Michael Bolton Shines at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL
March 2013
By Daedrian McNaughton | Premier Guide Miami
Time, love, and tenderness—these are the elements that allow an artist to truly resonate with their audience. Over the years, Michael Bolton has mastered this alchemy, transforming from the curly-haired sensation of the ’80s into a sophisticated entertainer whose smooth vocals still captivate fans. At 60, Bolton’s voice is mellower, but his charisma remains unchecked, though recent performances have sparked mixed emotions among die-hard followers.
As a longtime admirer hailing from Jamaica, I eagerly awaited his concert at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. Having enjoyed Bolton’s shows at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, where he thrived before lively outdoor crowds, I was excited to see how he would fare indoors. Unfortunately, the energy seemed to wane during this leg of his 115-city tour.
While Bolton boasts a treasure trove of hits—anthems integral to weddings, birthdays, and every poignant moment in between—his recent performance didn’t showcase the best of his extensive catalog. The crowd craved more, especially when he broke the momentum to introduce Kelly Levesque, a talented back-up singer who attempted medleys of classic duets with Bolton. While her renditions of songs by Barbra Streisand and Cher were commendable, many fans felt robbed of precious time they longed to share with the man of the hour. “They approve, it’s a good thing,” Bolton quipped as the audience responded to Kelly, but the sentiment echoed throughout the hall: we wanted more Michael.
Bolton’s musical journey began in Connecticut, inspired by his brother’s love for blues. Even Kenny G showed up to lend support, delivering a solo guitar piece that veered into the experimental realm—something we’d politely suggest he leave to others. “It’s not that kind of show,” he joked, acknowledging his roots as a performer.
Despite the occasional distraction, the evening boasted several standout moments. Michael made multiple wardrobe changes, transitioning from suave to casual, though his team often took center stage in his absence. Among them, saxophonist Michael Lington left the audience spellbound with his rendition of “You and I,” a moment that highlighted the talent surrounding Bolton.
When he returned to the stage after a lengthy intermission for another outfit change—“Would have been here sooner, but they put my suit in Miami,” he laughed—Bolton reminded us of the passion that keeps him going. He shared heartfelt anecdotes about his early career writing songs to support his family and expressed gratitude for working with legends like Lady Gaga and Pavarotti. His tribute to the late tenor with a chilling rendition of “Nessun Dorma” was a spine-tingling highlight, reminding everyone of his vocal prowess.
By the concert’s end, frustrations faded as Bolton’s soulful voice filled the venue, leaving the audience revitalized. One of the most memorable moments occurred when he ventured into the crowd, greeting fans and serenading them with “When A Man Loves A Woman” from a secondary platform. It was a genuine connection that resonated deeply with attendees.
Finally, the evening encapsulated Michael Bolton’s storied career, featuring selections from his 17 studio albums, including Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” from the 2011 *Gems: The Duet Collection*. “I feel fortunate to have worked with amazing composers like Adele, David Foster, and Bob Dylan,” he noted, a reflection of his enduring impact on the music industry.
In retrospect, despite a few hiccups, Bolton’s performance left us satisfied, a reminder of why we fell in love with his music in the first place. The old-school crooner remains a powerhouse in entertainment, wrapping us in the timeless embrace of his melodies.