Stagecoach 2022: Smokey Robinson killed it at the country festival (yes, you read that right)

When I first saw this year's Stagecoach lineup, there was one name in particular that immediately inspired several questions: Smokey Robinson.

The first one that came to mind was "how old is he???" (82, for the record). That was quickly followed by a what and another how. As in, "What is this old Motown legend doing on the lineup for the Stagecoach country music festival? And how will he be received?"

But after seeing the rock and roll hall of famer take the stage in front of an overflowing Palomino tent, only one question remains: "How did we ever have Stagecoach without him? And how can we ever again?"

Really, I think for as long as he is willing and able (and from the looks of it, that could be quite awhile), Old Smokey needs to be invited back, because his performance was truly something to behold. And I am very happy I did.

By the time I approached the stage a little before 7 p.m., the crowd was already spilling out, leaving me to watch the show from outside the Palomino's walls. (Quick note to Goldenvoice: You booked Smokey Freaking Robinson! Why in the world did you not put him on the Mane Stage? I mean, have you seen this man's charisma? More on that later.)

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But no matter, I was still swept up in an infectious and electric scene as Robinson took the stage in a dazzling shiny coat to sing "Being With You." What ensued over the next 50 minutes can only be described as an overwhelming display of the power of extraordinary and undying charisma as Robinson played decades-old hits for an adoring crowd that cheered his every high note and gyration.

And let me tell you, there was plenty of both as Robinson both sang and moved like a much younger man. Oh, by the way, I would be remiss if I didn't use at least one sentence to note how GREAT this man looks. Give me some of what he's taking.

While there were plenty of highlights, there are three I think will stick forever in my mind. The first came when the crowd absolutely lost it as Robinson began slyly unbuttoning his not-so-subtly see-through black shirt before launching into the first few lines of "Baby I can't." Wow. What a ham. But also, that was pure sexiness.

"Smokey Robinson is the king of Stagecoach," The Desert Sun's features editor remarked. And in that moment, it didn't feel like hyperbole.

The second came during the last song, "The Tracks of My Tears," when Robinson grabbed his belt and began knowingly shaking his hips. Seriously, did I mention this 82-year-oid man is sexy? I don't think I would've been more impressed if a reincarnated Elvis somehow joined him for some gyrating on stage.

The third came during the last song when Robinson concluded "The Tracks of My Tears" with a powerful scream only to raise his arms, look directly into the crowd and wink as he said "I love you." And boy, did they seem to love him back.

OK, so I need to mention that at least where I was standing, there seemed to be an occasional issue where the instruments drowned out Robinson's smooth vocals (although this problem did seem to get better as the set went along).

But really, it was no matter. I still heard my share of high notes that sounded like they could've been delivered by Smokey in 1970. And on those occasions that I couldn't really make out the words, the crowd did the work instead.

As the saxophone was still crooning the last few notes of "The Tracks of My Tears," Robinson quickly walked off the stage. A cheer of "Smokey, Smokey, Smokey" broke out as the crowd clearly seemed to hope he would provide an encore.

Sadly, he did not, but still, who could possibly complain or feel short changed?

I think it was the girl standing next to me who put it best: "How is he eighty-freaking-two?" How, indeed.

Paul Albani-Burgio covers breaking news and the City of Palm Springs. Follow him on Twitter at @albaniburgiop and via email at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Stagecoach 2022: Smokey Robinson killed it at the country festival