Unforgettable Night with Styx and The Brotherhood Tour at Toronto's Summer Outdoor Concert Venue
- jaybroderick
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
By: Jay Broderick
Toronto, Canada - Despite a modest turnout of just over 10,000 fans, the energy at Toronto’s summer outdoor concert venue of choice was anything but small. With the lawn section open and the summer heat on cremate, three legendary acts delivered a night of classic rock that felt intimate, heartfelt, and electrifying. Styx's The Brotherhood of Rock Tour '25 with support from the Kevin Cronin Band (REO Speedwagon), and Don Felder (The Eagles) was ready to rock Budweiser Stage, and the fans were ready to rock right along with them.
Don Felder
Opening the evening was Don Felder, former Eagles guitarist, who wasted no time diving into the hits. Kicking off with “Already Gone,” Felder’s voice was shockingly crisp. I'm not sure why it was so surprising to me, but he sounded so good, it was hard to believe he wasn’t still fronting the Eagles. The crowd, though not even half full at this point, roared with enthusiasm, proving that passion trumps numbers.
Felder rolled through “One of These Nights” and “The Long Run,” each delivered with precision and warmth. Between songs, he shared stories of growing up poor in the Deep South, encouraging fans to appreciate what they have. It was a touching moment that added depth to Felder's performance.
He closed his set with the iconic “Hotel California,” and as the final notes rang out, the crowd erupted. It was a masterclass in timeless rock, and Felder proved he’s still got it after decades in the business.
Kevin Cronin Band
Next up was the Kevin Cronin Band, formerly known as REO Speedwagon, who took the stage in celebration of their 1980 album Hi Infidelity. The setlist?To start with the album in its entirety, front to back. While "REO Speedwagon" may no longer exist, Cronin’s fire hasn’t dimmed. The band kicked it off with the record's first track "Don't Let Him Go". While Cronin's voice took a few seconds to warm up, once the initial cracks cleared, he was in full stride.
Cronin settled behind the piano for “Keep On Loving You,” a moment that drew cheers and swaying arms. After the song's end, he paused to thank the fans for spending their hard-earned money and time to see “a bunch of knuckleheads like us”, a humble and heartfelt sentiment that resonated with the fans. He took another minute to introduce his band mates, including REO stalwarts Dave Amato on guitar and Bryan Hitt on drums.
As the playthrough of the 1980 release continued, the band didn't skip any songs including “Out of Season” and the party anthem “Shakin' it Loose,” which Cronin declared made every night a Saturday in Toronto. The jean jacket came off, keyboardist Derek Hilland moved to the piano, and the crowd leaned in.
“Someone Tonight” and “I Wish You Were There” wrapped up the album celebration, the latter being the final song Cronin wrote for the album. He admitted he barely remembers writing it, but was glad it came together. Psychedelic visuals and picturesque backdrops added flair, while Cronin shared his decades-long friendship with Styx, and the brotherhood that has been built over the past 25+ years. After the album playthrough, the band squeezed in 5 more tracks, including the massive hit "Can't Fight This Feeling" which brought the crowd to its feet, delivering a standing ovation to a man who refuses to let the music fade. While REO, er, I mean the Kevin Cronin Band, are often thought of as a soft rock band, these guys can actually rock pretty damned hard!
Styx
The band of the hour! As Styx took the stage, they were greeted by a crowd that erupted in anticipation. Though Lawrence Gowan skipped his iconic kilt, his energy was unmistakable. His brother Terry Gowan now plays bass for the band, adding a familial touch to the lineup.
As with the previous act, this night would be a celebration of its own for Styx. On July 7th, 1977 (yep... 7/7/77), they released their 7th (this is clearly done purposely) studio album The Grand Illusion, and it would be the record that launched Styx to stardom. Having celebrated its 45th birthday last year, the band launched into their set with tight musicianship and minimal banter, diving headfirst into The Grand Illusion in its entirety. When they got to the album's 4th track “Come Sail Away” the performance was pure magic, despite the fact that Cartman may haunt that melody for some. A double-neck guitar appeared strapped to guitarist Tommy Shaw for "Miss America", and for "Man in the Wilderness" Shaw swapped his acoustic for an electric and delivered a soaring solo that earned a thunderous applause.
The band's singer Lawrence Gowan (yes, we are damned proud of this man) eventually addressed his fellow Torontonians, at the conclusion of the album, joking about his brother’s upcoming Massey Hall gig with an artist named "Gowan". It brought a great laugh from the crowd and Gowan introducing the rest of the band with typical Gowan humor. When the introduction of Styx guitarist James Young, who Gowan quips has been with the band since "the Old Testament days", was done, he received received a standing ovation.
Things got flashy with “Rockin' the Paradise,” as Gowan donned a gold glitter jacket and black hat, dancing across the stage. “Too Much Time On My Hands” had the crowd singing along, with pockets of fans dancing and everyone clearly enjoying themselves. Throughout the set, stunning visuals played on the backdrop... wilderness landscapes, celestial skies, torch-lit castle walls, and pulsing soundwaves, all perfectly synced to the music.
Set List
The Grand Illusion
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
Superstars
Come Sail Away
Miss America
Man in the Wilderness
Castle Walls
The Grand Finale
Rockin' the Paradise
Too Much Time on My Hands
Lady
Build and Destroy
The Best of Times
Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
Encore:
Mr. Roboto
Renegade
Though the crowd was smaller than expected, the performances were anything but. Don Felder brought soul and storytelling, Kevin Cronin delivered gratitude and grit, and Styx proved why they’re still one of rock’s most enduring acts. It was a night of nostalgia, musicianship, and connection, a reminder that even in a less than full venue, the music can still fill every corner of your heart.
Concert Photo Gallery (all photos by: Jay Broderick)
Styx Online
show date: August 13, 2025
Couldn't make the show due to unforeseen circumstances. That's why I am here! Great summary and photos.
How sweet of these guys to select Toronto, the only Canadian city on this tour. Probably planned on purpose due to many Canadians choosing not to travel to the US during these times.
It's not shown here but did they save their beautiful Styx logo just for us? lol Luminescent!
All 3 performers had beautiful backdrops. Would have been even better if they played two nights.
Pieces Of Eight is my favourite album of all. Queen of Spades would have been epic. Grand Illusion is my second favourite. Overall though, pretty good lineup of songs that do well at their live events.
Quite…