Review & Photography by Greg Hamil
On yet another insanely hot night in the Midwest, the Vibrant Arena pulsed with nostalgia, energy, and pure rock-n-roll as Styx, The Kevin Cronin Band, and Don Felder joined forces for the Brotherhood of Rock tour. The show was more than a concert; it was a celebration of decades of musicianship, delivered with precision and passion that only seasoned rock veterans could summon.
Former Eagles guitarist, Don Felder opened the evening with a set that transported everyone in attendance to sunny California. Known for his hard rock, blues rock, country rock, and soft rock style, he is known for melodic guitar solos and layered harmonies, especially from his time with the Eagles.
The set opened with “Already Gone” followed immediately by “One of These Nights”. Both songs met with roaring approval. His signature slide guitar work is still as crisp and evocative as ever.
Felder’s band was tight, and his vocals carried the songs with surprising strength. Each song met with appreciative cheers. Classic Eagles songs like “Life In The Fast Lane” and “Heartache Tonight” had the crowd singing along, swaying, and clapping in rhythm.
Felder closed the set with “Hotel California”, donning the familiar double-neck guitar. Fans were visibly moved, with many recording the moment on their phones for a nice keepsake.
The surprise moment of the night was when Felder performed “Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride)”. The song was met with unexpected energy, with younger fans visibly impressed by his heavier edge. His set was a reminder of the melodic sophistication that defined the Eagles’ sound, and it set the tone for a night of timeless hits.
Don Felder Setlist: Already Gone – One of These Nights – Victim of Love – Seven Bridges Road – I Like the Things You Do – Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride) – Take It Easy – Heartache Tonight – Life in the Fast Lane – Hotel California
Next to take the stage was The Kevin Cronin Band, the newly minted incarnation of REO Speedwagon’s frontman and his band. Cronin brought the full weight of REO’s catalog to life.
Cronin’s style is steeped in arena and pop rock. His tenor voice is central to his sound balancing grit with vulnerability. His performances are marked by storytelling and audience connection. Through his Illinois origins, (yes this was a bit of a homecoming show for him) his music carries a melodic sensibility and earnestness.
To open the set, Cronin performed “Hi Infidelity” in its entirety. The crowd was treated to hits like “Keep On Loving You”, “Take It On The Run”, and “Tough Guys”, all played with an emotional punch that carried everyone back to the 80s.
After the performance of “Hi Infidelity”, there was time left for short set of some the band’s biggest hits. Cronin’s voice soared through the arena and his rapport with he audience was effortless. He shared stories between songs reflecting on REO’s roots in Illinois. Each story led to some of the biggest hits including, “Time for Me to Fly”, “Ridin’ the Storm Out”, and “Roll With The Changes”.
Cronin’s band; featuring long time members and fresh talent, breathed new life into familiar tunes. The crowd sang along with almost every song, with Cronin often stepping back from the mic to let the audience take over.
As the set came to an end, the entire audience was on its feet clapping and cheering during and extra-long ovation. This performance set the stage perfectly for the headliner!
Kevin Cronin Band Setlist: Don’t Let Him Go – Keep On Loving You – Follow My Heart – In Your Letter – Take It On The Run – Tough Guys – Out of Season – Shakin’ It Loose – Someone Tonight – I Wish You Were There – Keep Pushin’ – Time for Me to Fly – Ridin’ The Storm Out – Can’t Fight This Feeling – Roll With The Changes
Closing the night was Styx, who delivered a masterclass in theatrical rock. Their sound blends progressive rock, hard rock, arena rock, and pop rock. Inspired band bands like Yes and ELP, their work features complex arrangements and epic storytelling.
Not to be outdone by Kevin Cronin, Styx opened their set by playing “The Grand Illusion” in its entirety. Hits like “Come Sail Away,” “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Youn Man),” and “Miss America” ignited the crowd. The band’s musicianship was on full display with its blend of progressive rock, dazzling keyboard solos, harmonized vocals, and guitar riffs that felt both vintage and fresh at the same time.
Tommy Shaw and James “JY” Young commanded the stage with their charisma. Lawrence Gowan was the ringleader, spinning his keyboard, gestured to the audience, and walking to the edge of the stage to interact with the crowd.
After “The Grand Illusion” was done, there was time for seven hits and one brand new song. Styx treated the crowd to songs like “Too Much Time on My Hands”, “Lady”, “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)”, and last but not least, “Renegade”.
As the show came to an end, Tommy Shaw and JY Young took turns thanking the audience, with Shaw saying, “You’re the reason we’re still doing this after 50 years.
Styx Setlist: The Grand Illusion – Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) – Superstars – Come Sail Away – Miss America – Man in the Wilderness – Castle Walls – The Grand Finale – Rockin’ The Paradise – Too Much Time On My Hands – Lady – Build and Destroy – The Best of Times – Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) – Mr. Roboto – Renegade
The Brotherhood of Rock stop in Moline was a convergence of rock royalty. Each act brought its own sound and style, yet the evening flowed with a shared celebration of melody, memory, and musicianship. The atmosphere was celebratory, respectful, and engaged. Every artist made sure that each fan felt seen, heard, and celebrated.
