Styx Album: “Arch Allies: Live at Riverport [Video/DVD]”

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!

What should you expect? Styx starts the concert off with classics such as "Blue Collar Man", "Lady", "Foolin' Yourself" and "Renegade" peppered with lesser known tunes such "Brave New World", "Heavy Water", and "Edge of the Century". About half and half. REO sticks pretty much with the classics. Both bands sound fantastic. Since I am primarily a Styx fan, this will lean heavily in that direction. I also have the privilege of being in the audience at this particular concert, and this video captures the look and feel of that night to the finest detail.

Styx of course, is the "new Styx", minus Dennis DeYoung, which is disappointing to say the least, but fortunately all is not lost. Gowan substituting for Dennis provides adequate keyboarding and vocals (adequate since nobody can ever quite measure up to the strength and quality of Dennis' voice), but Gowan comes off looking a little weird visually. He tends to overdo his facial expressions and actions, which becomes distracting. The addition of Glen on bass and Todd on drums gives a whole new energy to the band. Glen has an eye-drawing stage presence and fills in perfectly for Chuck (who also makes a couple of appearances). Thanks to Tommy for not booting out the guy that took his place in "Edge of the Century"! Tommy is looking and sounding better than ever, and emerges as the new leader on stage. The ageless and timeless JY continues to give the band the Styx sound and feel.

If you are a true Styx fan, you will love the video. If you are the type of fan who only knows the hits, you may be disappointed with hearing all the new material, but I would still recommend that you buy it and give it a chance.

I am less familiar with REO, but they also looked and sounded great this night. Kevin Cronin looks like a whole new man sporting his short blond hair rather than the bushy curly brown hair we are all used to, but his sound was the same as ever. His smile and his vocals recapture the REO we all know and love.

And to add some details to make this night more of a reality for you all, this took place at Riverport in St. Louis, MO on June 9, 2000. The night was unbearably hot, as you will see by the sweat running down the performer's faces. Eddie Money opened up the concert. It was over 5 hours start to finish, so this is only a small piece of the evening. Cameramen walked up and down the aisles, and one was perched above the crowd, constantly sweeping the audience. Since we had been told what was going on, the energy level was monumental. I think this video captures the evening perfectly, and I recommend it to anyone who loves either or both of these bands.

Arch Allies is Styx at their best! The band's energy is incredible from the first song to the last, and the collaboration between Styx and REO on a couple of both band's greatest songs is spectacular.

At 33 years old, I've been a Styx fan for over 20 years. And I can tell you for certain that Tommy, JY, Todd, Glen, and Lawrence make the best music this band has EVER made in their entire career.

Tommy's ability to connect with people makes the audience feel like they know him personally. JY's towering stage presence cannot be ignored. Todd's drumming is light years ahead of anyone else in the business. Glen provides the band with a fresh sound they haven't had in years. And Lawrence is simply an incredible entertainer with killer keyboard talent.

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!

Both bands really shine in this concert video. Styx mixes it up with some classics and some newer tunes. The additions of Glen Burtnik and Lawrence Gowan to the band create a great new dynamic onstage. You can see how much these guys love playing together and their energy is infectious.

REO Speedwagon also put on an incredible show. The newly blond Kevin Cronin leads the band through a set of some of their best songs, capped of by my favorite of their set - 157 Riverside Avenue. Kevin really goes off in this one! He really knows how to work an audience. As for Dave,the guitarist - this man can jam! Great solos. All in all - the whole band sounds great.

Then there's a jam session with both REO and Styx. When I heard it on the CD, I imagined that it would have been great to see. The video/DVD definitely proves that. Just wish I had actually been there.