Concert Review
Tony Orlando
February 27, 2024
The Avalon Theatre @ Fallsview Casino Resort
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Back in January it was announced that Tony Orlando will retire from touring after 64 years in the business. He has headlined Vegas to numerous sellouts and played almost everywhere during his illustrious career. It was very fortunate for the fans that The Fallsview Casino Resort was selected for one of his final shows. Orlando 79, will turn 80 in April and decided the time was right for him to end with one final run of shows/ This will conclude at the Fallsview’s sister property at Mohegan Sun’s 10,000 seat arena in Uncasville, CT on March 22.
Orlando satisfied the packed house inside the Avalon Theatre with a strong near 100-minute set. Not bad for a guy almost 80 years old. Not only were the songs he is known for featured but also it was like going back into a time machine as Orlando mixed in stories around different eras of music for which he was a part of.
Those going to expect to hear songs from albums that he recorded would have been disappointed. Sure he played the usual string of hits that included “Candida/Knock Three Times”, “Say Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose” and the #1 smash “He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You)”. And lest we forget he of course played the song he is most loved for in the patriotic “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree”.
It would have been so good to hear him open with his very fitting top-10 smash “Steppin’ Out (I’m Gonna Boogie Tonight)”. Oddly enough instead of making the show all about him, it was like he was giving auditions showcasing his amazing band. He allowed each member plenty of time in the spotlight.
Orlando has stated he will continue with his radio show and continue writing in the future. He closed out his set with a batch of Beatles songs fittingly ending with “The End”. While this may be the end of his being on stage we have not heard the last from Orlando. Not by a long shot.
Orlando will play two final shows on February 28. For tickets click here
