Train and REO Speedwagon Take Fans on a Nostalgic Journey at Jiffy Lube Live
On a warm summer evening on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, the Jiffy Lube Live amphitheatre in Bristow, Virginia, played host to a remarkable double bill concert featuring Train and REO Speedwagon, with Yacht Rock Revue opening the night. The event was part of the “Summer Road Trip 2024” tour, which promised a nostalgic journey through decades of rock and pop. The evening exceeded all expectations, delivering a night of high-energy performances, sing-alongs, and moments that will stay with the audience for years to come.
Yacht Rock Revue Sets the Mood
The night kicked off at 6:25 PM with Yacht Rock Revue, a band known for their impeccable covers of soft rock classics. From the moment they started playing, the crowd was transported back to the smooth, sun-soaked sounds of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Their set included hits like “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes, “Africa” by Toto, and “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates. The band’s performance was tight and polished, with a laid-back vibe that perfectly captured the essence of the yacht rock genre. Their original song, “Tropical Illusion,” was a standout, blending seamlessly with the classics. The crowd, many of whom were already on their feet, enthusiastically sang along, setting a relaxed yet anticipatory tone for the evening ahead.
REO Speedwagon Brings the Rock
At 7:45 PM, REO Speedwagon took the stage, and the energy in the amphitheatre shifted gears. The band, fronted by the charismatic Kevin Cronin, wasted no time diving into their extensive catalogue of hits. They opened with “Don’t Let Him Go,” immediately igniting the crowd. Cronin’s vocals were as strong as ever, and the band’s musicianship was top-notch, proving that these rock veterans still have what it takes to command a stage.
The setlist was a masterclass in classic rock, featuring fan favourites like “Take It on the Run,” “Time for Me to Fly,” and “Ridin’ the Storm Out.” The audience was fully engaged, singing every word and relishing the opportunity to see these rock legends in action. The emotional peak of their performance came with the ballads “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You,” where the crowd’s voices nearly drowned out the band’s, creating a powerful shared moment of nostalgia. REO Speedwagon closed its set with “Roll With the Changes,” leaving the stage to a standing ovation and setting a high bar for the rest of the night.
Train Delivers a Show-Stopping Finale
By 9:15 PM, the anticipation for Train was palpable. The band opened with “Calling All Angels,” instantly captivating the audience with their blend of pop-rock and heartfelt lyrics. Lead singer Pat Monahan was in top form, his voice soaring effortlessly over the crowd, who were more than ready to sing along to every word.
Train’s set was a perfect mix of their biggest hits and fan favourites. Tracks like “If It’s Love,” “Save Me, San Francisco,” and “Drive By” kept the energy high, while the band’s playful rendition of “Meet Virginia” mixed with a snippet of Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” added a fun, unexpected twist to the night. A touching performance of “Marry Me” provided a brief, intimate moment amidst the larger-than-life anthems. An unexpected cover came when Train started performing Hozier’s recent song “Too Sweet” during “Angel in Blue Jeans”. Sublime!
One of the night’s highlights was the band’s performance of “Hey, Soul Sister,” which had the entire amphitheatre on their feet, dancing and singing along with vitality. Monahan’s interaction with the crowd was warm and genuine, creating a sense of camaraderie that made the large venue feel much more personal. The band also paid homage to rock legends with covers of Led Zeppelin’s “Over the Hills and Far Away” and The Eagles’ “Hotel California,” both of which were met with roaring approval from the audience.
Train closed their set with the iconic “Drops of Jupiter,” a song that has become synonymous with the band’s legacy. The crowd’s response was overwhelming, with thousands of voices joining together in what felt like a communal celebration of the music that has defined so many moments in their lives.
The double-bill concert of Train and REO Speedwagon at Jiffy Lube Live was more than just a night of music; it was a journey through time, celebrating decades of hits and the enduring power of live performance. Yacht Rock Revue’s smooth opening set the perfect tone for the night, REO Speedwagon’s rock-solid performance brought the house down, and Train’s show-stopping finale left everyone wanting more. For fans of these bands, it was an evening of pure joy, nostalgia, and shared memories that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.
Photo’s (c) Ryan McCormick
