How long is a Commodores concert?

The Commodores are an American funk/soul band that formed in 1968. They achieved great commercial success throughout the 1970s and early 1980s with hit songs like “Brick House”, “Easy”, and “Three Times a Lady.” The band’s legendary live performances were known for high energy and audience interaction that kept fans engaged from start to finish. But exactly how long were their concerts? Let’s take a closer look at the typical length of a Commodores show over the decades.

Concert Length in the 1970s

The Commodores rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit albums and singles. During this decade, their concerts usually lasted between 60-90 minutes. They were the opening act for other major artists in the early years, so their sets were on the shorter side, around 60 minutes.

As headliners later in the decade, their shows expanded to 75-90 minutes. They played their big hits along with covers, improvisations, and extended jams during their peak popularity in the late 1970s. Audiences could expect a high energy 90 minute set as the Commodores toured behind hit albums like “Natural High” and “Midnight Magic.”

Setlist for a 1975 Opening Act Set

– Machine Gun (Instrumental Jam) – 10 minutes
– The Bump – 5 minutes
– Slippery When Wet – 8 minutes
– This is Your Life – 5 minutes
– Brick House – 7 minutes
– Too Hot ta Trot – 7 minutes
– Just to Be Close to You – 7 minutes
– Easy – 6 minutes
– Total Time: About 60 minutes

Setlist for a 1979 Headline Show

– Too Hot ta Trot – 8 minutes
– Slippery When Wet – 12 minutes
– This is Your Life – 10 minutes
– Brick House – 15 minutes
– Machine Gun (Instrumental Jam) – 12 minutes
– Natural High – 8 minutes
– Three Times a Lady – 5 minutes
– Still – 7 minutes
– Easy – 10 minutes
– Encore:
– Sail On – 5 minutes
– Total Time: About 90 minutes

Concert Length in the 1980s

As the 1980s arrived, the Commodores shortened their shows back to 60-75 minutes. This was partly due to changing tastes as funk declined and more electronic pop rose in prominence. Some key members also left the group, leading to a scaled back stage show.

When they served as opening acts in the 80s, their sets dropped to just 45-60 minutes. For their own headlining concerts, they continued playing 75 minute shows highlighted by their earlier hits and big ballads. The non-stop energy of their 70s performances was replaced by a more reserved, polite mood in the 80s. Still, the Commodores remained a popular live attraction that delivered solid sets for fans.

Setlist for a 1980 Opening Act Set

– Too Hot ta Trot – 5 minutes
– Easy – 7 minutes
– Brick House – 8 minutes
– Slippery When Wet – 7 minutes
– Nightshift – 5 minutes
– Just to Be Close to You – 7 minutes
– Three Times a Lady – 5 minutes
– Still – 5 minutes
– Sail On – 5 minutes
– Total Time: About 45-50 minutes

Setlist for a 1985 Headline Show

– Nightshift – 8 minutes
– Too Hot ta Trot – 10 minutes
– Slippery When Wet – 10 minutes
– This is Your Life – 5 minutes
– Brick House – 10 minutes
– Easy – 7 minutes
– Three Times a Lady – 5 minutes
– Still – 7 minutes
– Sail On – 7 minutes
– Encore:
– Machine Gun (Instrumental Jam) – 5 minutes
– Total Time: Around 75 minutes

Concert Length in the 1990s and Beyond

The Commodores’ touring schedule slowed down in the 1990s and 2000s. When they did perform shows, their set lengths held steady at 60-75 minutes. Some concerts were dedicated to playing their Motown hits album from front to back. Other shows featured a sampling of their classic soul hits mixed with covers and new songs.

In recent years, the Commodores have stuck to tight 60 minute sets when opening for other veteran acts. As headliners, they’ve expanded to 70-75 minute performances highlighting theiressential songs and ballads. While no longer stretching out like their 70s heyday, the Commodores still deliver an enjoyable show built around non-stop hits. Fans of classic soul and funk can expect a solid concert experience from this legendary band even today.

Setlist for a 2000 Opener Set

– Too Hot ta Trot – 5 minutes
– Slippery When Wet – 5 minutes
– Brick House – 7 minutes
– Easy – 5 minutes
– Nightshift – 5 minutes
– Three Times a Lady – 5 minutes
– Still – 5 minutes
– Sail On – 5 minutes
– Machine Gun (Instrumental Jam) – 5 minutes
– Total Time: About 60 minutes

Setlist for a 2010 Headline Show

– Brick House – 8 minutes
– Slippery When Wet – 8 minutes
– This is Your Life – 5 minutes
– Too Hot ta Trot – 7 minutes
– Easy – 7 minutes
– Nightshift – 7 minutes
– Three Times a Lady – 5 minutes
– Still – 7 minutes
– Sail On – 7 minutes
– Encore:
– Machine Gun (Instrumental Jam) – 5 minutes
– Total Time: Around 70 minutes

Conclusion

In summary, the length of a Commodores concert has typically ranged from 60-90 minutes over their long career:

• 60 minute sets when opening for other acts
• 75-90 minutes as headliners in the 1970s
• 60-75 minutes as headliners from the 1980s onward

Their shows in the 1970s were the longest, fueled by their growing popularity and high energy funk approach. As tastes and lineups changed, they streamlined their concerts but still performed all their hits for adoring fans. While no longer stretching out for epic jams, the Commodores deliver solid 60-75 minute shows focused on their classic catalog. For R&B and funk fans, an evening with the Commodores promises a good time highlighted by songs like “Easy” and “Brick House” that never go out of style.