Frankie Beverly has announced his retirement and revealed the schedule for his farewell tour with Maze, titled “I Wanna Thank You.”
The five-city tour kicks off in Atlanta on March 22. That show will feature El DeBarge and Chaka Khan as special guests and a yet-to-be-announced after party. The tour will also visit Alabama, Chicago, and Houston before concluding in Los Angeles on May 12.
After wrapping up the dates, Beverly will travel to Philadelphia for a street renaming ceremony. Philly is the city where Maze, initially known as Raw Soul, began in 1970.
“I want to share with my lifelong fans and associates that I’ll be going out on the road one last time, then retire,” Beverly said to Billboard. “Thank you so much for the support given to me for over 50 years as I pass on the lead vocalist torch to Tony Lindsay. The band will continue on as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. It’s been a great ride through the decades. Let the music of my legacy continue.”
Beverly’s farewell is organized in conjunction with = the Black Promoters Collective (BPC). “Since the 70s, the legendary Frankie Beverly has blessed us with timeless hits such as ‘Happy Feelings,’ ‘Golden Time of Day,’ ‘Joy and Pain,’ and the seminal party starter ‘Before I Let Go,’” BPC CEO Gary Guidry told Billboard.
“His music has contributed to the soundtrack of our lives by enriching our experiences with his soulful melodies. We are honored to join forces with him on his farewell tour.”
Among Beverly and Maze’s early mentors was none other than the legendary Marvin Gaye. After relocating to San Francisco and meeting Gaye in 1971, the group began touring as his opening act. Gaye was also the person who suggested that Raw Soul change its name to Maze.
Visit Ticketmaster for more information on tour dates.
Frankie Beverly and Maze I Wanna Thank You Tour:
March 22 — State Farm Arena — Atlanta, Ga.
April 6 – Mobile County Fairgrounds — Mobile, Ala.
April 13 – Toyota Arena — Houston, Texas
April 27 – United Center — Chicago, Ill.
May 12 – Kia Forum — Los Angeles, Calif.
July 6 — Dell Music Center — Philadelphia, Pa.