Concert Review: Styx, Kevin Cronin Band, & Don Felder “Brotherhood of Rock Tour” Hits In Holmdel, NJ

Being a 21st century-born fan of 20th century music rocks.

Don't get me wrong— it also sucks a lot, too. However, when the good catches up, it tends to make up for all the experiences I missed out on while I was busy not being alive.

This past Sunday night in Holmdel, New Jersey was a gleaming reminder of why I do what I do. Three killer forces of 1970s rock and roll set out to flood the PNC Bank Arts Center with their own kind of deafening magic, and I set out to capture it all. Don Felder (formerly of the Eagles), the Kevin Cronin Band (comprised of former members of REO Speedwagon), and Styx (who are doing just fine) are currently neck-deep in their summer tour; a lengthy celebration that’s been dubbed t he “Brotherhood of Rock Tour”.

I had the privilege of attending the Holmdel date of the “Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour” (Styx, Foreigner, and John Waite) last summer, so this wasn't my first rodeo at the massive outdoor amphitheater that is the PNC Bank Arts Center. This was the first time I ever got to shoot here, though, and was also the first major concert/venue pairing I ever photographed. Mixing that experience with all three of these superstar acts before me, the thrill of it all was something beyond intense. For the first time, I had to fill out release forms, get escorted into the venue, and literally run around sections in order to get shots from every angle. Never before had I been required to do this much planning prior to capturing a concert.

The pressure (and the unrelenting humidity that pools at the foot of the stage) was on. I wasn’t completely sure if I was going to be covering this show until about an hour before it happened, so coming up with a game plan for shooting at my biggest venue to date was suddenly thrown upon me. Would I be too far? Would I be too close? Would my “ol’ reliable” lens be enough? It was impossible to have any answers until my subjects for the night were directly and divinely shining in front of me.

Oh god, here we go.

Don Felder took to the stage while the sun was still up, his stark white suit reflecting the sun and overflowing my camera’s aperture. He, however, was adequately decked out in the coolest of shades, as if he knew his presence was blinding to the naked eye. The former Eagles guitarist and his stellar backing band opened with the 1974 Eagles classic “Already Gone”, which is a hell of an introduction, if I must say. When the opening act is known for being part of one of the most successful bands of all time, it sets the bar pretty high for the rest of the night! My expectations for Don’s performance were met nearly instantly, as his second track of choice was my favorite Eagles song, “One of These Nights” (though I was admittedly more preoccupied with shooting at this point than I was with taking in every note). 

There’s no doubt in my mind that the music of the Eagles has the magic power to unite people from every corner of this country. This power was most palpable when the whole Don Felder troop projected the a cappella intro to “Seven Bridges Road”. This song holds its own place in my fond memories, with it being the first song played by the first opening act (Levon) at my first ever concert (REO Speedwagon). This connection of bittersweet nostalgia would be made many more times throughout the night, for obvious reasons. 

Other Eagles hits like “Take It Easy” and “Heartache Tonight” were included, along with Felder solo cuts such as “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)” and “Hollywood Victim”. Part of Felder’s motivation for the night was to promote his newly-released solo album The Vault - Fifty Years of Music. This record, described as “newly recorded versions of songs originally demoed over a span of five decades”, is the embodiment of a blast from the past— but also a piece of the present.

Of course, no set of Eagles music would be complete without “Hotel California” being the ultimate finale. The moment Felder shuffled to center stage with his iconic black and white Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar, the crowd began to roar with praise, as they all were well aware of what this beloved instrument signified. The focus of all in attendance was unbreakable once Felder went into the song’s trademark ending solo; it was almost comparable to some type of hypnotic ritual that captured the senses.

Believe it or not, the excitement was just getting started.

Next up on the bill was the Kevin Cronin Band, whose lineup I had seen last year as REO Speedwagon while they were on their spring tour with Rick Springfield. Funnily enough, Springfield directly helped contribute to the current Kevin Cronin Band lineup, as he recommended keyboardist Derek Hillard and bassist Matt Bissonette to the REO members while they were seeking to fill positions in the band about two years ago.

