Photos & Review by Greg Hamil for MPM
August 3 in Tinley Park, IL started out hot with temperatures hovering close to 90 degrees with a heat index just over 100 degrees. But, it was about to get even hotter as Sammy Hagar brought his “Best of All Worlds” tour to town with special guests, Loverboy.
First to take the stage was Loverboy who brought their infectious energy to the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, proving that their classic rock anthems still resonate with audiences of all ages. The band, led by original members; the charismatic Mike Reno on vocals, Paul Dean on guitar, Doug Johnson on keyboards, Matt Frenette on drums, and joining the band in 2001, Ken Sinnaeve on Bass delivered a high-octane performance that transported fans back to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll.
From the opening chords of “Notorious,” the crowd was instantly ignited, singing along to every word. The short setlist was a carefully curated blend of hand banging and foot-stomping rockers, with highlights including “Lucky Ones,” “Queen of the Broken Hearts,” and the crowd-pleasing “The Kid Is Hot Tonight.”
While the band members may have a few more gray hairs than in their heyday, their musical prowess remains undeniable. Guitarist Paul Dean’s solos were as fiery as ever, and Reno’s vocals still carried the emotional weight of their songs. The band’s chemistry was evident as they effortlessly navigated through their catalog, creating a sense of camaraderie with the audience.
The real magic happened during the last two songs, “Turn Me Loose” which brought the entire theatre to its feet. Plus, what Loverboy concert would be complete without “Working for the Weekend,” which had everyone singing and dancing along.
Loverboy‘s performance was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but it also proved that their music is timeless. If you’re a fan of classic rock, you owe it to yourself to catch this band live.
After a half hour intermission for the crowd to catch its breath, the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre was transformed into a fiery cauldron of rock ‘n’ roll as Sammy Hagar and his band delivered a blistering performance that left the crowd exhilarated. Despite a sweltering summer evening, the anticipation was palpable as fans poured into the venue, eager to experience the legendary Red Rocker live.
As the sun began its descent, Hagar took the stage with a charisma that only a seasoned performer can command. The setlist was a carefully crafted journey through his illustrious career, from his solo hits to his Van Halen classics, and even a hat-tip to Joe Satriani. The opening salvo of “Good Enough” and “Poundcake” immediately ignited the crowd, setting the tone for a night of pure rock and roll abandon.
Hagar’s voice, still powerful and resonant, effortlessly soared through the mix, while his bandmates delivered a tight and energetic performance. Guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani’s solos were nothing short of breathtaking, and Jason Bonham’s thunderous drumming provided the perfect foundation for the music. Lest we forget to mention the pounding basslines of former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthonyand the phenomenal keyboardist Rai Thistlethwayte.
The crowd was a sea of swaying bodies and outstretched arms as Hagar belted out timeless anthems like “Runaround,” “There’s Only One Way to Rock,” and “Panama.” The energy was infectious, and it was clear that everyone in attendance was having the time of their lives.
He would pick up shirts and put them on before signing them and tossing them back. At one point, he put on a St. Louis Cardinals jersey which brought a thunderous round of “boos” from the Chicago crowd. He quickly made up for it by putting on a Chicago White Sox jersey which brought cheers from at least half the crowd with the Chicago Cubs faithful staying silent.
Throughout the performance, Hagar would banter with the crowd, compliment his bandmates, but also have a little fun at their expense as well. He also paid respect to Steven Tyler and Aerosmith with a tribute to them by playing “Helter Skelter”. He went on to compliment them on making the difficult decision to stop performing instead of trying to push through and not give the fans the show they deserve. I agreed completely with this observation.
Another special moment came during the encore when Hagar paid tribute to his Van Halen days with a blistering rendition of “Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love.” which was sung by Michael Anthony. The crowd erupted in a frenzy of sing-alongs and air guitar solos. The night concluded with a mind-blowing medley of “Helter Skelter,” “Big Foot,” and “Jump” and a flawless rendition of “When It’s Love” leaving the audience breathless and clamoring for more.
Sammy Hagar’s performance was a testament to his enduring legacy as one of rock’s most beloved frontmen. The combination of his powerful vocals, the band’s exceptional musicianship, and the electric atmosphere created an unforgettable night of music that will be cherished by fans for years to come.