Train, REO Speedwagon and Yacht Rock Revue Roll Into West Palm Beach

If you weren’t in a good mood before you arrived at Ithink Amphitheater, you certainly left in one.

Typically I photograph just about anyone that steps in front of my camera.  For me, much of my work is based on a love of many genres.  I’m not picky.  However, in this case I jumped at the chance to, once again, revisit an artist I photographed way back in the beginning of my career.  No doubt that REO Speedwagon holds a special place in my heart.  Not only because they are one of the first bands I photographed, but also because the enthusiasm with which Kevin Cronin and company continues to perform with lifts my spirit. Even while playing the middle support role, the energy is high and the music and musicianship is on point. Quite honestly, they are brilliant and incredibly talented, bringing back hits that deserve a new audience.

Openers, Yacht Rock Revue May be the surprise artist of the year.  Not to say they haven’t been around.  Formed in 2007, this band plays primarily covers of the genre that has now become known as “yacht rock”.  From songs like “Africa” by Toto to the best cover I’ve ever heard of “Brandy” by Looking Glass, it’s an easy listening but rousing performance. Currently they are playing approximately 100 shows a year through Live Nation.  This full band includes back up singers, bongos, and even a little brass. They will certainly get you on your feet early and often.

As I said before middle slot holder REO Speedwagon has been around for decades, yet still bring it hard with the skill and energy of their career.  This show is a brilliant trip down memory lane. Like the “Story Tellers ” of the VH1 days, Kevin Cronin took us on a fun and insightful journey centering around some of their biggest hits. 

He is a gracious host who makes sure each hit was highlighted the way it should be. What makes him so personable is his sheer joy on stage. It’s probably why he hasn’t hung up his guitar long ago. He isn’t playing for the money ( even though there was tiny cameo on the television show Family Guy that jokingly implies it). We are quickly reaching the cusp of the end of an era that is just now hitting a resurgence.  Now is the time to revisit these hits, sing along, and enjoy these hit makers before they take their final bow.

There is so much to say about Train I could go on for several pages. Unfortunately to hold interest, I will try to keep it brief. Pat Monahan sounds incredible. His personality lead the way for this incredible group of people to get the entire crowd engaged. Everyone was hyped and on their feet before the first notes were played. By the time the second song, “If It’s Love” began, the cell phones were flying to the stage. Even my phone made it up there for an epic selfie of me and two of my fellow shutterbugs. Train has become a staple of the scene with so much spirit and light listening guaranteed to send you home humming a hit you may have forgotten if only for a moment.

As always, Ithink Amphetheater is one of the best venues to work with and in. The staff is always kind and professional. They treat the media and the patrons with kindness and are always helpful. The downside is it is always hot, something we have always dealt with in South Florida. Fans have been installed in the past few years and it has helped tremendously. There are days, however, when even giant fans aren’t going to slice through the feel of a giant hot wet blanket of humidity being draped over you.

This is a really great line up . It is hard to deny any of these bands their due. The show is one of my top ten of the year. There are so many shows demanding of your wallet and in times like these it’s important to make note of those worth a cut of the smaller amount of disposable income we all have of late. Just a fun lively trip down memory lane. We all need that once in a while.