Concert Review: Parliament Funkadelic (Ritz Raleigh)

BY MARK DOLEJS

George Clinton brought the funk to the Ritz Raleigh last month as part of Parliament Funkadelic’s Just For The Funk Of It! Final Tour!?! The 82-year-old Clinton paraded out on stage barefoot and ready to rock for their two hour show.


George Clinton
As Clinton spent the entire set on stage, often sitting on a padded stool, members of Parliament Funkadelic rotated on and off the stage for various songs. I lost track on counting at least 17 or 18 different musicians performing their various parts in each song.


Guitarist Michael Hampton
I first photographed George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars in 1994 in Raleigh during Lollapalooza. This older version of Clinton was impressive. At 82 he held his own and his enthusiasm commanded the audience's attention as he strutted across the stage.


The hits came one after another, including “Get Off Your Ass and Jam,” “One Nation Under a Groove,” “Flash Light,” and “Atomic Dog.”


The house went nuts when they covered House Of Pain’s “Jump Around,” and my personal favorite was “Ain’t No Party Like A P-Funk Party.”


I don’t know if this will really be George Clinton’s last tour, but I imagine the dance party will continue and I hope to catch it again when it comes nearby.

MARK DOLEJS
Photography is an avenue that Mark Dolejs uses to learn about the people and places that cross his path. After more than 30 years as a photojournalist, Mark enjoys concert, macro, and roadside photography. Follow Mark on Instagram at @solidrockpix.

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