As previously mentioned, the first ever concert that I attended was REO Speedwagon. It probably comes as no surprise to hear that the magic from that very first night with them came rushing back several times throughout the KCB’s set. The bulk of their setlist was a playthrough of the entire Hi Infidelity record, which is something REO Speedwagon had been performing during residency shows in Las Vegas since 2023. Singer and guitarist Kevin Cronin always speaks of this album with the utmost pride for him and his former REO band members, and still displays much dedication in his vocals when it comes to every track from its list.

It’s a given to hear the hard-hitters from Hi Infidelity such as “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run”, but witnessing deeper cuts onstage for the first time was the real kicker for me. From the A-side of the record, “In Your Letter” (written by late REO guitarist Gary Richrath) has always been one of my favorite REO songs of all time. I was so lost in its boppy melody that I forgot to check if anyone else around me was just as thrilled as I was to hear it in person. While I may have been born too late to see Richrath perform this song with REO Speedwagon, I’m sure he’s smiling down on those who still become overjoyed at the sound of his music all these years later. That, and Dave Amato (KCB guitarist and former REO guitarist) has always done Richrath’s solos ample justice, in my opinion.

The B-side of Hi Infidelity is just as packed with stage-worthy treasures as the first half. This is the lesser-known side of the record, but a not-so-hidden gem as well. If you think this is a no-skip album like I do, you know that “Out of Season” and “Someone Tonight” are two severely underrated tracks that deserve the spotlight every once in a while. When the Kevin Cronin Band got to the album’s stand-out song “Shakin’ It Loose”, it was one of those times where I suddenly felt transported back in time to the mid 1980’s; a time when this “fuck it, let’s party” tune was a regular in their setlists. People couldn’t not get up and dance to this one!

After their heartfelt rendition of “I Wish You Were There”, Hi Infidelity’s bittersweet closing number, the KCB had promised a “bucket full of REO songs”. They started off this second act of their set with none other than Cronin’s REO comeback track, 1976’s “Keep Pushin’”. Doesn’t this song also feel a little bittersweet (and maybe a little ironic) at this point in the band’s history? Though REO Speedwagon isn’t officially active anymore, the KCB is still pushin’ on for REO fans of all ages.

They also made sure to tap into both extremes of the audience’s emotions before closing up their performance. On one end of emotion, we were hit with the power ballad “Time For Me to Fly”. Phone flashlights went up like lighters all the way to the far reaches of the amphitheater’s lawn, and the collective heartache was sung out louder than any other song up until that point. On the other end of emotion, the band slid into the epic, high-energy, Gary Richrath-penned rocker “Ridin’ the Storm Out”. This golden classic usually signals the end of an REO Speedwagon set, and true enough, the venue lights went down after they gave it their all.

On the backdrop screen, clips from REO Speedwagon’s involvement with Live Aid in July of 1985 began to play before the crowd. When the band reclaimed the stage, Cronin explained that they were going to celebrate 40 years of Live Aid with us by closing their performance with the two songs they played in Philadelphia for the legendary charity event.

Their encore began with an absolute staple of 1980s musical artistry. I do believe there wasn’t a single soul in the entire PNC Bank Arts Center who didn’t know every word to “Can’t Fight This Feeling”. Phone lights were raised up high yet again as people (like myself) still somehow found a way to dance to one of the most revered power ballads in existence. In good REO Speedwagon fashion, the Kevin Cronin Band decided to end their time with us by performing the 1978 album opener “Roll With the Changes”; one of the late band’s most recognizable anthems. As I had felt many times during their whole set, this track really brought me back to that very first REO show more than anything. Though I only felt 4 years younger, I can imagine the rest of the audience was taken much further back in time than I was.

