williams moved with a graceful authority, his voice still rich and his passion for the music undimmed.

File Photo: Motown legend Otis Williams of The Temptations performs in Indianapolis on April 13, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

The 16-piece orchestra opened with a dynamic medley of Temptations hits, setting the stage for “Get Ready,” which exploded with crisp harmonies and the group’s iconic “Temptations Walk” choreography. The orchestra’s brass section punctuated the rhythm, while the percussion drove the song’s relentless groove. Songs like “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” followed, each delivered with precision and soul. Tyson’s falsetto soared on “I Wish It Would Rain,” while Weeks and Jackson traded leads on “I Can’t Get Next to You,” showcasing the group’s vocal versatility. Greene’s deep bass grounded the harmonies, particularly on the psychedelic funk of “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” which stretched into a mesmerizing jam with the orchestra in full force.

Midway through the set, Otis Williams took the microphone for a heartfelt reflection that became one of the night’s most memorable moments. He spoke about Berry Gordy, the visionary founder of Motown, who not only shaped their music but also their lives. Williams recounted how Gordy established a “Motown school” to groom young artists for adulthood, teaching them etiquette, financial literacy, and resilience in case their careers faltered. “Berry wanted us to be ready for life, not just the stage,” Williams said, his voice tinged with gratitude. He then shared four life lessons he’s carried ever since: “Never tell anyone how to vote. Never tell anyone who or how they should worship. Never tell anyone how they should spend their money. And never tell anyone who they should or shouldn’t love.” The audience erupted in applause, moved by the wisdom and humility of a man who’s seen it all.

File Photo: Motown legends The Temptations perform in Indianapolis on April 13, 2025. (Photo Credit and Copyright; Larry Philpot/SoundstagePhotography.com)

Williams’ words set the tone for the night’s emotional peak: a rendition of “My Girl” that turned into a communal celebration. In a surprise move, the Temptations invited volunteers from the audience to join them on stage. They wanted one man and one woman, but ended up with an older man, an angelvoiced woman, and a younger man, and it was fabulous. The older man didn’t wait to be chosen, he climbed from the pit onto the stage, so he went first. The orchestra struck up the familiar bassline, and each one took their turn, singing, “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day,” the volunteers were just incredibly talented. Williams conducted the chaos with a grin, encouraging the crowd to sing along. The Murat Theatre became one giant choir, with every seat empty as the audience stood, swayed, and sang. It was a moment of pure, unscripted joy, the kind only a song as universal as “My Girl” could inspire.

The set closed with “Cloud Nine” and a reprise of “My Girl,” leaving the crowd exhilarated. The Temptations’ performance was a reminder of their unparalleled catalog and their ability to connect across generations. Williams, in particular, was the heart of the show—not just for his vocals but for his role as the keeper of the flame, carrying the group forward while honoring its past.

A Night to Remember

The Temptations and Four Tops delivered a concert that was more than a nostalgic trip—it was a vibrant celebration of Motown’s enduring spirit. The Four Tops’ soulful vitality and the Temptations’ polished showmanship, both amplified by the 16-piece orchestra, created a sound that was rich, dynamic, and utterly captivating. Otis Williams’ reflections added depth, reminding us that Motown was not just about music but about life lessons and cultural breakthroughs. The “My Girl” singalong was the cherry on top, a moment of unity that encapsulated the power of these songs to bring people together.

If there was a flaw, it was that the night felt too short—fans could’ve listened to another hour of hits.