What We Saw at the Michigan Central Reopening Concert
It’s been nearly a week since three lucky Hour Detroit staff members attended the Michigan Central concert and we’ve finally had time to pick up our jaws and reflect on our favorite moments of the show, which pulled an estimated 20,000 attendees and was rebroadcast as an hourlong primetime special on NBC News Sunday evening. Here are the photos that our director of digital strategy shot from the best spot in the house, aka “the pit.”
Diana Ross set the tone immediately with her 1980 hit single “I’m Coming Out,” still sounding as good as the recording at 80.
Jack White’s set opened with Hotel Yorba — his classic ode to a still-standing southwest Detroit hotel recorded by The White Stripes in 2001.
Jack White performed Seven Nation Army and got the whole crowd to sing the riff melody.
The show included dazzling pyrotechnics. (Pictured: Jack White)
Jared Goff, Barry Sanders, and Amon-Ra St. Brown were among a star-studded cast of presenters.
Detroit-raised Big Sean performed hits like “Bounce Back” and “Blessed.”
Born Sean Anderson, Big Sean has raised millions of dollars for charity initiatives in Detroit over the years.
Grand Rapids-born actor Taylor Lautner (left) introduces Manuel Martinez (center) and Sheryl Quan (right) — both construction superintendents at Ford Advanced Engineering.
Former U-M “Fab Five” basketball player Jalen Rose and comedian Mike Epps introduce Big Sean.
The Clark Sisters, a Detroit gospel group, gave a captivating performance.
The show included dazzling pyrotechnics.
About 20,000 people attended the concert.
Eminem opened with opening with his new single “Houdini.” He brought out local legend Trick Trick for “Welcome 2 Detroit, and rapped his 2010 hit “Not Afraid” (but was he afraid to do “Lose Yourself”?).
Eminem co-produced the show with his longtime friend, associate, and recurring album skit guest Paul Rosenberg.
From left: Melissa Etheridge, Fantasia, and Jelly Roll after their tribute to Bob Seger.
The show was rebroadcast on NBC as a one-hour primetime special on Sunday, June 9.