July 20, 2025 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ
Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry
If seeing some of the best bands in history is on your bucket list then do not miss this tour!
The great thing about seeing some icons of rock & roll, who either wrote or co-wrote the most iconic songs in music history, is you get to hear the most iconic songs in music history and Tuesday night was no exception; from “Hotel California”, to “Take It On The Run”, to “Renegade”, the evening was filled of greatest hits!
Don Felder (of Eagles fame) opened the evening. He was dressed in all white (jeans and jean jacket with shades on) and as the last of the days sun shined on him like a spotlight, without a word he went right into “Already Gone” as fans jumped to their feet. I’ve seen Don Felder before but enjoyed this performance more. His vocals were still strong and he played with precision as he moved on from one Eagles hit to the next playing in front of a large screen backdrop of him performing the same songs with the Eagles in his more formative years. He mixed in some of his solo originals as well but fans were thankful Don has the rights to the music he wrote as an Eagle, as seeing Don Felder play and hearing those great songs is the next best thing to seeing the Eagles live! He closed with a “Hotel California” singalong which every fan knew they were about to experience the moment he was handed his double-neck Gibson.
Kevin Cronin (the lead singer of famed REO Speedwagon) was next and to the enjoyment of the packed house, followed along in suit, playing many REO hits while fans sang along to every word. Kevin’s new band (Kevin Cronin Band) consists of some heavy hitters: Dave Amato (guitar), Matt Bissonnette (formally with Sir Elton John on bass), Derek Hilland (keyboards) and Byran Hitt (drums). Kevin also played to the same large backdrop showing visuals of REO touring and playing to millions of fans over the years, including their Live Aid performance. Opening with “Take it on The Run” and performing other hits like “Time For Me To Fly” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling”, the band played with chemistry and Kevins’s voice was strong and penetrated every fans soul as they erupted in enjoyment and sang along.
Styx followed, headlining amongst the headliners and announced they were going to play the album that defined their work, in its entirety. “The Grand Illusion”, released in 1977 is what catapulted them to stardom and the packed house seemed to fully enjoy this unique experience. They opened with the title track “The Grand Illusion” then moving through each song, including “Come Sail Away”, all the way to “The Grand Finale”. It was a perfect set up to their second set which was comprised of all their greatest hits; “Lady”, “The Best Of Times”, “Too Much Time On My Hands”, “Mr. Roboto” and finally anchoring with “Renegade”.
Lawrence Gowan and Tommy Shaw share the stage and the spotlight beautifully and perform with energy and the same iconic voices we all know so well and love. Ever a smile on their face throughout the entire performance, they welcomed the fans into their world as they moved from ballad to ballad. Gracing the stage with Lawrence & Tommy were Lawrences younger brother Terry (bass), James “JY” Young (vocals/guitar), Todd Sucherman (drums), and Will Evankovich (guitar/vocals). Additionally on this night, to the surprise and excitement of the fans who knew, original bassist and Styx founding member Chuck Panozzo joined in for a few songs. While not as mobile as he once was, he added authenticity to the performance and it was a thrilling moment for Styx fans.
A great show of headliner after headliner who each topped the charts, swapping positions during a great time in music and rock & roll history. It was a thrilling experience. I hope to get to see them all again!
For more info please visit http://www.styxworld.com http://www.kevincronin.com http://www.donfelder.com