Throughout all of this appreciation that I shower unto the Kevin Cronin Band, I hope you do not mistake me; I am still very saddened that REO Speedwagon is no more. Though I may have been born some 20 years after their prime, I still grew up on their music the same as anyone else did. They remain my second favorite band of all time, and they stretch farther back in my memories than I can ever truly know. Some of the first music I can ever recall hearing was REO, so being able to hear their songs played live by some of the same people who originally recorded them was what mattered the most to me in the moment. Not only that, but being able to photograph them felt like somewhat of a full-circle moment for me, personally.

Regardless of how you feel about the current REO Speedwagon situation, you mustn’t forget: it really is all about the music. It was calming to witness that there was no bad blood coming from the Holmdel crown on Sunday night, as I was a tad bit worried about potential disapproval from grouches in the audience (there’s always one of them). Positivity was the priority, though, and I think the Kevin Cronin Band graciously succeeded in their effort to keep pushin’ on. They aim for precision and all-around fun with every note of every song, and pay adequate tribute to the near and far days of what was once REO Speedwagon.

The purpose of the Brotherhood of Rock Tour this summer is to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of Styx and REO Speedwagon being “arch-allies” in music. Not only that, but Styx has been enthusiastically promoting their fresh new album Circling From Above throughout the summer. The Kevin Cronin Band had played Hi Infidelity in its entirety before Styx took custody of the stage, and their arch-ally Styx had an album just as extravagant to follow their performance.

Ready for The Grand Illusion?

Back in January, I had the joy of attending two Styx concerts in Las Vegas as part of their residency. The feature event was their playing of the entire The Grand Illusion album from front to back, which is something I am very thankful to not have missed out on. However, it struck me as a bit odd that they decided to continue with this set for the rest of their tour dates in 2025, since I thought it would be a Vegas-exclusive performance only. Oh, well, guess I’ll just have to see one of the greatest-ever rock albums performed live again. Woe is me!

That being said, the first half of Styx’s set in Holmdel most likely transported the audience back to 1977. For me, it took me back by approximately 6 months, making me feel as if I were back in Sin City having the best of times (pun intended). Styx brings The Grand Illusion and its titular song to life in the most grandiose way one could ask for, complete with a video intro of someone putting the vinyl album on their turntable. The second the lights came up, they exploded into their performance with bright videos of fireworks also symbolically exploding behind them. Each member of Styx always appears happier than ever before when they begin their set, like they're always having too much fun for their own good.

One frequent Stygian surprise I am always overjoyed to experience is the sudden appearance of bassist and founding member Chuck Panozzo. His presence is always uplifting for frequent and non-frequent Styx-goers, so he already had our spirits high when he appeared just before they went into the uplifting second track "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)". As mentioned previously with Hi infidelity, hearing an album played through all the way is virtuous in the sense that you get to hear the tracks that never tend to see the spotlight. I always felt "Superstars", another creation from the mind of Styx guitarist and lead singer Tommy Shaw, was one of those underrated gems. Old tabloids from days of the group's past collaged on the screen behind Shaw as he sang of dreamers and a former version of himself. A few pictures of his younger self were blown up to a larger size and displayed behind him, turning the meaning of this song into an even more nostalgic one.

Though I had to resume my running and shooting for the first 3 songs, the payoff that rushed through me once it was over had me feeling higher than any show I’d ever shot before. When "Superstars" had concluded, pianist and lead singer Lawrence Gowan let his fingers trot into that distinct, lonely piano intro to "Come Sail Away". No matter how many times I get to witness this epic rock symphony, hearing the crowd's explosion into glory upon hearing only the first few notes never fails to make me grin. This time, however, I was standing about 30 rows back from the stage, trying to get back to my seat in the 3rd row, but I just had to pause and observe this dreamlike experience from way back in the ocean of the crowd.

Back in my section, a path of floor lights lit the way through the darkness and ended precisely where Gowan was illuminated and serenading away right in front of me. I reclaimed my seat in the presence of him and his brother (bassist Terry Gowan), hid away my camera for good, and let the celebration truly begin.

