Styx, REO Speedwagon, .38 Special

I went to a concert on Friday. It was a blast! I haven't been to a concert in years, I avoid them due to the huge crowds, bad seating, and traffic. But, this one let me do some really cool stuff.

I finally got to try the new light rail system. I work on Washington and Priest and the concert was at the Dodge Theater on Washington and 4th Ave. So, I could take the light rail instead of fighting thousands of people in and out of downtown Phoenix. Win! All I can say is I'm glad I voted for the light rail, it is beautiful and a really nice way to travel downtown. I love it.

I also had never been to the Dodge Theater before and with Judas Priest coming in August (I HAVE to go to that) I wanted to see what the venue was like. The theater was really nice, I had seats in the 19th row, I had a great view and didn't feel too crowded. It only holds 6,000 people so it's a nice intimate venue.

.38 Special was the opening act and they did a real yeoman's job. They weren't awesome, but with the crowd only half there and little stage space they didn't have much to work with. They hit most of their hits, with high points being "Back Where You Belong" and "Rockin' Into The Night."

REO Speedwagon was the band that I was really wanting to see and they didn't let me down. All I can say is awesome! High points were "Roll with the Changes", "Can't Fight This Feeling", "Take it on the Run", and "Keep On Loving You." Kevin and the gang were on fire and well worth the ticket price themselves. I was worried that Styx was not going to be able to live up to the Speedwagon...my fears were unfounded.

Styx is one of those bands that I really like, but hardly listen to anymore. I was glad to finally get the chance to see them live, but probably wouldn't have gone if it weren't for REO Speedwagon. All I can say is that they were awesome! Lawrence Gowan is the new lead singer and he was great, not one of those boring keyboard players that stands in the back and bobs his head, he is right up front and a ball of energy. Tommy Shaw proved why he is a great rock guitarist and sang many of the bands biggest hits. High points were "Blue Collar Man", "Renegade", "Suite Madame Blue", "Fooling Yourself" and "Come Sail Away With Me."

I had to cruise half way through the finale, with members of REO Speedwagon and Styx all on stage together, but I needed to catch the train and had no clue where the eastbound stop was at.

A great night of fun!