Brotherhood of Rock Tour 2025 Review: Styx, Kevin Cronin, and Don Felder Rock Riverbend
Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OHÂ
August 19, 2025
A Night of Rock Legends and Timeless Performances
On a perfect August evening in Cincinnati, three iconic forces in classic rock—Styx, The Kevin Cronin Band, and Don Felder—came together for the Brotherhood of Rock Tour and delivered a night of music that was more than nostalgia—it was a celebration of legacy, craft, and connection.
Fans filled the Riverbend Music Center with anticipation and were rewarded with a lineup that didn’t just relive the past—it redefined it. Each act brought something personal and powerful to the stage, and as someone who’s lived through the soundtracks they’ve created, I can tell you this: the fire still burns bright.
Scroll down for full setlists and exclusive photo galleries from each performance
Don Felder: The Standout Showman of the Night
I’ll say it up front—Don Felder and his band may have been my personal favorite part of the show. As a longtime fan of The Eagles, finally seeing Felder perform live was a full-circle moment. He was such an integral part of that band’s magic, and on this night, he reminded everyone just how much of that sound he helped define.
From the opener “Already Gone” to a jaw-dropping finale of “Hotel California,” Felder had the crowd in the palm of his hand. And not just with Eagles classics—his solo tracks like “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)” and newer material off his recent release, The Vault – Fifty Years of Music, stood tall among the hits. He wasn’t just reminiscing—he was owning the moment.
He looked energized, sounded fantastic, and proved that his legacy is alive and well. I walked away from his set ready to catch him again—next time for a full headlining slot.
Don Felder Setlist
Already Gone
One of These Nights
Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)
Seven Bridges Road
Victim of Love
Tequila Sunrise
Witchy Woman
The Long Run
Heartache Tonight
Life in the Fast Lane
Hotel California
The Kevin Cronin Band: Same Soul, New Name
Let’s clear the air: this may have been billed as The Kevin Cronin Band, but to anyone with ears and a heart, it was REO Speedwagon in spirit. Kevin Cronin’s voice is REO Speedwagon. And surrounded by longtime collaborators Dave Amato (guitar), Bryan Hitt (drums), Derek Hilland (keys), and Matt Bissonette (bass), this lineup brought the full weight of the REO experience.
The crowd erupted from the first note of “Don’t Let Him Go,” and never sat down again. Every song was a hit, flawlessly executed—from “Time for Me to Fly” to the epic closer “Roll With the Changes.”
Cronin hasn’t lost a step. He’s aged with style, still sings with conviction, and remains as connected to his fans as ever. There was no drama—just music. And that’s the way it should be.
Kevin Cronin Band Setlist
Don’t Let Him Go
Take It on the Run
Keep Pushin’
That Ain’t Love
Tough Guys
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Time for Me to Fly
Back on the Road Again
Ridin’ the Storm Out
Roll With the Changes
Styx: A Grand Illusion Come to Life
I’ve seen Styx a handful of times, but something about this performance hit different. Maybe it was the setlist. Maybe it was the vibe. But I haven’t stopped listening to their greatest hits since I walked out of Riverbend—and that says everything.
The crown jewel of the night? The band performed their landmark 1977 album The Grand Illusion in its entirety. That record was a breakthrough, blending progressive rock themes with arena-ready hooks, and tonight it felt just as relevant and powerful as ever. Tracks like “Fooling Yourself,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Man in the Wilderness” hit deep. There wasn’t a dud in the set.
And then there’s Tommy Shaw. I’m not sure what deal he made with the rock gods, but the man looks younger every time I see him. Funny enough, I discovered Styx after seeing Tommy in Damn Yankees. Backwards? Maybe. But I got there—and I’ve been locked in ever since.
Honestly, the only regret I have is not grabbing a Styx shirt at the merch stand. They earned that kind of loyalty.
Styx Setlist
The Grand Illusion
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
Superstars
Come Sail Away
Miss America
Man in the Wilderness
Castle Walls
The Grand Finale
Encore
Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
Too Much Time on My Hands
Rockin’ the Paradise
Renegade
Final Thoughts: Brotherhood, Legacy, and the Power of Live Music
The Brotherhood of Rock Tour lived up to its name and then some. Three iconic acts. One shared stage. And a crowd that knew every word. From the craftsmanship of Don Felder to the soul of Kevin Cronin and the arena magic of Styx, this was more than a show—it was a reminder of why we fell in love with rock in the first place.
If you have the chance to catch this tour, don’t hesitate. You’ll walk away with memories, melodies—and maybe, like me, a playlist that’s been spinning non-stop ever since.
