You know that feeling when the first few chords of "Before I Let Go" hit at a cookout? It’s basically a Pavlovian response for anyone who grew up with real soul music. You start looking for a line dance to join. But lately, there’s been a lot of confusion. Since we lost the legendary Frankie Beverly on September 10, 2024, people are asking: Is the band still a thing? Who is actually in it now?
Honestly, the story of the Frankie Beverly and Maze members is kind of a wild ride of loyalty, Philly grit, and a name change sparked by none other than Marvin Gaye.
The Transition: Maze The Music Forever (TMF)
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception right away. The band didn't just vanish when Frankie passed away at 77. Before he left us, Frankie actually gave his blessing for the group to keep the flame alive. They now often perform under the name TMF (The Music Forever) or MAZE The Music Forever.
It’s not some random cover band. These are the guys who stood on stage in the signature all-white outfits for decades.
Who is in the current lineup?
If you catch a show in 2026—like their upcoming dates at the Eventim Apollo or Bridgewater Hall—here is who you’re actually seeing:
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- Tony Lindsay: Taking over lead vocals is no small feat. You might recognize him from his massive stint with Santana. He’s got the pipes to handle the "silky soul" vibe without trying to be a Frankie clone.
- Roame Lowry: The legend. He’s the last remaining original member from the early 70s. Fun fact: Roame is actually the one who came up with the name "Maze" back in San Francisco.
- Larry "Bear" Kimpel: He’s been holding down the low end on bass for over 20 years.
- Vance Taylor: The "Maestro" on keyboards. He’s been with the unit since 2003 and previously worked with Earth, Wind & Fire.
- Calvin Napper: Keeping the pocket tight on drums for over a decade.
- Chris Walker: Another powerhouse vocalist who Frankie personally encouraged to keep the music going.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Original" Members
People love to argue about who the "real" Maze members are. To understand that, you have to go back to 1970s Philadelphia.
Frankie started out with a group called Raw Soul. They were good, but they weren't "the world is about to change" good until they moved to the Bay Area. They were struggling, playing small clubs, until Marvin Gaye heard them. Marvin basically said, "I love the sound, hate the name."
The classic 1977 lineup that gave us the debut album featured:
- Frankie Beverly (Vocals, Guitar, Everything)
- Roame Lowry (Percussion/Vocals)
- Robin Duhe (Bass)
- Sam Porter (Keyboards)
- Ronald "Ro" Smith (Guitar)
- Billy "Shoes" Johnson (Drums)
- McKinley "Bug" Williams (Percussion)
If you look at the cover of that first album, there's a hand with seven fingers. That wasn't a mistake. It represented those seven guys. It's a bit sad, but most of that original "seven-finger" crew has either moved on or passed away. McKinley Williams, the man who sang those iconic background harmonies, died in 2011. Robin Duhe left the group years ago.
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The Secret Sauce: Why the Lineup Stayed Together So Long
In an industry where bands break up over a sandwich, Maze was different. Why? Because Frankie was a bit of a perfectionist, but he was also loyal to a fault.
The band didn't chase trends. When disco was big, they stayed soulful. When New Jack Swing took over, they stayed soulful. This consistency created a "family" atmosphere among the Frankie Beverly and Maze members. You didn't join Maze for a season; you joined for a career.
"We never wanted to be the biggest band in the world. We just wanted to be the most real." — This was the unofficial mantra that kept guys like Roame and Larry on board for decades.
The 2026 Tour and the Future of the Sound
Is it still "Maze" without the man in the white baseball cap? That’s the debate in the comments sections right now.
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Some fans feel like the "I Wanna Thank You" farewell tour in 2024 was the true end. But if you talk to the guys in TMF, they see it as a mission. They aren't just playing songs; they are preserving a cultural ritual.
The 2026 "Coming Home" tour dates in the UK are already selling out. It turns out people don't just go to hear Frankie; they go for the feeling. They go to wear their white linen and do the electric slide with 5,000 strangers.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re planning on supporting the remaining members or diving into the catalog, here is how to do it right:
- Check the Billing: Look for "TMF" or "MAZE The Music Forever." If a show is billed as just "Maze," make sure you check the lineup so you know what to expect.
- Respect the All-White: Even with Frankie gone, the tradition of wearing all white to the shows is alive and well. Don't be the one person in a black t-shirt.
- Listen to the "Live in New Orleans" Album: If you want to hear the members at their absolute peak, skip the studio tracks and go straight to the 1981 live recording. It is the definitive document of what that brotherhood sounded like.
- Support the Solo Projects: Members like Tony Lindsay and Larry Kimpel have incredible solo work and side projects (like the Soul Soldiers) that keep the musicianship alive.
The reality is that Frankie Beverly and Maze members created something that outlasted the individuals. The "Maze" isn't just a band anymore; it's a permanent part of the soul music canon that continues to move through 2026 and beyond.
Next Steps for You:
You can start by creating a tribute playlist that focuses on the transition from the Raw Soul era to the Silky Soul era to hear the evolution of the band's membership. I can also help you track down specific tour dates for TMF in your city if you want to see the current lineup live.