For those following me on Twitter, I was able to update from the REO Speedwagon, Styx and 38 Special Concert often from the Metra in Billings. Thanks for following. (What else is there to do when standing in the beer line or bathroom line?)

This was one of the better concerts I have seen REO Speedwagon perform in the last 15 years. Maybe it was the giant video screen behind the band that made it better, but they seemed to have new-found energy. It reminded me of the “Wheels are Turnin’” tour around 1985.

The screen was about 20-25 feet tall and stretched the width of the stage. It made the concert even better.

38 Special opened the concert right at 7:00 p.m. and performed all their hits. It was a good helping of southern rock which always OK by me!

I have seen REO play live probably 20 times since 1976-77 when they played at a Summer Jam at Royals Stadium in Kansas City Missouri. I became a fan that day and have almost all their vinyl albums (sealed in plastic sleeves). Over the years I have attended their concerts when the are close to where I am living

REO played “Son of Poor Man” and “Golden Country” which are from way back and that made my day. Now, if they would just do “Lightning.” They played mostly all their old hits and that was fine with me. Neil, Kevin, Bruce, Bryan, and Dave still know how to rock (Please don’t stop!) I was completely satisfied and could have gone home after REO. But wait, Styx was next, although REO Speedwagon had already stolen the show!

Styx came on and turned up the volume a little with their hits. Tommy Shaw can still rock. Lawrence Gowan is a master on the keyboards. Todd Sucherman is simply the best on the drums.

REO came back out for the finale with Styx to play their recently released single, “Can’t Stop Rockin” and brought the concert to a close just a few minutes before 11:00.

The Metra (according to the website) can hold almost 11,000 people for a concert and probably 90% of the seats were filled. Of course, with that many people you have the lines at the bathrooms and security problems. Overall, the Metra folks handled it well and I hope they invite REO and the boys back for another classic rock night in Montana.