Saw Styx, Kevin Cronin, and Don Felder a couple weeks back. Felder and band exceeded expectations by a long way. Very good set.
Cronin and band were good. Played the entire REO Speedwagon “Hi Infidelity” album and some other hits. His voice had a few glitches here and there but overall he did well.
Styx killed it. Tommy Shaw still has great pipes, and Lawrence Gowan, the guy that does the Dennis DeYoung vocals and keys, was incredible.
The challenge of aging rock bands is always the vocals. Styx hasn’t lost a step.
James Young sang lead a couple times as well, particularly on “Miss America”. That riff and song kick ass and I haven’t heard it in years! My best friend and my son had never heard it but liked it instantly.
JY looked uncomfortable, like he didn’t want to move around much. Maybe a neck or back or shoulder problem or something. But he soloed well when it was his turn and he sang well. Why he was wearing sport coat and scarf and hat when it was 89 degrees and 70% humidity, I have no idea.
They performed the entire “Grand Illusion” album in addition to other favorites.
I would have traded one of their encore songs, “Mr. Roboto”, for “Crystal Ball” instead, especially since the band reportedly hated that whole album and it was a source of friction between DeYoung and the rest of the group, but it was a fan favorite so they played it.