Images and Words: Jon Fiala Photography
The Brotherhood of Rock tour, featuring nearly the same lineup as 2017’s United We Rock tour, made a triumphant stop at St. Louis’ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre on August 22, 2025. The evening delivered a powerful dose of classic 1970s rock that drew a large crowd of middle-aged fans, along with a smaller but enthusiastic group of younger listeners.
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder opened the night with a 45-minute set of Eagles classics from his tenure, closing with the timeless “Hotel California” on his iconic double-neck Gibson.
Following Felder was Kevin Cronin, performing under that name due to ongoing legal battles preventing use of the REO Speedwagon title. The five players who toured as REO in 2024 continued Kevin’s legacy by delivering a full performance of their 1981 multi-platinum masterpiece Hi Infidelity, sparking nostalgia for fans who grew up in that era.
Still, the band most people were eager to see was Styx. They launched their set by performing their 1977 breakthrough The Grand Illusion in its entirety. The album remains as powerful today as it did in the late ’70s, and the opening graphics evoked memories of dropping the needle on an original A&M vinyl. While much of the album has long been a staple of their live shows, the rarely performed “Castle Walls” stood out as a highlight. With three-fifths of the original 1977 lineup on stage, the authenticity of the performance was undeniable. Guitarists James “JY” Young and Tommy Shaw delivered vocals that stayed true to the original sound, while bassist Chuck Panozzo’s appearance—even for just a few songs—was a special moment for longtime fans. Lawrence Gowan, who has sung Dennis DeYoung’s parts for nearly 25 years, injected energy into the show with his signature spinning keyboard and constant movement across the stage.
After The Grand Illusion, Styx shifted focus to their 1981 album Paradise Theater, performing three tracks including the ballad “The Best of Times.” The addition of guitarist Will Evankovich gave the band a powerful triple-guitar attack, filling out their sound. Evankovich has also been instrumental in writing and producing their last three albums, including this year’s Circling From Above. The inclusion of the new track “Build and Destroy” was a welcome reminder that Styx continues to create compelling new music, not just revisit their past.
The newest member of the band, Terry Gowan (Lawrence’s brother), blended seamlessly into the lineup, while drummer Todd Sucherman once again proved why he is considered one of the best in the business. Since joining Styx in 1996, he has consistently wowed audiences with his technical brilliance and sheer energy.
The Brotherhood of Rock tour successfully brought the spirit of the ’70s and ’80s into a modern concert setting. Decades later, these artists still deliver with passion, energy, and authenticity—showing that classic rock remains as vital and entertaining as ever.
