The parking lots and spacious lawn of Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls filled quickly, with many of the concertgoers arriving early to share drinks and conversation outside the venue. Waves of classic rock t-shirts, families, and the odd 20-something crossed the bridge into the buzzing—and buzzed—sea of fans eagerly awaiting two of their favorite bands: Foreigner and Styx. The second show of the Renegades & Jukebox Heroes tour was high energy from start to finish.
A strong opening set performance by John Waite, formerly of The Babys and Bad English and perhaps best known for his hit single “Missing You,” set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Perhaps one of the biggest snubs for inclusion into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Styx has record sales exceeding 50 million and took to the stage next. Members Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboard), James “JY” Young (guitar), Tommy Shaw (guitar), Todd Sucherman (drums), Terry Gowan — brother of Lawrence (bass), and Will Evankovich (guitar) were joined for a time by Chuck Panozzo (bass). Only Panozzo and Young are founding members. The band reached the height of its fame in the 70s and 80s, when it gained lifelong fans (who are still coming to show 30+ years later) and wrote songs that have stood the test of time.
Styx began their show with “The Grand Illusion,” followed by other hits such as “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),” “Rockin’ the Paradise,” and “The Best of Times.” Terry Gowan sported an almost constant beaming smile throughout the act, with his brother Lawrence dancing, kicking, and spinning on his keyboard platform. Shaw performed with exceptional vocals and earned cheers from the crowd. Closing their set with crowd pleaser “Come Sail Away,” even fans in line for concessions were singing along. The biggest ovation came during the encore of “Mr. Roboto” (in addition to much dancing) and more yet for “Renegade.”
Styx alone would have sent fans home happy and with sated appetites of their rock ‘n’ roll hunger, but wait….there’s more!
Foreigner, who will return to Cleveland on October 19 for their long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is best known for its power ballads and radio hits of the 1970s and 1980s. These gentlemen did not disappoint when it came to performing the songs everyone knows and loves.
Opening with “Double Vision,” the band welcomed “all of Ohio” to their skill and talent. Kelly Hansen (lead vocals), Bruce Watson (guitar), Jeff Pilson (bass), Luis Maldonado (guitar), Michael Bluestein (keyboard), and Chris Frazier (drums) gave the audience a truly exciting show with ease. a frequent criticism of Foreigner is that none of their original members were onstage tonight. Look, I get it, but these guys do justice and pay homage to the great Lou Gramm & company while managing to put their own unique talents to the classic tunes.
Their farewell tour—which started prior to the Renegades & Jukebox Heroes leg—continues without the last remaining original member, Mick Jones, who has not toured in recent years due to Parkinson’s disease.
Look, I get it. I understand the fans who complain and call Foreigner a “cover band.” To an extent, that is unfair. The guys onstage every night put out on a show that not only does justice to Lou Gramm & company but also puts their own unique talents to put slightly different takes on the songs.
As for the timing of branding this their Farewell tour, Hansen tells CleveRock in a pre-show interview:
“I don’t want to present these songs less than the standard that the songs or the audience deserve. And these songs are getting harder to sing every year. These are hard songs to sing for someone in their prime in their 20s or 30s, and I’m just turned 63, and I don’t want to go out there and suck. And we all know that there are bands out there that shouldn’t be who are really giving the middle finger to their fans who supported them for decades. And I don’t want to be part of that. I want to have a little bit of grace. I want to go out when we’re on top and we’re sounding really great. That’s how I want to live my life.”
With fan favorites including “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Feels Like the First Time,” and “Cold as Ice,” each song was a singalong—which is what the crowd was there for. By the night’s end, the rental chairs and picnic blankets were in minimal use. Wicked guitar solos, a drum solo, and an appearance from the keytar kept the classic act lively and fresh. The final performance of the set, “Juke Box Hero,” was a true grand finale, with Kelly rising up in the crowd and streamers shooting into the air (and the pavilion rafters).
Foreigner returned for a two-song encore. Joined by the band was the New Philadelphia Delphian Chorale for “I Want to Know What Love Is,” making for a memorable moment for the high school students. Kelly explained the reasoning for featuring local students during their shows: raising awareness for funding music programs. Following the students’ exit, the show was closed with an electric “Hot Blooded.” The show was well worth the time spent in long lines of traffic.
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