After we climbed aboard Styx's starship and headed for the skies, the time had come to "flip" the record over. It was guitarist and singer James "JY" Young's turn to blow us away with his masterful hard-rocking holy grail that is "Miss America". Young's musical influence has always been on the slightly sassy, heavier side of rock and roll, and his searing "Miss America" guitar work serves as a reminder that he's still a force to be reckoned with.

Other mythical forces were awakened as the second side of Styx's breakthrough record drew closer to its closure. The band showered us with eerie, unsettling tales of woe, as told by back-to-back songs "Man In the Wilderness" and "Castle Walls". We all know The Grand Illusion’s finale is titled “The Grand Finale”, but even with such a majestic and bold ending, Styx was far from their own finale.

With The Grand Illusion now taken off the turntable, the miscellaneous hits section of Styx's set was just getting started. "Rockin' the Paradise" is, in my humble opinion, the definitive party track of every Styx performance. In case you somehow have any doubts about the energy falling flat halfway through the show, Gowan dawns an explosively colorful, sequined suit coat specifically for this song (not to mention the top hat).

While it’s simply inevitable to include the timeless singles that brought Styx to great fame, it was also in the group’s intentions to bring us something much younger than most of their material. Their newest album, the thought-provoking Circling From Above, was recently released on July 18th. If you haven’t read my previous article about the release of the album’s lead single “Build and Destroy”, I suggest you do so after finishing this one. For about two months, I was simply dying to hear this song played live. It has such an urgent, towering groove to it that I felt only a live performance could do it justice— and boy, was I right. Watching Styx masterfully execute some of their newest material makes it terribly clear that building— not destroying— is exactly what they were made to do.

After Styx feigned their exit and came back onstage for the encore, the morale for the night was at its peak. For a few years now, they’ve been closing out their shows with two of their most distinctively recognizable tracks: the fan-favorite “Mr. Roboto” and permanent setlist staple “Renegade”. It’s easy enough to say that they ended the night on a high note, but it’s a bit more uncommon to say that they ended the night on a soaring note. Styx still has yet to disappoint me, but I can’t ever foresee this happening. Each member is all smiles, and I always find myself going numb in the face from smiling too much at their shows. When you have unrelenting musicians who represent the purest form of dedication to their craft, how can you not smile that much?

As a member of what I like to refer to as the “2120 crowd” (21st century children who love 20th century music), I never take a night like this one for granted. I always reach for everything, take what I can get, and appreciate what I have. In this case, I was very fortunate to receive a lot. After the last member of Styx left the stage and the lights came up for the night, two women in my section excitedly approached me and told me how much fun it was to watch me sing every word during every set. It probably comes as a surprise to no one that I’m normally the type of person who is constantly jumping and screaming at the barrier. If you’re that type of person, too, I suggest you treat yourself to a Brotherhood of Rock Tour date ASAP— you might just become part of the celebration!

Don Felder’s The Vault - Fifty Years of Music and Styx’s Circling From Above are both available now for purchase and streaming. The Brotherhood of Rock Tour resumes on August 8th in Camden, NJ, and runs through August 24th in Milwaukee, WI.

(This was the highlight of my summer. The biggest and most special of thanks to Larry, Terry, and Tara!)

Setlists: July 20th, 2025, Holmdel, NJ

Don Felder:Already GoneOne of These NightsThe Long RunSeven Bridges RoadHollywood VictimHeavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)Take It EasyHeartache TonightLife In the Fast LaneHotel California

Kevin Cronin Band:

Don’t Let Him GoKeep On Loving YouFollow My HeartIn Your LetterTake It On the RunTough GuysOut of SeasonShakin’ It LooseSomeone TonightI Wish You Were ThereKeep Pushin’Time For Me to FlyRidin’ the Storm OutCan’t Fight This FeelingRoll With the Changes

Styx:

The Grand IllusionFooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)SuperstarsCome Sail AwayMiss AmericaMan In the WildernessCastle WallsThe Grand FinaleRockin’ the ParadiseToo Much Time On My HandsLadyBuild and DestroyThe Best of TimesBlue Collar Man (Long Nights)Mr. RobotoRenegade