When you pack Don Felder, Kevin Cronin, and Styx into one night, you don’t just get a concert—you get a classic rock time machine that runs on guitar riffs, sing-alongs, and pure nostalgia with teeth. The Brotherhood of Rock Tour isn’t out here playing nice—it’s proving that these guys still have plenty of gas left in the tank, and they’re not afraid to floor it. Hollywood Casino Amphitheater delivered a hell of a line up on an amazing August summer night.
Don Felder strutted onstage looking far too cool for someone who’s technically old enough to be collecting Social Security. From the first chords of “Already Gone,” the crowd was in Eagles heaven. Every track hit like a reminder of just how deep that catalog runs—“One of These Nights,” “Victim of Love,” “Life in the Fast Lane.”
And then came that guitar. The double-neck. The opening to “Hotel California.” My God, the place went nuts. Felder could’ve dropped the mic and walked off right there and people would’ve been satisfied. His guitar solos weren’t just tight—they were nasty in the best way. By the end of his set, you realized this wasn’t just a warm-up act. Felder alone was worth the ticket. He could’ve headlined this tour. Now for another throw back, Kevin Cronin best known as the lead singer for REO Speedwagon.
Kevin Cronin bounced out with the kind of energy that makes you forget he’s been doing this since before half the audience was born. His set was basically a love letter to Hi Infidelity, and the crowd ate it up. He opened with “Don’t Let Him Go,” (he flubbed and forgot the first line – but it didn’t affect a damn thing). We were pleased to have an entire play through of this album released early 1981 despite forgotten lyrics and a slight wardrobe malfunction.
Cronin has this way of locking eyes with the audience like he’s personally daring you not to sing along. Spoiler: you fail. When he dropped “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Roll With the Changes,” it felt less like a concert and more like the world’s biggest karaoke night—except with the real snazzy guy actually there.
This wasn’t a “tribute to REO Speedwagon”. This was REO in everything but name. And Cronin? Still the most stylish heartbeat of this band.
Then came Styx, and suddenly the whole night leveled up. If Felder and Cronin were nostalgia trips, Styx turned it into a full-blown Broadway production. Lights, visuals, the whole nine yards. They ran through The Grand Illusion album like it was opening night, and it was glorious. It’s so rad when we get a solid album run through. Especially the good ones!
Tommy Shaw? Ageless. Lawrence Gowan? A born showman, spinning on the keys like he’s auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. And then Chuck Panozzo walked out, and the crowd lost it—because it’s not just about the music, it’s about history standing right there in front of you.
The encore—“Mr. Roboto” blasting into “Renegade”—was a fireworks finale with guitars. By the time the last note rang out, people were hoarse, sweaty, and grinning like teenagers at their first show.
This wasn’t just a concert—it was a three-course meal of classic rock: Felder’s guitar-driven Eagles feast, Cronin’s REO sing-along dessert, and Styx’s stadium-sized spectacle to wash it all down.
The Brotherhood of Rock Tour could’ve easily been just another nostalgia cash-grab, but instead, it felt alive. Loud. Joyful. Raw. Remember: “Styx is the greatest American rock band ever. The only reason why they get a bad rap is because most people are cynical assholes.”
If you get the chance to catch this tour, GO. Don’t hesitate. You’ll leave with your voice shot, your heart full, and your soul buzzing like it’s 1979 all over again.
Big Daddy: Styx
Uploaded by Mike L on 2015-01-06.
Melissa O’Rourke aka WickedWitchofSTL is a jack of all trades. By day she’s an established tattooist and piercer, by night a mother to her amazing son (who is a hell of a guitarist). Melissa has a musical background and can often be found at a local karaoke joint, or a concert when she’s not driving across the country for an adventure. This social butterfly always welcomes conversation so come say hi! See y’all at the next gig!
