Styx, Reo Speedwagon - Arch Allies: Live at Riverport

Rating:
Summary: Styx and REO at their finest
Review: The only bad thing about this DVD is that there isn't enough! Both bands are at their best. The energy they display is incredible, and translates to a very entertaining performance. They've grown through the years but still maintain the brilliance that made them so popular in the 70's and beyond. Long time fans will love this, and if you are even a casual Styx or REO Speedwagon fan, this DVD belongs in your collection!

Rating:
Summary: An Awesome Show
Review: This is one of the best concerts I have ever seen. I attended the actual show that they is presented on the DVD. When I found out a DVD was coming out, I had to buy it. Unfortunately, they could not fit everything that was played at the show onto the DVD, but the DVD is definitely worth buying. Even if you aren't familiar with either band, anyone who appreciates live music will enjoy this show.

Rating:
Summary: St. Louis Rocks!
Review: What should you expect? Styx starts the concert off with classics such as "Blue Collar Man", "Lady", "Foolin' Yourself" and "Renegade" peppered with lesser known tunes such "Brave New World", "Heavy Water", and "Edge of the Century". About half and half. REO sticks pretty much with the classics. Both bands sound fantastic. Since I am primarily a Styx fan, this will lean heavily in that direction. I also have the privilege of being in the audience at this particular concert, and this video captures the look and feel of that night to the finest detail.

Styx of course, is the "new Styx", minus Dennis DeYoung, which is disappointing to say the least, but fortunately all is not lost. Gowan substituting for Dennis provides adequate keyboarding and vocals (adequate since nobody can ever quite measure up to the strength and quality of Dennis' voice), but Gowan comes off looking a little weird visually. He tends to overdo his facial expressions and actions, which becomes distracting. The addition of Glen on bass and Todd on drums gives a whole new energy to the band. Glen has an eye-drawing stage presence and fills in perfectly for Chuck (who also makes a couple of appearances). Thanks to Tommy for not booting out the guy that took his place in "Edge of the Century"! Tommy is looking and sounding better than ever, and emerges as the new leader on stage. The ageless and timeless JY continues to give the band the Styx sound and feel.

If you are a true Styx fan, you will love the video. If you are the type of fan who only knows the hits, you may be disappointed with hearing all the new material, but I would still recommend that you buy it and give it a chance.

I am less familiar with REO, but they also looked and sounded great this night. Kevin Cronin looks like a whole new man sporting his short blond hair rather than the bushy curly brown hair we are all used to, but his sound was the same as ever. His smile and his vocals recapture the REO we all know and love.

And to add some details to make this night more of a reality for you all, this took place at Riverport in St. Louis, MO on June 9, 2000. The night was unbearably hot, as you will see by the sweat running down the performer's faces. Eddie Money opened up the concert. It was over 5 hours start to finish, so this is only a small piece of the evening. Cameramen walked up and down the aisles, and one was perched above the crowd, constantly sweeping the audience. Since we had been told what was going on, the energy level was monumental. I think this video captures the evening perfectly, and I recommend it to anyone who loves either or both of these bands.

Rating:
Summary: St. Louis Rocks!
Review: What should you expect? Styx starts the concert off with classics such as "Blue Collar Man", "Lady", "Foolin' Yourself" and "Renegade" peppered with lesser known tunes such "Brave New World", "Heavy Water", and "Edge of the Century". About half and half. REO sticks pretty much with the classics. Both bands sound fantastic. Since I am primarily a Styx fan, this will lean heavily in that direction. I also have the privilege of being in the audience at this particular concert, and this video captures the look and feel of that night to the finest detail.

Styx of course, is the "new Styx", minus Dennis DeYoung, which is disappointing to say the least, but fortunately all is not lost. Gowan substituting for Dennis provides adequate keyboarding and vocals (adequate since nobody can ever quite measure up to the strength and quality of Dennis' voice), but Gowan comes off looking a little weird visually. He tends to overdo his facial expressions and actions, which becomes distracting. The addition of Glen on bass and Todd on drums gives a whole new energy to the band. Glen has an eye-drawing stage presence and fills in perfectly for Chuck (who also makes a couple of appearances). Thanks to Tommy for not booting out the guy that took his place in "Edge of the Century"! Tommy is looking and sounding better than ever, and emerges as the new leader on stage. The ageless and timeless JY continues to give the band the Styx sound and feel.

If you are a true Styx fan, you will love the video. If you are the type of fan who only knows the hits, you may be disappointed with hearing all the new material, but I would still recommend that you buy it and give it a chance.

I am less familiar with REO, but they also looked and sounded great this night. Kevin Cronin looks like a whole new man sporting his short blond hair rather than the bushy curly brown hair we are all used to, but his sound was the same as ever. His smile and his vocals recapture the REO we all know and love.

And to add some details to make this night more of a reality for you all, this took place at Riverport in St. Louis, MO on June 9, 2000. The night was unbearably hot, as you will see by the sweat running down the performer's faces. Eddie Money opened up the concert. It was over 5 hours start to finish, so this is only a small piece of the evening. Cameramen walked up and down the aisles, and one was perched above the crowd, constantly sweeping the audience. Since we had been told what was going on, the energy level was monumental. I think this video captures the evening perfectly, and I recommend it to anyone who loves either or both of these bands.