The Stylistics are still the epitome of cool.

This American soul group from Philadelphia became one of the main groups from the 70s, with seven gold albums, five gold singles and two double gold singles, eight platinum albums and one double platinum album.  In 1974 they had a Grammy nomination for "You Make Me Feel Brand New" and in 1994 were honoured with a plaque on the Walk of Fame in Philadelphia, which was followed by being inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. 

They have captivated audiences for decades with their harmonies and instantly recognisable hits, "Stop, Look,Listen", "You Are Everything" "Let's Put It All Together" and many more. 

With all these accolades my expectations were high and as two of the original group are still going strong, Airrion and Herb both in their 75th year enjoyed the banter with the audience and were joined on stage by Jason Sharp, who has been the groups lead vocalist for the past 13 years. His range is amazing as he easily moved up and down the musical scale.  

The stage set just contains the instruments used by the seven piece Style Orchestras and the lighting is simple, so all the focus is firmly on the trio who gave an amazing performance to their waiting fans. Dressed in matching silver jackets and black trousers the trio had lost none of their harmonies and well honed dance moves and moved effortlessly through the set from one song into another.  

The audience was a mixed group mainly from The Stylistics' era but they lost no time getting to their feet, dancing in the aisles and singing along to the songs which have clearly stood the test of time. 

The group are supported by Tom Cridland an Elton John - or as he prefers to say an "ElTom" tribute act who out of alcohol addiction turned his life around during lockdown, by teaching himself to play the piano and imitating his hero Elton John. From first playing the piano in 2020 he has since played more than 300 gigs and transformed his professional life. 

The Stylistics 2024 Greatest Hits Tour started in October and finishes on 30th November 2024 in Liverpool. The intimacy of the beautiful Regent Theatre in Stoke on Trent provided an ideal venue for their one night in Stoke, but as they are still the epitome of cool they are well worth tracking down before they wrap up their tour.