Lionel Richie Takes a Dig at Chris Brown and Usher’s R&B Tour and Says the Commodores ‘Didn’t Go to Jail’

Lionel Richie recently made headlines following a light-hearted dig at the ongoing R&B Tour featuring Usher and Chris Brown. During a concert in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 11, Richie, 77, shared a humorous remark that referenced Brown’s history of legal troubles while performing with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Mortgage Matchup Center.

Richie addressed the audience with a playful jab, stating, “Usher and Chris Brown, see they trying to do something new. The Commodores with Earth, Wind & Fire, we were doing that back 40 years ago. Only difference is between then and now… we didn’t go to jail.” This comment quickly garnered attention, given Brown’s well-documented legal issues that date back to 2009.

Chris Brown has had numerous legal run-ins, most notably when he served 131 days in Los Angeles County Jail in 2014 for violating probation related to his felony conviction for assaulting Rihanna. Since then, he has faced multiple allegations of assault. In contrast, Usher has maintained a clean record and has not served time behind bars.

Following Richie’s stage remarks, the singer quickly softened the tone by apologising to the audience. He reassured the crowd that both artists were “fine Christian men” and expressed his feelings about modern social media. He remarked, “See, we didn’t have that Instagram, and that TikTok and that ‘go out and tell a lie and then go post it.’ What the hell was that?”

Chris Brown took to Instagram to respond to the banter, commenting on Richie’s remarks with a few laughing emojis and affectionately calling him “paw paw” while adding, “damn unk. We love ya paw paw.” This playful exchange highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect within the music industry, even amidst lighthearted ribbing.

Meanwhile, the R&B Tour, which launched in June, aims to showcase the legacy of rhythm and blues music. Usher explained the essence behind the tour in a recent Instagram post, stating, “This isn’t just the story of R&B. It’s our story. The blues comes from what we’ve lived. The rhythm is what keeps us connected, generation after generation.” The tour has attracted considerable attention and continues to feature scheduled North American stadium dates until December.

In contrast, Lionel Richie’s collaboration with Earth, Wind & Fire is also well-received, with their tour set to run through October before he embarks on a series of residency shows at the Wynn in Las Vegas that will extend into November. Richie, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, remains a beloved figure in the music industry, successfully drawing crowds with his timeless hits and engaging performances.

As both artists continue their respective tours, the playful exchange serves to remind fans of the shared history and influence of R&B music, bridging gaps between generations and showcasing the enduring legacy of the genre. While Richie may poke fun at their modern-day trials, the camaraderie among these music legends reflects a shared love for their craft and the entertainment industry.

As the concert season unfolds, fans will certainly be keeping an eye on both the R&B Tour and Richie’s performances, eager to witness the talent and charisma that define these iconic artists. The lighthearted interactions, combined with the deep roots of R&B, exemplify not just personal achievements, but a collective journey that continues to resonate through today’s musical landscape.