LOS ANGELES, CA- There are moments when the past, present, and future seem to converge in one place. For the days leading up to and including the Fourth of July at the Hollywood Bowl, Earth, Wind & Fire delivered those moments.
Technically, this was not my first time seeing the band live. I caught them back in 2005 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. At the time, I had just passed the bar exam and was riding high on that post-grad freedom. To be honest, the memories of that night are hazy. The excitement of “youth” has a way of blurring details. What I do recall is a crowd that never sat down and Verdine White bouncing across the stage like a live wire. Beyond that, it’s all a little foggy.
This time, I arrived with purpose and clarity. Earth, Wind & Fire were scheduled for three Fourth of July performances at the Hollywood Bowl. They would be joined for parts of their set by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Thomas Wilkins. When I saw the announcement, I knew this was the right moment to reconnect—not just with the band, but with the feelings their music has always stirred in me.
Early in my legal career, I worked at a boutique entertainment law firm that represented Philip Bailey. I reviewed agreements for solo albums and Earth, Wind & Fire projects. I even had the chance to meet Philip briefly. He was kind, thoughtful, and exuded a quiet charisma. But I had never truly experienced the band live in a way that matched the scale of their legacy. Until now.
The show opened with a patriotic flourish. The LA Philharmonic performed a medley of American standards and military anthems honoring all branches of the armed forces. As each theme played, veterans stood to be recognized. The audience responded with warm, lasting applause. Fireworks painted the sky with red, white, and blue, setting the tone for a night of unity, gratitude, and rhythm.
Then the stage belonged to Earth, Wind & Fire. They opened with “Shining Star,” and it was like someone flipped a switch. The crowd lit up, and that unmistakable groove filled every corner of the Bowl. Verdine White, making his first appearance onstage since January 2025, joined for the opener and later re-emerged for “September.” Though bass duties were shared with Raymond McKinley throughout the night, seeing Verdine up there—even for a short stretch—added weight and joy to the occasion. His energy and wide smile remain magnetic. One moment with Verdine onstage is worth ten without.
With Philip Bailey’s vocals soaring effortlessly and Ralph Johnson grooving with the rhythm, the trio of original members led a tight, joyful set. “Sing a Song,” “After the Love Has Gone,” “Fantasy,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “That’s the Way of the World,” and “Let’s Groove” were all accounted for. The performances were polished and sincere. Earth, Wind & Fire are not a band going through the motions. They continue to pour intention and skill into every note.
The Philharmonic returned for select songs during the main set. Those tracks benefited from the added orchestral depth, with strings and brass weaving through the band’s arrangements. These moments elevated the familiar into something cinematic. Hearing those sweeping lines rise behind Philip’s falsetto gave the music a renewed sense of grandeur.
“Reasons” brought the crowd to a standstill. That song always hits with emotional force, but on this night, surrounded by families and couples and lifelong fans, it carried a special kind of resonance. People swayed in their seats, some holding hands, others wiping away tears. Earth, Wind & Fire did not just perform their catalog. They tapped into something emotional and shared. These songs are the backdrop to countless personal memories.
After an end-show interlude where the Philharmonic led another patriotic medley against a backdrop of dazzling fireworks, the band returned for a final round. The encore began with “September,” the song that everyone knew was coming but still greeted like a long-lost friend. Verdine returned to the stage, and with the first few notes, the entire Bowl turned into a joyous, synchronized choir. It was the sing-along of all sing-alongs and a reminder that some songs live outside of time. “In the Stone” followed as the final track, sending the night out on a thunderous, celebratory note.
Throughout the evening, the Hollywood Bowl felt like more than a venue. It felt like a sacred space. The music was immaculate, but the meaning behind it hit even harder. Earth, Wind & Fire’s songs have been part of my life since childhood. They have played through summer cookouts, wedding receptions, late-night drives, and lazy Sunday mornings. Hearing those songs performed live with such power made me appreciate how much joy and healing music can hold.
Seeing Philip, Ralph, and Verdine together again onstage was not just a concert highlight. It was a personal milestone. For someone who once worked behind the scenes, who combed through redlines and deal memos connected to these very musicians, it was a full-circle moment. It reminded me that music and memory are not separate lanes. They run parallel, occasionally braiding into something profound.
Earth, Wind & Fire have always delivered music with purpose. Their blend of soul, funk, jazz, and pop is genre-defying and spirit-lifting. But more than anything, they remind us what it means to be joyful, unapologetically. In an age of digital distractions and disposable trends, that kind of authenticity is priceless.
As the final notes played and the applause gave way to chatter and satisfied smiles, I felt nothing but gratitude. I was grateful for the music. Grateful for the opportunity to witness it. Grateful for the clarity of this night compared to the blur of my first show two decades ago. And above all, grateful that legends like Philip, Ralph, and Verdine are still here, still giving us everything they have.
Some concerts entertain. Others inspire. This one did both.
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LIVE CLIPS
Earth, Wind & Fire Bring Fireworks, Funk, and Full-Circle Moments to the Hollywood Bowl
