A capacity crowd filled The Shrine in Chicago to enjoy the music of ione of the most celebrated crooners of the 1980s. El DeBarge performed a mesmerizing 45-minute set that reminded fans of how much he was missed during his 16-year absence.
DeBarge, backed by a live band, opened with “Time Will Reveal” before performing an extended version of “Love Me in a Special Way.” The crowd sang every word as DeBarge performed “Stop! Don’t Tease Me,” “I like It” and “All This Love” in his trademark falsetto.
DeBarge, 49, has received a warm return to the music industry after battling drug addiction. In 2008, he served a 13-month prison sentence on drug charges.
But since his release, DeBarge has remained focused on his comeback. He has toured with Mary J. Blige and made his nationally televised return during the 2010 BET Awards in June.
In December, DeBarge will release a new album titled Second Chance. –amir shaw
