We are taking it back to the old school this week. For my birthday this year, I bought concert tickets for some of the best bands of my school and college days. Tonight, we rocked it out with Styx and REO Speedwagon.
We parked in the Rosen Harwood building lot because the RiverWalk is right behind the building and it’s a beautiful walk to the amphitheater. We knew we wanted to park farther down the road so we could easily get back out after the concert. Sunset on the river is always a favorite.
The opening act was Don Felder, member of the Eagles. He and a mix of former musicians from various bands covered a lot of Eagles songs. Without a doubt, it was one of the best acts of the night. Hotel California was amazing!
After they left the stage, it was time for the stage change for Styx. One of the best parts of the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is the random arrival of the train crossing the bridge right behind the stage.
Styx was unbelievable. There is no way they sound or look like their age. I was waiting patiently for Renegade and was not disappointed. They sounded just like they did 20 years ago when Stephen saw them.
The final act was REO Speedwagon. By the time they took the stage, it was 9:30 on a school night.
I’ll be honest, REO SW was not enjoying the fountain of youth status that Styx had. These guys were pitchy and it may be because the lead singer has such a distinctive tenor sound that he was still trying to reach those high notes. We each had a couple of songs we wanted to hear and once we heard them, it was time to get going. 
This weekend begins the unofficial start to summer concerts and Friday nights at the Plaza. While I long for the fall season, summer in Tuscaloosa is not bad at all.