It was Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, and Styx.
We scored killer 11th row seats and would have had even better seats if not for some trouble logging into the Ticketmaster system.
What can I say except all three bands sounded perfect. I've see Uncle Ted as well as Styx many moons ago and I'm hear to tell ya, they sounded perfect. REO I had never seen but likewise they sounded like you could have taken a time machine back to the day and not known these guys are like senior citizens now.
They all delivered the goods. Stranglehold, Blue Collar man, and to see Ridin' the storm out at Red Rocks and hear the story that the song is actually about the band hiking in Estes Park and getting hit by a storm.. it was really something.
Speaking of really something sitting next to us was a total maniac Troy and his new bride Melissa. One of the first things we found out about our new concert buddies is that Melissa was able to smuggle tons of tiny bottles of booze into the concert in her big bra.... If you ever meet Troy he will explain to you that doing shots together is not optional. Between the shots of cinnamon whiskey, the concert, and watching Troy work the crowd as well as his "appreciation" for the big boobs that smuggled in the shots it was a freaking blast! I took some pics and at 6 freaking 45 the next morning I get a text that says
"send me some pics. T with a Roy"
I'm thinking how in the hell is this dude awake? He was about 29 miles further down the road to drunksville than we were and I certainly did not want to be awake so early I've got no idea but it was really fun meeing somebody what that much lust for life. You know how to enjoy the moment T With a Roy, you really do and I would not mind meting you again down the line somewhere, Rock on!
For the bands Ted was rock freaking solid! I was very impressed with how tight the band was and he rocked it out at 100% there is no doubt about it.
I don't want to mention any names but I've seen some bands that are still touring today that honestly should have stopped a long time ago. It's almost like stealing money to sell tickets but can't deliver a fraction of the sound the fans are expecting. Not the case here Ted kicked off the show with a grand slam.
REO was up next and they actually did do something odd by deciding to play a few songs I'm pretty sure nobody wanted to hear.. Not sure why they did that but they did and the crowd politely sat through them waiting for the songs they know and love. The hits were BIG hits at the show and Roll with the Changes as well as Ridin the Storm Out were serious fun.
Styx hit the stage like it was the last time they would ever get to play again. Tommy Shaw was like a sprightly freak! He was leaping around, doing high kicks and I felt like asking him if anybody told him how old he was because obviously he was about to throw out his hip or something. Initially I was not sure if Styx would be the right choice to close this show but they decidedly were. They brought the smackdown and even added some heft to some of the classics. I remember telling Angie at one point "Man, I really don't remember Lady rocking like this". They did not come to play around.
Anyhow, if these geezers can rock like this I'm forced to agree...rock and roll will never die.
