Written by Clinton Camper
Saturday night at ACL Live felt like flipping through a vinyl jukebox, one iconic tune at a time. The Righteous Brothers—now led by founding member Bill Medley and powerhouse vocalist Bucky Heard—took Austin on a genre-hopping, decade-spanning journey that reminded everyone in the room why these songs still hold weight.
They kicked things off with a blistering cover of “Hold On, I’m Comin’”, immediately setting a tone of reverent, unshakable soul. From there, the setlist blended the duo’s greatest hits with tributes to musical legends—Roy Orbison, The Coasters, George Jones, Little Richard, and even Puccini made appearances, each delivered with charisma and full vocal conviction.
Bucky Heard, stepping into the late Bobby Hatfield’s shoes, earned his spotlight with a stunning rendition of “Crying” and a jaw-dropping take on “Nessun Dorma” that had the crowd erupting in disbelief. His range and control weren’t just impressive—they were theatrical, commanding, and perfectly matched to the emotional weight of the evening.
Bill Medley, now 83, remains a captivating presence. His voice, still rich and resonant, carried “Unchained Melody” with the kind of gravitas that can only come from decades of lived experience. And when it came time for “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” he brought out his daughter, McKenna Medley, for a duet that was both charming and heartfelt—bridging generations while keeping the moment personal.
Highlights included:
A soulful mash-up of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Lean On Me”
A surprise snippet of “California Dreamin’”
The signature show closer: “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” — still spine-tingling after all these years
Despite the setlist being filled with covers and tributes, the night never felt like a nostalgia act. Instead, it was a celebration—of soul music, vocal endurance, and the legacy that Medley and his late partner helped create. And with Bucky by his side, that legacy feels not only intact, but reenergized.
If Saturday night proved anything, it’s that some voices—and some feelings—never fade.