On a warm evening at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre in Tampa, classic rock fans were treated to a powerhouse lineup featuring Don Felder, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, and Styx—three acts who helped define the sound of arena rock in the late ’70s and early ’80s. The evening kicked off just before 7 p.m. with Don Felder, the former Eagles guitarist, who delivered a tightly executed set full of iconic riffs and smooth vocals. His performance was a crowd-pleasing journey through some of the Eagles’ greatest hits, along with solo material that reminded the audience why he remains a revered figure in rock history. His guitar solos, in particular, added a punch to the show’s opening and set the tone for what would be a high-energy night.
Kevin Cronin took the stage next, bringing his signature vocal warmth and engaging stage presence. Opening with classic REO Speedwagon hits like “Take It On the Run” and “Keep On Loving You,” Cronin led a performance that felt both polished and deeply personal. He interacted often with the crowd, sharing stories behind the songs and reflecting on decades of touring. Highlights included an emotionally charged rendition of “Can’t Fight This Feeling” that turned into a venue-wide singalong. The band, tight and in sync, gave the nostalgic material a fresh edge, reminding fans that REO’s music still holds up remarkably well in a live setting.
Styx closed the night with the kind of big, theatrical rock show that few bands can still deliver. With a stage setup full of dramatic lighting and video screens, they launched into “The Grand Illusion” with the flair and bombast that’s become their trademark. Vocalist and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan handled the lead vocals with ease and charisma, while Tommy Shaw and James “JY” Young provided the powerful guitar work and harmonies that drove the set. Fan favorites like “Come Sail Away,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” and “Renegade” had the crowd on their feet and singing along. A surprise inclusion of “Build and Destroy” from their newer material showed they’re not just relying on their past—they’re still creating and evolving.
The venue itself provided excellent acoustics and comfortable viewing across both the reserved and lawn sections. With solid sound mixing and a well-choreographed light show, the production value matched the musical talent on stage. For both longtime fans and newcomers, the Tampa stop of the “Brotherhood of Rock” tour proved to be a heartfelt, high-energy celebration of rock and roll’s enduring spirit.
One of the most see shows of 2025, so if you have a chance to see this tour, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity!
