This waiting time is precious. It’s your chance to build a little memory before the main event. Grab a buddy and play a game of “Which Lionel song will he open with?” Is it going to be the smooth groove of “Easy” or the explosive joy of “Dancing on the Ceiling”?
You can also people-watch. There’s always a dad in a Hawaiian shirt who has been waiting for this night since 1985. He’s your spirit animal. Watch him slowly start to clap as the roadies finish their sound checks. He knows the schedule better than anyone.
Another pro tip: this is the perfect time to visit the restroom. Because once “Brick House” starts, you are not leaving your spot. Trust me on this. You don’t want to miss the moment the entire crowd becomes a single, joyful organism jumping to the baseline.
Setlist Secrets and Local Curfews
Here’s the little fine print that makes you feel like a backstage expert. If the concert is at an outdoor amphitheater, Lionel is usually onstage a bit earlier. These venues have stricter noise curfews, so they start closer to 8:30 PM to avoid getting a phone call from the neighbors.
Lionel Richie Time
If it’s a big city arena or a casino, he might come on a little closer to 9:15 PM or even 9:30 PM. Casinos like their guests to be comfortable and perhaps have visited the buffet first. The venue’s rhythm dictates his stride.
The magic of a Lionel Richie show is that he knows his audience. He knows you came to feel good. He knows you have a favorite song from your high school dance or your first date. He plays them all. The exact minute he starts only matters so you can tell your friends, “He was on at 8:57. It was perfect.”
