Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In an age where few artists last beyond a single social networking cycle, it’s downright remarkable that Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Righteous Brothers have endured for exactly 60 years since their debut recording, “Right On!”

And while Bobby Hatfield may no longer be physically present, fellow co-founder Bill Medley and Bucky Heard, a musical partner since 2016, made sure his essence was felt inside the gorgeously restored Genesee Theatre throughout this milestone anniversary. 

From the first few notes of “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” initially cut by Sam & Dave, it was apparent Medley’s bass-baritone is holding up respectably for his 83 years as the higher Heard, 56, simultaneously put his own impressive spin on Hatfield’s unmistakable tenor parts. 

For the next 90 minutes or so, the latest line-up of The Righteous Brothers and their eight accompanists toggled between originals and touching tributes to peers, pulled primarily from the 1960s or ’70s.

Blue-eyes soul ballads “Just Once In My Life” and “(You’re My) Soul And Inspiration” were weaved around the upbeat “Little Latin Lupe Lu” and “Rock And Roll Heaven,” the latter dedicated to all those lost along the way, including the recently departed Jimmy Buffett.

As a video screen revealed vintage clips of Hatfield, Medley gave his emotional interpretation of the classic “Unchained Melody,” plus revisited the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack smash “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” with his daughter McKenna.

Speaking of McKenna, she did a solid solo job on The Beach Boys’ “California Dreamin’” and Heard amazed during the operatic “Nessun Dorma,” which gave everyone a slice of their projects outside the group.

The iconic finale, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” found many phones capturing the moment as The Righteous Brothers beautifully recalled the radio’s most played song of the entire 21st century, yet it managed to transcend time all together as it earned a much-deserved standing ovation.

For additional information on The Righteous Brothers, visit RighteousBrothers.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Genesee Theatre include Christopher Cross (Oct. 6); Brian Setzer (Oct. 7); Celtic Thunder (Oct. 8); iLuminate (Oct. 13); Sugar Skull (Oct. 14); Bachman-Turner Overdrive (Oct. 20); Andy Grammer (Oct. 21); Black Violin (Oct. 22); 38 Special (Oct. 26); Emo Orchestra featuring Hawthorne Heights (Oct. 27); Peter Yarrow & Noel Paul Stookey (Nov. 3); Travis Tritt (Nov. 9); Tommy James And The Shondells (Nov. 11); The Return Of Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Nov. 12); Blackberry Smoke (Nov. 16); Girl Named Tom (Nov. 18); Chris Isaak (Nov. 30); Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith (Dec. 1); Classic Albums Live: Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced?” (Dec. 16) and Smokey Robinson (Dec. 29). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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