*To set the stage, attending this show was a last-minute decision. A worthwhile one, indeed!
The decision to go to the show was one made on the fact that weekend plans had been
disrupted by a wacky work schedule, and we (Angel & I) just needed to get some "ya-ya's" out. Guess what?
The plan worked! We were treated to fabulous mix of radio mainstay's, Songs that had been embedded
into our brains, and music-loving hearts forever. Three Bands that have enjoyed success in various degrees.
Granted, all of the original cast members were not present, but those that remained, or reunited, would not
disappoint on this early May evening in the the desert. Or should I say........under THE DESERT SKY!

SURVIVOR
All previous concert preformances by this Band in past were
easily 'squelched' by their performance on this, their
OPENING NITE with REO Speedwagon & STYX for the Summer 2000
kick-off. Never before have I heard REAL power and compelling
sound in their LIVE performances. The guitars were 'tight', and the
vocals full of passion and POWER. By far...the best I ever heard
them play in three tries. OVERALL: *** (three out of FIVE stars)

REO SPEEDWAGON
A summer is really never quite complete for me if I miss an
opportunity to attend an REO Speedwagon show.
Ever since the very first time I saw them perform, the result of an
800-mile overnite road trip in August of 1975, to this show under
the desert nite sky, REO Speedwagon continues to take me back to
MY ROOTS of LIVE concert bliss. Some REO Speedwagon 'purists' will
argue that the band has not been the same since the departure of rebel
guitarist Gary Richrath. I , on the other hand remain a firm believer that it's
THE MUSIC that remains embedded in my brain, not Richrath. Veteran
lead guitar-man Dave Amato has been a 'constant' in this band's continued
popularity as they make their usual trek about the Midwest every summer.
There is something 'wholesome' about this band, and maybe that is why I
will continue to go to their shows. Tonite's show at Desert Sky was
basicly the same songs that we have all heard over the past 25+ years.
There was a slight difference, though. REO definetly capitalized on the
OPENING-NITE ambiance. Amato's guitar was "on fire", and Kevin Cronin,
with this new "less-talk" presence delivered a 'solid' performance. No NEW
songs were offered up, but only their mainstay's from years past. I have seen
REO deliver longer set-lists, but not on this evening. REO will share the
HEADLINER role with Styx on this tour, so a longer REO show may be in
store at a venue near you. OVERALL: ****(four out of FIVE stars)

The Main Event........STYX
*My assesment of STYX may be slanted in one direction. That being GREAT!

Even though I would consider myself a long-time fan of their music, this would be the
FIRST time I would see this band LIVE. Once again. just as I stated above, there is
something to be said for OPENING NITE, especially on this, the first leg of a very busy
tour schedule. (view schedule) Going into the show, there was some uncertainty in my
mind about whether the absence of Dennis DeYoung would impact the OVERALL quality
of the performance. From my vantage point, the only drawback was in the form of a
sentimental 'PRESENCE' that Dennis would have brought to the performance. After all,
Tommy Shaw is still being acknowledged as a formidable perfectionist. A creative force
at the helm, and the true, NEW leader of this revamped contingient. Then, there is
Lawrence Gowen.

Lawrence Gowan comes to Styx via a successful performing and recording career in Canada.
Having been classically trained, Gowan's vocal and playing abilities quickly made him a huge success
in Canada with 3 platinum and 4 gold hit records, numerous Juno Award nominations, and eventually
the Prestigious Achievement Award from the Canadian Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.
Styx became aware of him in 1997 when he opened a few Canadian dates for them and remarkably
received two encores from a crowd filled with longtime Styx fans. His success in front of their audience
and his incredible stage energy and vocal ability made him the obvious choice to replace original member
DeYoung. James Young's comments says it all. "Gowan's a real asset to Styx,". "He's brought new
energy and excitement to the stage and I don't think I've had this much fun playing live in many years."
His assertion would hold true tonite, as well! Gowan delivered very 'chiiling' rendtions on this evening, enough
so to raise goosebumps. His keyboard work on "Lady", and "Come Sail Away" were flawless. As I closed my eyes,
opened my ears, I was wisked away to a place in time where I had probably heard this song for the very first
time. His excitement to be on stage for this, his first MAJOR Opening Night with Styx and the Summer 2000
Tour was made clearly evident to ALL in attendance.

The rest of the supporting cast, including the new self-proclaimed LEADER, Tommy Shaw , delivered
a masterful performance on all offerings. Tommy seemed a bit nervous intially, but midway thru the opening
song, seemed to get on trak. His voice (as always) filled with passion and conviction. James Young's guitar-work
held me spellbound. Burtnik was SOLID, and the drummer Todd Sucherman (who rerplaced John Panozzo)
was really the the centerpiece of this contingient. His work should be admired and studied by all up and comers.
Lastly, a guest appearance/performance by Chuck Panozzo rounded out the mix.

KUDOS to the Sound and Lighting Engineer's as well!
Overall......an OUTSTANDING SHOW!
***** (five out of FIVE stars)...A MUST-SEE!! *****