Styx, Kevin Cronin, and Don Felder Dazzle Fans at Toyota Concord Pavilion in Concord, California
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By Lisa Holt
June 15, 2025 - Styx, Kevin Cronin, and Don Felder brought their “Brotherhood of Rock “tour to the Toyota Pavilion in Concord last weekend. A 28-date tour spanning the United States, beginning in May and running through August, 2025. These legendary classic rock acts set out to impress fans with their 50 years of musical prowess and chart-topping hits. Styx plans to play their 1977 album, “The Grand Illusion,” in its entirety, and Kevin Cronin is set to perform their diamond-certified album, “High Infidelity,” also in its entirety. Special Guest Don Felder of “The Eagles” fame is also set to play hits spanning his 50-year career with the Eagles. Tonight, fans of the 1970s and 1980s classic rock genre are in for a nostalgic treat.
The amphitheatre is filling up with a multi-generational crowd, and the sun is still shining as Don Felder and his band take the stage. The excitement is tangible as fans get out of their seats as Felder breathes new life into some classic Eagles hits like “Already Gone,” “ One of These Nights,” and “Victim of Love.”.Felder lends his charisma and legendary guitar prowess to these timeless classics. As the band plays on, Felder treats us to a favorite song from the 1981 movie soundtrack “Heavy Metal” (“Taking a Ride”). This brought everyone out of their seats again for the fantastic guitar solo and catchy lyrics. Stellar guitar tone and superb musicianship, Felder was flanked as the hits kept rolling on, including “Take It Easy” and the unforgettable “Hotel California.” We all enjoyed the familiar song and patiently awaited one of the most discerning guitar solos of our generation. Felder was spot on, not missing a note of the beloved, world-famous solo. What a fantastic prelude to the next set to come.
Next up is the former lead singer of REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin. This man needs no introduction, as we all know and love this passionate, multi-talented juggernaut of classic rock. Although he spent his career as the frontman for REO, Kevin is in a class all by himself and can hold his own, as he spectacularly does this evening. His unwavering charisma and energy are unmatched, and the fans were treated to an evening of nostalgic waves of emotion when KC and the band took the stage. Also planning on playing REO Speedwagon’s 1980 classic album ‘High Infidelity” in its entirety, the set kicks off with the massive hits “Don’t Let Him Go “ and “Keep On Loving You.” This particular album has been certified ‘ Diamond' status, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Fewer than 100 artists can claim this achievement.
The set continues with more hits like “Keep Pushin” and “Riding The Storm Out.” Cronin's band appears to be the same stellar musicians I saw with REO last year, a truly exceptional group of musicians. I could sense the camaraderie among them, and the songs seemed refreshing and new. This band of kindred spirits electrified the multi-generational fans as the final songs were played, the encore was the classic “Cant Fight This Feeling” and the ever exciting “Roll With The Changes.” This last song seemed particularly fitting, as I see Cronin rolling with the changes, carrying on these classic songs with fervor, excitement, and a commitment to his fans. I don’t think this man or his band will be slowing down anytime soon. Cronin will keep pushing on and rolling with the changes most fantastically!
As fans are filled with nostalgia and songs of yesteryear humming in their heads, Styx is set to hit the stage. By this time, night has fallen. And the full spectrum of production, lights, and sound is about to commence together. Styx's 1977 album, released on July 7, 1977 (7/7/77), “The Grand Illusion,” is also slated to be played in its entirety. What an exciting way to celebrate 50 years of classic rock. Beginning the set is the title track “The Grand Illusion,” a masterpiece in its own right. It’s hard to discern a leading “frontman” for this band, as Lawrence Gowan, James “JY” Young, and Tommy Shaw all lend lead vocals and excellent showmanship to this ensemble. Gowan is a master of both keys and vocals, lending charisma to the entire performance. Then there is Tommy Shaw, the masterful, grossly underrated guitar player of all time, singing lead vocals on “Fooling Yourself.” he lends thoughtful guitar leads and soothing vocals to many Styx songs. James “J.Y.” Young, another brutally underrated guitar player, lends his gritty vocals for “Miss America.” Always looking mysterious and dapper, this guitar shredder lends the hard rock edge to Styx. Show lends his vocals again on the epic track “Man In The Wilderness,” and the end of the album nears. The set continues with some hits spanning the band's 50-year discography,” with’ Rocking The Paradise’ one of the first albums I bought with my own babysitting money, the day it was released. The following songs took me down the memory lane of nostalgia with “Too Much Time On My Hands” and the ever romantic “Lady” and “Blue Collar Man” As a superstar rock band, there is an encore featuring the ever-famous yet controversial “Mr. Roboto.” and the best for last “Renegade” Styx never dissapoints fans with the fantastic band and core members, lifelong fans were in attendance as well as a seemingly new generation of young fans, what a great trip to nostalgia town with this fantastic line up! What a way to start the summer concert series.
The unwavering fan devotion and lifelong musical genius continue with Styx as they prepare to release their 18th studio album, “Circling From Above,” scheduled for release on July 18th. These outstanding musicians keep pushing on, and amazing fans all over the globe, don’t miss the conclusion of this tour through August 2025
