Train // REO Speedwagon

August 1, 2024 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holdmel NJ

Review & Photography by Bob Watts

Train & REO Speedwagon Keep Rolling in Summer Tour

The incredible duo of Train and REO Speedwagon at PNC Bank Arts Center was a delightful evening of rock and pop hits under the stars.

Joining the two iconic bands on the Summer Road Trip tour was the dynamic Yacht Rock Revue. Delivering on 70’s classic rock renditions that made the extremely hot day feel like you were on a relaxing cruise on the water.

Then came the fast & furious charging REO Speedwagon blasting right into “Don’t Let Him Go.” Although the band played an abbreviated set due to vocal issues with Kevin Cronin, the band still sounded spectacular. REO made you feel like you were in a time machine traveling to the golden times of the ‘80’s. The setlist was a well-crafted mix of REO Speedwagon’s greatest hits and fan favorites. Songs like “Keep On Loving You,” “Take It on the Run,” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling” had the audience singing along and swaying to the music. The performance of “Roll with the Changes” was particularly electrifying and a great way to end their set.

Train rolled on to the stage with their top-20 song “Calling All Angels,” setting the scene for a great variety of music. Pat Monahan, the band’s charismatic lead vocalist, immedialy captivated the audience with his vocals and infectious personality. His connection with the crowd was palpable as he grabbed fans cell phones to take selfies throughout the night. Their cover of “Hotel California” with Yacht Rock Revue was an epic rendition of the classic song. They closed off the night with “Drops of Jupiter” which never sounded any better. What an nostalgic journey it was!