We saw REO Speedwagon and Chicago last night. For some unknown reason, back in February I thought I’d have fun seeing these bands in July…
We got there at 6:00 p.m. to “tailgate.” It was thundering and lightning, so they kept sending everyone back to their cars. We couldn’t get into the arena until an hour after the doors should have opened.
But DP-SO got pictures of tattoos for his tattoo blog, and we learned of a brewery/meadery that will be opening in Warrenton next year! That was the highlight of the evening…
The audience was only about half-full. I’m sure the reunion tour industry lost a lot of money on this tour, because how many Chicago fans are there, really? I listened to REO some as a kid, but I had to look up Chicago to remember which adult contemporary songs they were responsible for.
After another hour of storm delays, REO Speedwagon started playing, but then they played only 3 songs before they were told to stop again. “Everyone get under cover for your safety!” We the waited another 30 minutes. After all of the delays, REO only had time for 5 songs of their original maybe 12 song playlist.
REO talked a lot about the past, “We were told to write a hit, or you’re out!” Nothing like crusty 70-year-old singers reliving their glory days, and most of the audience was still crawling on the floor back when “I can’t fight this feeling” was released…
Then Chicago started playing. I was hoping for the great annoying songs of the 80’s: “You’re the inspiration” and “Hard for me to say I’m sorry,” and “Saturday in the park,” but instead they played a ska/ polka/disco rendition… It was what Pink Floyd would sound like if they had no edge…
We hung out for about 3 Chicago songs before I couldn’t take it anymore, so we were there 4 hours and heard 8 songs. This replaces Goo Goo Dolls – Collective Soul as the worst concert ever. This show had a better audience — Goo Goo Dolls had an audience of preppies in $200 shirts — but worst concert, yet!