Two Iconic Acts Hit The Mountain America Center On November 8th

STYX Band Photo: Jason Powell
All Photos By Breezy Bird Photography

There’s a certain kind of magic that only live music can deliver, especially when it’s performed by artists whose music shaped decades, crossed generations, and still carries the power to sell out shows. On Saturday night at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, two of classic rock’s most enduring acts, STYX and LOVERBOY, joined forces to remind fans why their music has stood the test of time. The result was a night of anthems, nostalgia, and pure rock energy that packed the arena from the floor to the rafters.

LOVERBOY kicked off the evening, and from the first notes, the energy in the room was electric. Almost every seat in the house was occupied well before the first note was played, which is unusual for an opener. Formed in Calgary in 1979, the Canadian rockers quickly became international stars in the early ‘80s with their slick hooks and infectious, radio-ready sound. More than four decades later, they still play with the drive and charisma that first made them famous. Frontman Mike Reno, sporting his signature red bandana, sounded strong and confident. His voice, instantly recognizable, powered through the lineup belting outhit after hit like he had in his youth. “Notorious”, “The Kid is Hot Tonight” and, of course, “Working for the Weekend” all sounded like they were straight from the album. Guitarists Paul Dean and Kenneth “Spider” Sinnaeve delivered crisp, intricate solos, while Doug Johnson’s keyboards gave every song that signature ‘80s touch. Matt Frenette was a beast on the drums, often sporting a smile reminiscent of the Cheshire Cat.

As the crowd sang along to “Lovin’ Every Minute of It,” Reno beamed wide, clearly feeding off the audience’s enthusiasm. For many of us in the crowd, these songs weren’t just concert numbers, they were memories of road trips, summer nights, and a soundtrack to our youth. LOVERBOY didn’t just open the show; they set a joyful, nostalgic tone that carried through the entire evening. The only complaint I have is they only played a 9-song set.

Setlist:

• “Notorious”
• “Lucky Ones”
• “Queen of the Broken Hearts”
• “Take Me to the Top”
• “The Kid is Hot Tonight”
• “Lovin’ Every Minute of It”
• “Hot Girls in Love”
• “Turn Me Loose”
• “Working for the Weekend”

After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed, and STYX stormed the stage with a sound that was both thunderous and crystal clear. Hailing from Chicago and formed in the early 1970s, STYX built their reputation on intricate musicianship, soaring harmonies, and a distinctive blend of progressive rock and arena spectacle. Over the decades, they’ve weathered lineup changes, shifting trends, and continue to make new music while selling out venues with a show that feels as vital as ever. With more than a half century of artistic excellence, it’s an absolute travesty that they aren’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet!

Tommy Shaw remains the heart and soul of STYX’s live energy. His vocals were absolute perfection, and his guitar work was fluid, melodic, and precise as it carried the band through classics like “Blue Collar Man”, “Fooling Yourself” and “Too Much Time on My Hands”. Watching him perform, it’s hard to believe he’s been doing this for over 5 decades! His energy was boundless and youthful, and he didn’t appear to have aged a bit.

Then there’s Lawrence Gowan, the band’s endlessly charismatic keyboardist and vocalist. Gowan spun his merry-go-round keyboard like a showman from days gone by, working the crowd with humor and magnetism. Throughout the show, his performance commanded full attention, but “Come Sail Away” was an absolute showstopper. As he led thousands of voices in a massive singalong, the moment transcended the performance into a communal, emotional, and spine-tingling experience. Behind them, Todd Sucherman on drums was nothing short of phenomenal. His precision and power anchored every song, while William Evankovich, Terry Gowan, and James “J.Y.” Young filled out the sound with grit and swagger.

What struck me most throughout the night was how well these bands still connect musically and personally with the audience. The crowd at the Mountain America Center spanned generations. Grandparents, parents, grown kids, and grandchildren alike belted out perfectly harmonized lyrics in a generational melting pot. The acoustics were clear, the lighting dynamic, and the entire atmosphere perfectly suited to a night of heartfelt rock and roll. By the time STYX closed the show with “Renegade,” the arena was on its feet, fists raised, voices unified in one final roar. As the band bowed and the house lights came up, I found myself sharing a collective grin, overwhelmed by nostalgia, and incredibly grateful to have shared in an amazing experience. Oh, how I wish my mom could have been there.

After all these years, STYX and LOVERBOY delivered a masterclass performance. It’s evident they are still out there doing what they love all while fans continue to eat it up. I am thankful that Idaho Falls got to be a small part of a continued legacy of classic rock. Each note was played loud and with the kind of heart that still brings us together in the most blissful way possible. This show proved that great songs never grow old, they just continue to get better with age.

Setlist:

• “Build and Destroy”
• “Too Much Time on My Hands”
• “The Grand Illusion”
• “Lady”
• “Lorelei”
• “Miss America”
• “I’m O.K.”
• “Crystal Ball”
• “Rockin’ the Paradise”
• “Michigan”
• “The Best of Times”
• “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)”
• “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)”
• “Come Sail Away”
• “Mr. Roboto”
• “Renegade”

Check out some more photos from the show!

Check out some more photos from the show!
All Photos By Breezy Bird Photography