Sunday night (7-15-18) we made our first trip to Charlotte’s PNC Music Pavilion to see Illinois rock legends Chicago and REO Speedwagon in concert. We had great seats under the roof about halfway back from the stage. REO led off.
REO Speedwagon’s name came from an old fire engine made by REO Motor Car Company, which later became Oldsmobile. Kevin Cronin is the only original band member, but the current five have been together since 1989.
The first sign that I’m getting too old to Rock and Roll like a kid came when I asked two young ladies standing in front of us to sit down. They were the only ones on their feet in our entire Geezer Section. Many Boomers seated behind us thanked me.
My next age-related revelation was the pain from the drum pounding in my chest and my head reeling from REO’s impressive volume. I saw a kid covering his ears leave with his parents during the third song.
Karen and I ended up fleeing to the back of the lawn-seating area to watch REO finish. It was a beautiful night and still plenty loud from this vantage point. Don’t get me wrong, REO did a wonderful job of performing their greatest hits, we just needed some distance to enjoy it fully.
Chicago is one of the few monster rock groups that never disbanded or took an extended break. Four of the founding members are still at it today. The new guys have been with the band from 13-25 years.
Chicago adjusted their sound at a far less heart-rhythm interfering level. We could stay in our seats, which was nice because it rained for 30 minutes while they played.
Chicago’s younger members handle most of the vocals and guitars. The band played mainly songs from their second album, which didn’t contain any big hits and sounded foreign to many in the crowd. Their set was more Jazz than Pop Rock.
Karen and I are not too old to Rock and Roll, but the price to be paid is higher than just the cost for admission. I still have a little ringing in both ears. Rock on! What?