- REO Speedwagon – Night Ranger
- Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO
I have mentioned before but it behooves me to remind everyone that I was once a DJ on a top 40 radio station in the 80’s and I cut my teeth on both of the bands I’m writing about. The nostalgic night had me smiling and singing along the entire show.
Night Ranger – Jack Blades – Kelly Keagy – Brad Gillis – Eric Levy – Keri Kelli
Kicking it off with (You Can Still) Rock in America, Night Ranger kept the hits coming with Sing Me Away, Sentimental Street, When You Close Your Eyes and closed their set with Don’t Tell Me You Love Me, and of course, Sister Christian. Bonus: Jack Blades threw out a couple of Damn Yankees tunes: Coming of Age and High Enough!
REO Speedwagon – Kevin Cronin – Bruce Hall – Dave Amato – Neil Doughty – Bryan Hitt
There is a unique reoccuring weather element to an REO concert in Kansas City, I’m sure you get the hint….
An amazing evening with one of my favorite bands. Growing up in Central Illinois in the 70’s, REO Speedwagon was on my radar early. The band formed in Champaign at the University of Illinois in the late 60’s, grew a dedicated following in the 70’s and went stellar with the success of the album “Hi Infidelity” in 1980.
Opening the show with Don’t Let Him Go, the band then jumped into Music Man, Take It On the Run and Keep Pushing, which got the sold out crowd up and singing along with every word. Throwing in Live Every Moment and Tough Guys as the rain began a brief downpour, most fans stayed in their seats and Cronin noted their dedication.
Slowing down a touch for Can’t Fight This Feeling and Poor Man, the moonlight returned and with a brief moment of encouragement about the state of the world, and especially the United States, Cronin reminded everyone we are in this journey together and need to work to get along. Golden Country followed and was a special part of their set, followed by Time For Me to Fly. Then came the history lesson…
Kevin Cronin recalled their performance at Kaufman Stadium in the 70’s, the “tornado” show, another storm at another show, they seem to bring the rain and this appearance continued the tradition. Rocking into the familiar synth siren of Ridin The Storm Out had the Starlight crowd on their feet and the encore set of Keep On Loving You and Roll With The Changes closed the show.
Concert rating: On a scale of zero to five stars, REO Speedwagon/Night Ranger receives ★★★★★