Frankie Beverly, lead vocalist for the soul band Maze, has announced his retirement and a final tour to commemorate his 50-year music career.
The I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour will kick off March 22 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, followed by five additional stops — including the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on May 12.
“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 in a statement to Billboard magazine. “It’s been a ride through the decades. Let the music of my legacy continue.”
Beverly also said he would “hand the microphone” off to Tony Lindsay, the former lead singer of Santana. When Beverly leaves, the band’s name will change from Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly to Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly.
Beverly’s farewell tour is produced by the Black Promoters Collective.
“His music has contributed to the soundtrack of our lives by enriching our experiences with his soulful melodies,” the coalition’s Chief Executive Gary Guidry told Billboard. “We are honored to join forces with him on his farewell tour.”
Tickets for the opening show in Atlanta went on sale Friday at 7 a.m. Pacific. Sale dates for the other tour dates have yet to be announced.
