[.ca] Styx / REO Speedwagon - Arch Allies: Live At Riverport

Two Great Bands on One Video!:
Styx and REO Speedwagon, two of the most successful bands of the 70s and 80s, launched a very successful tour during the summer of 2000, and this concert video was filmed during their tour stop in St. Louis. The video is divided into two parts, with each band performing seperately. Styx is up first with their new keyboardist/singer Lawrence Gowan. Gowan replaced Dennis DeYoung, who was kicked out of the band a year earlier. In my opinion, Lawrence Gowan is not nearly the singer or keyboardist that Dennis was. It was hard watching another person sing Dennis' songs, especially the classics "Lady" and "Come Sail Away". Yes, there's still all of Tommy Shaw's songs, such as "Fooling Yourself" and "Blue Collar Man", but Lawrence just doesn't do justice to Dennis DeYoung's songs. Part two of the video features REO Speedwagon, who can still put on a fine show. Classics such as "Roll With the Changes" and "Keep on Loving You" still sound as good today as when they were released. Kevin Cronin's voice is still as good as ever. There are also two songs featuring both bands playing together, these being REO's "Roll With the Changes" and Styx' "Blue Collar Man". If you enjoy classic rock and roll from the 70s and 80s, then pick up this video.

Styx/Reo Speedwagon..Still the best.:
I was lucky enough to be at the Arch Allies show when it was taped. If you want to see two bands that truly enjoy what they do, then buy this dvd. Styx plays their hits and throws in some of their songs from the Brave New World cd, and even with the replacements, Gowen and Sucherman, they are still Styx. I didn't miss DDY at all. And with Glen Burtnik back with the band, it makes the show that much better. Another bonus is Chuck came to St. Louis to perform with the band. Reo Speedwagon keeps getting better every time I see them. Kevin Cronin still has the pipes to bring you back in time when Can't Fight This Feeling and other songs were on the radio. You can tell that Reo is humbled and proud to still be playing in front of thousands of old and new fans. The jam at the end with both bands is great. Being there and seeing it live was the coolest thing I ever saw. Get a piece of rock history and buy this dvd.

Decent...but not great:
Overall worthwhile, but with some disappointments. Styx sounds great but man that keyboard spinning all around is really annoying. They just aren't the same w/o Dennis but Tommy does sound great. I love REO but Kevin's voice has really lost it's power. It's like he's trying to save it, or maybe just been too many nights on the road. Whatever the case he sings pretty gingerly. The Gary replacement plays great but he seemed to be buried in the mix rather than at the forefront as you'd expect in a rock and roll show. Still a rocking good time (did they need to play Blue Collar Man twice??) and worth the $$ if you haven't been able to catch them live. BTW I thought the camera work was good - not too many annoying audience shots!

Perfection:
I believe what makes for a quality concert DVD are that there are NO interruptions in the performance with clips or interviews, good camera/audio work, and finally a sincere effort from the band. This is a very simple formula. DVD concert producers could take a few lessons from these guys. Styx & REO Speedwagon Arch Allies: Live at Riverport is about as close to perfect as you can get in every way. To top it all off, the bands were are still in great form and sounded fantastic. This DVD is worth every penny. Pick this one up, you will not be disappointed!

I have this on video:
REO just totally rocks and rolls... Especially Brett the Hit man on drums!!!! Wheres Gary, I miss him dearly.... The last 5 or 6 songs were just gradually building up and my blood was boiling, definately a great show/performance from REO... Styx was good on some songs "Lady," "BLue Collar Man," "The Renegade,"... It needed something for the Styx boys... "Lorelei," "Madame Blue," or just some more energy.... The songs didnt move me... why did they need Blue Collar Man twice? REO was definately on fire!!!!! Growing up I was more into the more metal and harder rock but I definately liked both of these bands heavy songs. Styx was never a 'heavy' or 'blues rock' type of band. I'm happy for their success. REO I really got into especially the double live "You Get What You Play For," lots of fond memories with that one... cruising in my friends Monte Carlo all summer long and cranking that whole cassette!!!!! When REO got a little mellow, I basically stopped listening to them. I'd go see them if they came to Portland thats for sure!!!!