Lionel Richie

On July 23rd, Murcia’s Plaza de Toros transformed into an open‑air amphitheatre pulsating with anticipation. Though the Spanish summer pressed down, the energy was palpable—thanks to a crowd described by Richie himself as “ruidoso, sexy y dispuesto a entonar cada nota” (noisy, sexy, and eager to sing along).

A fairly minimalist setup, Richie was supported by a tight band of musicians. As have tour promoters described, this European run featured “a new production never seen before in the UK & Europe,” blending Motown‑R&B roots (dating back to The Commodores) with his solo era hits. Though not over‑the‑top, the production let Richie’s voice and charisma remain front and center.

Richie opened with crowd‑pleasers that spanned decades—Easy, All Night Long, Hello, Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, even We Are the World. While an official setlist on setlist.fm remained unreleased prior to the show, his usual runs underline a non‑stop flood of classic hits designed to keep fans dancing, reflecting his goal: “volver completamente loca a la gente desde el escenario” Richie masterfully engaged the audience, inviting sing‑alongs and even teasing a “hola” in place of Hello—holding open the possibility of Spanish‑language interplay based on earlier anecdotes from global stops.

What stood out most was Richie’s connection with his fans. The vibe was electric—the audience didn’t just watch, they participated. The singer’s description of Spain as neither laid‑back nor quiet, but “energetic and participatory,” rang true. The crowd was raucous in the best way, singing every word with him, matching his energy lift for lift.

Lionel Richie’s Murcia concert offered exactly what its name promised: a celebration of his hits wrapped in warmth, charisma, and an undeniable stage presence. At 76 years old, Richie remains a consummate performer. The energy transcended age and generation, uniting fans through timeless music and a show that trusted simplicity over spectacle.

This night in Murcia wasn’t just a concert—it was a shared experience, a festive acknowledgement that great songs and heartfelt performance still move people deeply. For anyone there, it was unforgettable; for those reading, it sounds like a gateway to pure musical joy.

This concert was part of this years series of Murcia On events. For more information and tickets for the remaining parties: Murcia On

Words and photos: Rhyan Paul