Diana Ross and Lionel Richie recorded the song “Endless Love” in 1981 for the tragic teen love film of the same title. Although critics weren’t in love with the Brooke Shields-starring movie, the movie was a box-office success, and the song was an instant hit, spending nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a spot on their Top 50 “Love” Songs of All Time list. But over 40 years later, it seems the love between Ross and Richie wasn’t endless.
Fans hoped the two would recreate some of that 1980s magic on stage this past Labor Day weekend. The pair were the scheduled headliners for the Aug. 31 “Fool in Love” Fest on the Hollywood Park grounds at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which included performances by R&B heavy hitters Ronald Isley, Al Green, Gladys Knight, Morris Day and The Time, and more. But ticket holders were left disappointed as Ross and Richie performed on separate stages over an hour apart.
Although the pair made musical magic on that classic love song, you may be surprised to learn that the singers reportedly did not get along while they were recording. As ClassicMotown.com reported, Ross took issue with her duet partner for having a problem with punctuality as they tried to make time for studio sessions.
“I am a perfectionist. I like to be on time, always. Lionel was not always on time,” she said.
In September 2023, Richie blasted Ross for choosing to sing Happy Birthday to Beyoncé instead of taking the stage with him.
“[For] 37 years, Diana said ‘No.’ What made you think tonight she was going to show up? She ain’t coming,” Richie told the crowd. “She’s over there singing Happy Birthday to Beyoncé... pissed me off.”
Even all of the amazing talent in one place wasn’t enough to give “Fool in Love” Fest ticket holders the experience they thought they were paying for. Many fans complained on social media about long lines that caused them to miss some of their favorite artists.
“I need a full refund for @foolinlovefest its insane. We are 2 hours on the line in the sun to go inside and we didnt pass the security line yet. We missed the spinners and the jacksons and now dionne warwick. The organization is trash and planned poorly #foolinlovefest,” wrote one user on X.
Others were annoyed with concert organizers for inconsistency in ticket pricing.
“#foolinlovefest @foolinlovefest Someone needs to be held accountable for how awful the organizing and payment structures have been for this event! I paid $400 because I was 1 of the 1st to sign up to go. Now, they’ve been selling the same general admissions for half the amount,” wrote one concertgoer on X.
And there were still others who felt the venue was inadequate for such a powerful musical lineup.
“Love this lineup. Hate the trend of having concerts NEXT TO a stadium, and on the hot parking lot asphalt. You got money to book Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and Santana but no money for a true venue?” read another post on X.