Legendary Rock Bands Bring Nostalgic Vibes to Alpharetta Show
Classic rock enthusiasts gathered at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta for a nostalgic concert featuring Styx, Don Felder, and Kevin Cronin on Sunday night. Each act had its own tumultuous backstory, but on stage, they delivered a performance packed with familiar hits that delighted the nearly sold-out crowd.
Don Felder, the former lead guitarist of the Eagles, who was ousted from the band after 27 years, took the stage first. Despite legal battles with fellow band members Don Henley and Glenn Frey, Felder has been content touring with his own band for the past 24 years. Opening the evening with a solid 10-song set, he showcased eight Eagles classics along with two solo tracks. At the age of 77, Felder exuded a cool California vibe and displayed impressive guitar skills on iconic songs like “Already Gone” and “One of These Nights.” While his vocals may not match Henley or Frey, his performance was well-received by an audience that passionately joined in singing every word of every song. Felder concluded his set with the timeless hit “Hotel California,” featuring his signature guitar solos that left the crowd in awe.
Following Felder, Kevin Cronin, the lead singer of REO Speedwagon, captivated the audience with his energetic stage presence. Although faced with a dispute over the band’s name, which led to a split with original members Neal Doughty and Bruce Hall, Cronin continued to tour under his own name. Despite the lineup changes, his performance was met with enthusiasm as he belted out classics like “Keep on Loving You” and “Take It on the Run.” Cronin’s unwavering positivity shone through in the band’s hit songs, culminating in a vibrant performance that culminated with the anthem “Roll with the Changes.”
Headlining the show, Styx proved to be a crowd favorite, with Lawrence Gowan seamlessly stepping into the lead singer role in place of Dennis DeYoung. Avoiding a reunion with DeYoung due to creative differences, Styx has maintained their touring schedule with Gowan at the helm. Their zeal for performing on stage was evident as they delivered a show packed with fan favorites and chart-topping hits, showcasing their enduring musical prowess.
Overall, the concert provided a trip down memory lane for fans of classic rock, offering a night filled with beloved songs and a sense of nostalgia that resonated with the audience. Despite the backstage drama that often plagues rock bands, the performers put on a show that left concert-goers satisfied and reminiscing about the timeless music that defined an era.