Def Leppard/REO Speedwagon/Styx Reading, PA 4/3/08

[journeyman8484]

Saw Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon and Styx last Thursday at the Sovereign Center in Reading, PA. Another show I had to drive 2 1/2 hours for but it was well worth it. One of the best shows I've ever been too. It was my 1st time seeing REO and Def Leppard and my 2nd seeing Styx.

Got to the venue at around 6:40, got into the seats at around 6:45. At around 7 Styx took the stage with their usual opener Blue Collar Man. They played a 50 minute set that just stuck to their rockers (no Lady, Mr. Roboto, etc) I saw them headlining a few years ago and this show was just as good if not better. Tommy Shaw and James Young both sound just as good as they did back in the day and Lawrence Gowan is a dead ringer for Dennis DeYoung. The mix was also one of the best I've ever heard, every instrument was loud as clear and the vocals were clear as a bell.

Setlist:
Blue Collar Man
Grand Illusion
Too Much Time on My Hands
Fooling Yourself
Miss America
Come Sail Away
Encore:
Renegade

At around 8:10 REO Speedwagon took the stage with the classic Don't Let Him Go. They also played a 50 minute set that included all their big hits plus the title track from their new album Find Your Own Way Home. Unlike Styx, REO included their big hit ballads (Can't Fight this Feeling, Keep On Loving You). Personally I think they should've opened for Styx, the crowd was more into Styx and they don't have the same crowd interaction that Styx does. I still really enjoyed their set and would definitely see them again. Kevin Cronin sounded just as good as he ever has and Dave Amato on guitar is every bit as good as the original Gary Richrath. The sound wasn't quite as good as Styx though, the bass was a little too loud at times and Dave's lead was a little low at first.

Set list:
Don't Let Him Go
Take It On the Run
Find Your Own Way Home
Can't Fight This Feeling
Time For Me To Fly
Back On the Road Again
Keep On Loving You
Roll With the Changes
Encore:
Ridin the Storm Out

At around 9:30, Def Leppard took the stage with the classic Rocket. They played a 90 minute set that included most of their big hits plus a few album cuts and their new single Nine Lives. In my opinon, definitely the best set of the night. They proved why they are the best selling rock band of the 80's and can still sell out arenas after all these years. Joe Elliot has lost some of his range and has put on some weight since the 80's but still sounds good and can still hit many of the high notes. Guitarists Phill Collen and Vivian Campbell have improved since the 80's I think and some of the solos they play are better then the ones on the album. Rick Savage played a short bass solo before Rock On and even non drummers have to admire Rick Allen. Overall an amazing set. However, the mix was kinda weak. Drums were way too loud and in the songs I didn't know the words too (only a few) I had a hard time making out the words.

Setlist:
Rocket
Animal
Let's Get Rocked
Foolin
Mirror Mirror
Nine Lives
Love Bites
Bass Solo
Rock On
Two Steps Behind
Bringin On the Heartbreak
Switch 625
Hysteria
Armageddon It
Photograph
Pour Some Sugar On Me
Encore:
Rock of Ages

This was one of the best shows I've ever been to. I'd definitely see any of these bands again.

[Moon Beam]

Glad you were able to go and enjoy the show.
I would love to see REO just to hear Don't Let Him Go, Riding The Storm Out
and Time For Me To Fly.

Thanks for posting your review journeyman8484, an enjoyable read it was.

[dabstudio]

I saw the same concert STYX / REO SPEEDWAGON / DEF LEPPARD @ the Hard Rock Live in South Florida on 3/29/2008. All 3 bands did the same set lists. As much as i have been a fan of all 3 groups for 20+ years it would be nice to toss in a few older songs, as in playing the same ones all the time!

[Moon Beam]

All 3 bands did the same set lists. As much as i have been a fan of all 3 groups for 20+ years it would be nice to toss in a few older songs, as in playing the same ones all the time!

A definite drag it is when bands that have so many good songs can't seem
to slip away from the same few ones at every show.