The Jersey air was thick, the thermostat set to inferno, and fortunately, ice-cold beer was flowing in the parking lot of PNC Bank Arts Center on Sunday, July 20th, as fans tailgated the afternoon away in anticipation of the show. No one seemed to mind the heat, after all, as the night promised three iconic rock ‘n’ roll acts, all with roots in the 70s and 80s, performing on the same stage.
Styx is on a headline tour across America with the Kevin Cronin Band and Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles, for their Brotherhood of Rock 2025 Tour. With shows booked nearly every night playing arenas, amphitheaters, casinos, and State Fairs, this trio is delivering classic rock radio hits for generations of fans.
Don Felder opened the show by delivering a stellar 30-minute, 10-song set performance of Eagles classics with energy and precision that belied his 77 years. Dressed head-to-toe in white and slinging a honey sunburst Les Paul, he kicked things off with “Already Gone” and closed “Hotel California” on his iconic white double-neck Gibson SG. His set was fast and powerful. The only disappointing thing was that it had to come to an end. His sharp guitar work, strong vocals, and playful banter added charm and humor to his performance, while his backing band perfectly captured the Eagles‘ signature harmonies. A surprise song of the night was “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)” from his solo career to round out his set.
The Kevin Cronin Band delivered a dynamic set, proving he and his bandmates, many of whom were formerly members of REO Speedwagon, still have the fire that made them icons of rock. For his band, Kevin enlisted Dave Amato [guitarist], Matt Bissonette [bass] (formerly with Elton John), Bryan Hitt [drums], and Derek Hilland [keyboards]. Kevin was in top form—his vocals sounded crisp and powerful, as if lifted straight from the band’s chart-topping days, while his guitar and piano work showcased his multi-instrumental talent.
The band’s chemistry was evident as each member had moments to shine, with standouts like “Take It on the Run,” “Time for Me to Fly,” and the lovelorn “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” which Kevin introduced with a personal story of the band playing the song at the US Festival some 43 years ago. Dave Amato gave the group a harder edge with his fiery Les Paul, adding weight and passion to each song and solo. From start to finish, the band brought the energy, smiles, charisma, and musicianship to the stage.
Styx split their show into two powerful sets: the first features The Grand Illusion performed in its entirety. It was the band’s landmark 1977 album that catapulted them to stardom. The second set was a career-spanning “Best Of” collection, packed with five of their iconic hits and a brand-new track from their new album, Circling from Above, titled “Build and Destroy,” which was released July 18th.
James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Will Evankovich (guitar/vocals) and Terry Gowan (bass) had fans undivided attention from the first guitar chord of “The Grand Illusion.” The album is a progressive rock opera that delves into existential questions, escapism, and personal transformation. An album that helped define the sound of late ’70s American rock.
The Best Of setlist delivered the radio staples and MTV classics that helped make them a household name—standouts like “Lady,” “Blue Collar Man,” “Rockin’ the Paradise,” and “Too Much Time on My Hands.” Each song was performed with flawless precision, instantly transporting the crowd to a simpler, more ideal world.
Together, they lit up the New Jersey night like a lightning bolt and sparked massive sing-alongs that echoed through the venue. Decades of touring experience shone through in every flawlessly executed song as the band delivered their epic, cinematic sound with the precision of master musicians and the flair of true showmen. More than a concert, the night was a full-throttle celebration of classic rock grandeur.
Lawrence Gowan and Tommy Shaw commanded the stage, armed with their signature talents of soaring vocals, searing guitar work, and electrifying keyboard work. Lawrence‘s voice sounded powerful and passionate, channeling the very spirit of the songs as he held court from his swiveling keyboard like a rock ‘n’ roll preacher at his pulpit, rallying the faithful with every note and every spin.
JY and Will‘s guitar playing was impressive, as their playing emoted passion with every lead, giving the band its heavy-sounding edge. Styx may be remembered for their ballads, but JY helped hammer home that they have many rocking songs in their armamentarium and even took lead vocals on “Miss America”!
Styx‘s rhythmic engine was firing on all cylinders, thanks to drummer Todd, whose fierce precision and dynamic power behind the kit drove the band with unrelenting energy all night. Every fill and cymbal crash was executed with surgical skill, keeping the momentum surging from start to finish. On bass, Terry (Lawrence‘s younger brother) proved himself a true virtuoso—his fingers danced at lightning speed across the fretboard, laying down thunderous yet melodic grooves that perfectly locked in with Todd‘s drumming. He didn’t just anchor the low end; he added texture with backing vocals and delivered each note with finesse and fire, complementing the guitars without ever overpowering them. He was also the hype man of the band, giving the fans a rally cry to hammer home the songs. His electric energy was contagious.
In an exciting and emotional moment, original bassist and Styx founding member Chuck Panozzo stepped onstage to join the band for a few songs, including “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man).” The crowd erupted for a heartfelt reunion that brought the house down and reminded everyone of Styx‘s enduring legacy.
No Styx show would be complete without Tommy taking the spotlight for “Blue Collar Man” and “Too Much Time on My Hands” with their lush vocal harmonies. They ended the songs with “Renegade” as an encore, and it was a grand send-off for the night.
As the final notes rang out and the crowd roared in appreciation, it was clear that Styx hadn’t lost a step. They looked like rock stars and played with the heart and precision of seasoned pros who still live and love to be on stage for their fans.
