The Stylistics

On November 3, 2026 at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, The Stylistics bring the sound of Philadelphia soul to the stage. Formed in 1968 from two local groups in Philly, the Monarchs and the Percussions, they shaped a blend of orchestral soul, smooth R&B and vocal pop that took off in the early 1970s with producer-arranger Thom Bell and lyricist Linda Creed. Russell Thompkins Jr.’s falsetto set the tone on songs that marked their identity: Stop, Look, Listen, You Are Everything, Betcha by Golly, Wow, People Make the World Go Round and You Make Me Feel Brand New.

The current line-up carries on with founding members Airrion Love and Herb Murrell alongside Jason Sharp, keeping the group’s tight harmonies at the centre. The setlist draws on the first run of albums — The Stylistics (1971), Round 2 (1972), Rockin’ Roll Baby (1973), Let’s Put It All Together (1974) — and on later material recorded with producers Hugo & Luigi and arranger Van McCoy, where the sound leans toward lighter soul and disco touches. A live journey through arrangements built on strings, rhythm and close-knit voices, anchored by melodies that have crossed decades without losing their clarity.