Train & Reo Speedwagon Keep Things On Track In Syracuse

Concert Review
Train
REO Speedwagon
Yacht Rock Revue
Wednesday July 31, 2024
Empower FCU @ Lakeview
Syracuse, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

The dynamic duo of Train and Reo Speedwagon packed the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview Wednesday evening. The Summer Road Trip tour also featured the Yacht Rock Revue who put on dazzling renditions of many classic songs from the 1970s. The show marked Train’s first at the Lakeview Amphitheater as well as their first Syracuse appearance since 2021.

Touring is not an easy thing to do. While for many it is a way to make a living, some bands love the road others not so much. With that there are always a few bumps along the way and sometimes you just have to roll with the changes or bruises. Case in point with Reo Speedwagon as vocalist Kevin Cronin ran into some vocal issues and the band were forced to cancel a headlining gig Monday night. That put a little doubt with them being able to perform at the Empower FCU Amp at Lakeview Wednesday evening. Being the savvy road veterans they are Cronin and company found a way to persevere. You can tell Cronin was hampered a little vocally especially on the ballads but they managed to play the show.

Reo Speedwagon came charging out fast with the iconic “Don’t Let Him Go” before playing an abbreviated set from what they were. Very understandable considering they still have a month to go on this tour. Ten songs were played in all down from what had been thirteen on the Train tour. Hopefully Cronin will improve each day to get back where he was. REO has already been down bassist Bruce Hall who is recovering from surgery. “Keep Pushin'” definitely was a fitting song and probably would have fared better as the opener all things considered.

Despite playing a shortened set the band still managed to eke out all their main hits and gave deep cuts “Son of a Poor Man” and “Live Every Moment” a spin. Overall a satisfying set despite everything that left the fans even more appreciative that the band was able to perform.

Pat Monahan and Train took to the stage with their top-20 smash “Calling All Angels” setting the tone for their show. With Train you get a great variety of music including not only their own but the band is not afraid to pull out any great cover song as well. Many of their songs included snippets of such classics as Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” and The Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker”.

What now has become it appears a tradition of having fans toss their phones to Monahan during “If It’s Love” so he can take selfies. Monahan seems have a knack and it’s amazing how the phones make it back to the right person with the many that head his way. Monahan even went behind the drum kit and brought his son out to sing Zeppelin’s “Over The Hills and Far Away”.

Train makes it fun to see a show cause you just never know what to expect next. The band includes longtime members Jerry Becker and Hector Maldonado, drummer Matt Musty and guitarist Taylor Locke. This band does not get the credit they truly deserve. This day and age not many bands can continue to sell tickets but it seems no matter who Train tours with they always seem to do very well. When you have a decent catalog of songs you can draw from it always helps. If you have never seen these guys make it a point to do so, you won’t be disappointed.

Train

REO Speedwagon

Yacht Rock Revue

Set Lists
Train

Calling All Angels
If It’s Love
Get to Me
Save Me, San Francisco
Meet Virginia
Over the Hills and Far Away
Long Yellow Dress
Play That Song
Parachute
Angel in Blue Jeans
AM Gold
Mississippi
Marry Me
Bruises
50 Ways to Say Goodbye
Hey, Soul Sister
Drive By
Hotel California
Drops Of Jupiter