Michigan Central brings local legends for opening day concert
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An estimated 20,000 people came to Michigan Central last night for a concert that served as a symbolic opening ceremony for the old train depot, with performers including Diana Ross, Eminem, Jack White and Big Sean.
The intrigue: From techno, hip-hop and rock to R&B and gospel, the show went for two hours last night before Eminem — an executive producer of the concert — ended the show with his new song "Houdini" and "Welcome to Detroit" with Trick Trick, backed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
What they're saying: "For people who don't know … for most of my life, [Michigan Central] was just a big eyesore," Big Sean said during his performance.
- "What's cool about the train station is it's been through every era of Detroit. It's seen us be bankrupt … It's gone through all of this pressure and now it's a diamond."
The vibe: A countdown rang out as showtime hit at 8:30pm, with shouting masses crowded in front of a massive stage erected in front of the station. Newspaper headlines about Michigan Central's decline and its subsequent rebirth from Ford flashed across screens.
- Then, an announcer welcomed Detroit native "global superstar" Ross, who emerged in a bright orange outfit belting the classic "I'm Coming Out."
Go deeper: Detroit's once-abandoned train depot restored to past glory