The Temptations and The Four Tops are back in the UK for another joint tour

29 September 2022, 09:35 | Updated: 16 November 2023, 11:09

The Temptations and The Four Tops joint tour trailer

Two groups of Motown legends are joining forces once more for a tour of back-to-back hits.

What's better than a night packed with hits from a classic Motown act? A night packed with hits from TWO classic Motown acts!

That's just what you'll get this autumn when The Temptations and The Four Tops join forces once more for another combined UK tour – one that's been rescheduled twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The two groups have toured together on a number of occasions in recent years, with their last combined UK jaunt coming in November 2018.

They're now back in the UK for a rescheduled nine-date tour starting tomorrow (September 30) in Manchester, with the final date being a massive show at London's O2 on October 11

The full tour dates are as follows:

• Friday, September 30 – Manchester, AO Arena
• Saturday, October 1 – Leeds, First Direct Arena
• Sunday, October 2 – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
• Wednesday, October 5 – Southend, Cliffs Pavillion (New Show)
• Thursday, October 6 – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
• Friday, October 7 – Bournemouth, International Centre
• Sunday, October 9 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
• Monday, October 10 – Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena
• Tuesday Oct 11 – London, The O2 Arena

Also joining the tour are special guests Odyssey. Tickets are on sale now directly from the venues, via Ticketline, or on the 24-hour ticket line 0844 888 9991.

Founding member of the Four Tops Duke Fakir said: "We are thrilled to be coming back to the UK.

"We always have such a great reception from our fans here, it always feels like home. It makes it so special to perform for the folks in Britain."

The Four Tops + The Temptations | Hitsville Honors | Motown Museum

Fakir is the sole surviving original member of The Four Tops, and aged 86 this tour will be the last he performs with the group before he retires.

The rest of the current lineup features Ronnie McNeir, Lawrence Payton Jr. and Alexander Morris.

Hits that The Four Tops will play on the tour include 'Reach Out (I'll Be There)', 'Walk Away Renee', 'Loco in Acapulco', Honey Pie Sugar', 'Standing in the Shadows of Love' and 'Bernadette'.

Another original Motown legend, founding member of The Temptations Otis Williams said: "We want to thank our fans in the UK for supporting and inspiring us over a half century.

"We look forward to celebrating our 60th Anniversary and sharing news about our new album, Temptations 60 with all of you.

"We’ve had such memorable trips to the UK, dating back to the '60s, and we can’t wait to see everyone this fall."

The Temptations - Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No ft. Smokey Robinson

Joining Otis in the current Temptations lineup are longtime members Ron Tyson and Terry Weeks, as well as newer members Anthony 'Tony' Grant and Jawan M Jackson.

Jackson is from the original cast of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical – Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, which opens in the UK on March 31, 2023 at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Songs The Temptations will play include 'Ball of Confusion', 'Get Ready', 'Could Nine', 'Treat Her Like A Lady', 'My Girl' and 'Papa Was A Rollin' Stone'.

Temptations 60 includes the lead single 'Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No', which features Smokey Robinson.