Taylor Hicks has been a source of pride for Birmingham music fans since his stint on "American Idol" in 2006. The town rose to support him during his “American Idol” run and turned out by the thousands to watch him perform during his hometown visit when he made it to the top 3 on the popular show. He sang at the Galleria Mall in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham in May 2006.
Taylor Hicks at the WorkPlay Theater
In September 2009, the national tour of the Broadway show “Grease,” in which Hicks has a role, made a stop in Birmingham. Hicks used the opportunity to play one of his famous shadow tour shows at the WorkPlay Theater in downtown Birmingham Friday and Saturday nights after the “Grease” performances.
Hicks played songs from his new album “The Distance” to a full house of fans. In his usual energetic form, he sang such fan favorites as “Seven Mile Breakdown” and “Once Upon a Lover.” The crowd echoed Hicks’ vocals and danced along with him to up-tempo beats. The audience quieted for his passionate ballad “Maybe You Should,” and showed respect during his “Nineteen,” which pays homage to American soldiers.
A revival of Hicks’ last album’s “The Runaround” got the crowd dancing, and Hicks himself showed off some of his signature moves, soliciting loud cheers from the fans.
During Friday night’s show, Hicks belted out his rendition of the Beatles’ “Don’t Let Me Down,” which would please even the most protective fans of the Beatles’ music. Both Friday night and Saturday night he performed a faster-paced version of George Harrison’s post-Beatles “My Sweet Lord.”
Hicks’ two 2-hour shows were non-stop celebrations of the music he is proud to share with his fans. The crowd left looking tired but satisfied.
After both shows Hicks stood in the lobby and signed copies of his album, t-shirts, and photos.
Taylor Hicks’ Other Hometown Appearances
Soon after his “American Idol” win in 2006, Taylor Hicks made a surprise appearance at Birmingham’s City Stages with his former band, Little Memphis Blues Orchestra, drawing the largest crowds of the festival.
His next performance in his hometown was in August 2006 with the “American Idol” Tour, which included other top 10 Idols like Chris Daughtry, Elliot Yamin and Kellie Pickler. Fans waited outside the BJCC all day to catch a glimpse of the newest winner.
Hicks returned on his own tour for his first post-“American Idol” album, “Taylor Hicks,” in March 2007. He played at Birmingham’s Alabama Theater.
In June 2007, Hicks and Little Memphis Blues Orchestra played in nearby Bessemer at Alabama Adventure theme park.
 |
 |
