'80s bands roll out their hits

STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON AND .38 SPECIAL, Rio Tinto Stadium, May 30

SANDY — It seemed more than appropriate that REO Speedwagon closed out their set Saturday night with "Riding The Storm Out."

Less than an hour before the concert at Rio Tinto Stadium that featured three of classic rock's biggest names, the skies opened up and heavy rain fell on those getting to the show early. And just as the concert ended, a light drizzle made sure people rushed to their cars.

Between the bookends of rain, however, a couple of thousand fans were treated to four hours of songs that read like a greatest-hits soundtrack of 1970's and 1980's rock. And no rain.

Styx, REO Speedwagon and .38 Special were all very good Saturday. But the standout performance on this night belonged to Styx.

The energy level of Styx was high, and the vocals of Tommy Shaw, James "JY" Young and Lawrence Gowan were exceptionally strong throughout their entire 80-minute set.

Opening with "Miss America," the band played hit after hit, including "Too Much Time On My Hands," "The Grand Illusion" and "Lorelei."

"Salt Lake City, we've come here to rock. Shall we rock? We shall!" announced Shaw to the audience of veteran concert-goers, most of whom were probably going to Styx and REO concerts when the bands were in their heyday. "The enthusiasm of Salt Lake City is always second to none."

"Crystal Ball" and "Suite Madam Blue" were a couple of highlights. For "Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man)" original bassist Chuck Pazzano, who due to health reasons cannot tour full time, came on stage to join the band until the end of their set.

Despite keyboard problems, Styx finished strong with "Come Sail Away," "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" and "Renegade."

Drummer Todd Sucherman was his typical unbelievable self, pounding ridiculous rhythms and lightning fast beats. Sucherman may be the best drummer Utah audiences get to see all year at any concert.

REO Speedwagon mixed their set with standards and a few surprises.

As they have with many other shows, the band started off with "Don't Let Him Go," "Take It On The Run" and "Keep Pushin'."

"I always feel we're among friends when we come to Salt Lake," front man Kevin Cronin told the crowd.