Classic rock lovers rejoice! The “Unzoomed” show featuring REO Speedwagon, Styx, and Loverboy was one amazing evening under the stars in Irvine on Saturday night. Five Points Amphitheatre was the perfect venue for this classic rock extravaganza, and the concert did not disappoint. Amazing performances by all three bands had the crowd on their feet all night long. If you love classic rock, this is one show you don’t want to miss. Let’s dive into the performances!
Opening the show on Saturday was none other than Canadian heartthrobs, Loverboy. From the first notes of “Notorious,” these cats delivered a high-energy performance that had the audience on their feet from start to finish. Frontman Mike Reno was in top form, belting out “Working for the Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose” with ease. The rest of the band (including Paul Dean, Doug Johnson, Matt Frenette, and Ken “Spider” Sinnaeve) were equally impressive, delivering a tight and polished set that kept the crowd moving and grooving through their short but exhilarating set. Loverboy proved they’re still a force to be reckoned with and left everyone in the audience wanting more.
Next on the docket was Styx. These Chicago legends have been around since 1972 and are one of those rare bands that is just as good, if not better live than they are on record. Tommy Shaw and James “J.Y.” Young led the band through 15 classics that spanned their historic 50+ year career. Highlights of the show included “Lady,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” and “Come Sail Away,” but honestly every song was great. The encore consisted of “Mr. Roboto” (one of my favorites) along with “Renegade” (which featured original bassist Chuck Panozzo). These were perfect songs to end their set and highlight in spades why Styx is definitely a band worth seeing live.
Now onto the main attraction, REO Speedwagon. For those in attendance at Five Point, the majority would surely be able to attest to the REO’s near-flawless performance on Saturday night. The 13-song setlist was killer, and the entire band, led by original frontman Kevin Cronin, sounded great. The current line up includes Neal Doughty on keys, Bruce Hall on bass, Dave Amato on lead guitar, and Bryan Hitt on drums—and each brought their A-game and then some.
It was clear REO was enjoying every minute under the lights as demonstrated by an incredible stage presence and ear to ear smiles all night long. The highlight of the evening was hearing two of my favorites, “Keep on Loving You” and “Roll With the Changes” at the conclusion of their epic set. The whole place was singing along, and it was just a really fun and nostalgic moment that I won’t soon forget.
If you’re a classic rock fan, you need to check out this incredible “Unzoomed” show featuring REO Speedwagon, Styx, and Loverboy. Each lit up the stage with stellar performances, and I’m certain they’re sure to do the same when they roll through your hometown this summer. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a night of unforgettable music with three of the most legendary bands on the planet today. You’ll thank me in the morning…
REO SPEEDWAGON
STYX
LOVERBOY
