Foreigner and Styx Electrify Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach was ready to become the hub of classic rock on August 20th because two legendary acts, Foreigner and Styx, were teamed together to grace the stage with their Renegades & Juke Box Heroes Tour. It was one of those unforgettable nights, full of powerful performances, a tapestry of nostalgic hits, and moments that perfectly encapsulated just why these bands were considered true legends of the rock realm.

Styx

When the sun was finally setting, the amphitheatre buzzed with anticipation. First on was Styx, who immediately got things going in their typical progressive rock and pop-infused melody style. Opening with “The Grand Illusion,” this band got off to a dynamic and engaging performance. With all members of Styx giving it their all in this fervour, it was Lawrence Gowan, the charismatic pianist and vocalist for the band, who stole the show. More than a musician, Gowan is nothing short of a showman in the very essence of the word. Electric on stage, Gowan captivated his audience as he spun around on his moving piano platform, kicked his legs into the air, and played the keys backwards. It was infectious energy—this vibrant aura—and he was relishing every moment up there.

With Styx, one hit followed another as the band guided them through the rich tapestry of their career’s songbook. “Too Much Time on My Hands” and “Lady” got the crowd in full euphoric singalong, while the exquisitely beautiful “The Best of Times” really showed off the band’s impressive ability to balance emotion with skill. This setlist struck that perfect balance between beloved hits and hidden treasures, as the powerful anthem “Rockin’ the Paradise” and relentless energy in “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)” flow out of the stage.

The band segued into “Come Sail Away,” one of the band’s favourite songs, and at that moment, it felt like the entire amphitheatre was swaying to the music, with old and new fans alike singing every word. The energy amped to its peak during the encore as Styx tore into electrifying performances of “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade,” sending a frazzled crowd home begging for more.

Foreigner

After a very brief interlude, Foreigner took the stage. From the very moment this band emerged, it became exceptionally clear that they were an act destined to be remembered. The stage was decked out in a dazzling array of lights and visuals, providing a very vibrant setting for the band’s electrifying performance.

Lead vocalist Kelly Hansen wasted no time getting into the show. The opening chords of “Double Vision” had him dancing, leaping, and playfully engaging with the patrons in the front rows. Before long, the entire amphitheatre was caught up by the infectious spirit. Hansen’s playfulness shone through when he posed for cameras, at one moment humorously positioning his microphone stand directly in front of a camera lens to chuckles from onlookers. By contrast, Foreigner’s set was one highly orchestrated odyssey of hits upon the venue erupting in applause and whistles with every song introduction. “Cold as Ice” had the crowd en masse, joining in a raucous yet harmonious chant, while “Waiting for a Girl Like You” swaddled them in great sweeping waves of nostalgia. The pounding cadences of “Dirty White Boy” and “Feels Like the First Time” literally raised the energy to dizzying heights; never once did the band misstep out of rhythm.

One of the biggest highlights of the evening was when Hansen mounted the stage to deliver “Juke Box Hero.” Ascending a raised platform above the eager crowd, he poured his heart and energy into the performance, making it electrifying and one that would not soon fade from the memory of all who watched. The charisma of Hansen, coupled with the tight coordination of his band, made this one truly special.

The encore, if it could be called that, by Foreigner was powerful and poignant to say the least. Hansen invited the Kellam High School choir to join the band on stage for “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which created a touching connection between the band and the local community.

The harmonies added a beautiful depth to the song, which was carried into the voices of the choir; as much as for the band, that was a meaningful moment for the students as well. It spoke deep truths about what music could do to bring people together, and once again, the audience erupted in applause. Foreigner closed the night with their electrifying hit “Hot Blooded,” leaving the stage as a wave of frenzied onlookers erupted around them. The energy in the amphitheatre was palpable-a true testament to the band’s remarkable ability to connect profoundly with their audience.

The double bill of Styx and Foreigner unfolded like a master class in the art of classic rock showmanship: each band delivered a personal performance that was undeniably musically impressive. The charismatic antics of Lawrence Gowan leading Styx, paired with Kelly Hansen’s energetic audience engagement during Foreigner’s set, formed an environment both electric and intimate. It was more than simple nostalgia; it was a testament to the fact that rock is still alive and functional. To the multitude of people gathered in the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, the evening was one of reminiscence and new memories constant memories of why such bands have, for years, stood at the top of rock. It was one of those nights that unmistakably proved the music might be classic, but most definitely the performances were not, as Styx and Foreigner both put on lively, dynamic, and memorable performances.

Photos (c) Ryan McCormick