Concert Review
Styx
Kevin Cronin
Don Felder
Monday July 14, 2025
Empower FCU Amphitheater
Syracuse, NY
Review: Thom Jennings
Photos: Joseph Suto
The Brotherhood of Rock tour made its stop at Syracuse’s Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on July 14, 2025, delivering a power-packed evening filled with rock and roll nostalgia and high-caliber performances. Headlined by Styx, with support from the Kevin Cronin Band and opener Don Felder, the show celebrated the past while proving that rock’s legacy lives on in the present.
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder kicked off the night with a set heavy on Eagles classics, but with a harder edge than fans might expect. Felder’s take on the material leaned into heavier, grungier guitar tones that gave familiar songs a fresh and muscular sound. His rendition of “Seven Bridges Road” was the standout of the set—powerful, harmonically rich, and executed with precision. It was a reminder of the instrumental rock weight Felder brought to the Eagles, and how he’s continued to evolve those songs in a live setting.
Next up was the Kevin Cronin Band, a new name but a familiar lineup. The group performing under Cronin’s name was essentially the same ensemble that toured as REO Speedwagon last year. They treated the crowd to a full-album performance of Hi Infidelity, and the results were outstanding. Cronin, the only member from the original Hi Infidelity lineup still on stage, sounded fantastic—his vocals strong and expressive throughout the night. Having seen REO back in 1981, I was struck by the wave of memories the performance triggered.
Guitarist Dave Amato and keyboardist Derek Hilland added subtle yet effective changes to the arrangements. Amato’s use of a Telecaster on “Keep On Loving You”—a departure from the Les Paul tone the late Gary Richrath made famous—added a tasteful new color to the solo without losing its emotional punch. The highlight of the set was “Time for Me to Fly,” a moment that perfectly balanced nostalgia and musicality.
Styx closed the evening with a thrilling front-to-back performance of their 1977 classic The Grand Illusion. The show brought things full circle for me, as I’ve seen Styx dozens of times dating back to 1979—my very first concert experience. Three members from that era—Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, and Chuck Panozzo—were still on stage, anchoring the lineup with authenticity and passion. Augmented by guitarist Will Evankovich, the band’s triple-guitar interplay added depth and drama to the arrangements without ever devolving into showboating. Each note served the song.
Lawrence Gowan was a standout, handling Dennis DeYoung’s vocal parts with grace, power, and a deep sense of reverence. His phrasing on the Styx classics was both faithful and fresh. The band also performed a track from their newly released album Circling From Above, which was playing over the PA system before their set. CDs were available for purchase at the venue, though it wasn’t clear how many fans noticed the new material amid the buzz of anticipation for the hits.
Visually, Styx brought the full arena rock experience—bombastic lighting, rich backdrops, and tight video integration that amplified the music rather than distracting from it. Whoever designed the show’s visual component deserves applause; it complemented the setlist with precision and artistry.
The Brotherhood of Rock lived up to its name—a celebration of shared musical history among artists and fans. While the night was undeniably nostalgic, the performances never felt like rehashes. Each band played with heart, skill, and a respect for the legacy they carry. The artists may have decades of road behind them, but on this night in Syracuse, they showed they still know how to fly.
PHOTO GALLERIES
STYX
KEVIN CRONIN
DON FELDER
Set Lists
Styx
Grand Illusion In It’s Entirety
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)
Encore
Mr. Roboto
Renegade
Kevin Cronin
Hi Infidelity In It’s Entirety
Don’t Let Him Go
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 Here
Keep Pushin’
Time For Me To Fly
Ridin’ The Storm Out
Encore
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Roll With the Changes
Don Felder
Already Gone
One of These Nights
The Long Run
Seven Bridges Road
Hollywood Victim
Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride)
Take It Easy
Heartache Tonight
Life in the Fast Lane
Hotel California
