It is common for tour pairings to generally have bands that came up around the same time and spent years building their fan bases playing the same shows and same venues together. Every now and then, a tour may mix things up with bands that have a similar vibe but may have hit their critical acclaim at different times. This is the case with Train’s Summer Road Trip 2024 tour when they hit the road with classic rock giants REO Speedwagon and yacht rockers known as Yacht Rock Revue. This tour blends music from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and modern day. The fans of the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA represented that as we had young children and older couples all ready to rock out to some of their favorite music.
Kicking off the show was Yacht Rock Revue. This band was here to bring tropical vibes to the hot Los Angeles crowd. Opening with a cover of Michael McDonald’s “Sweet Freedom,” frontman Nicholas Niespodziani hit the stage looking like the captain of the yacht we were about to take a ride on. If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship, he strutted around the stage like any good cruise director in charge of making sure we were having fun. Backed back fellow vocalist Peter Olsen carrying his own swagger. He also was switching off between guitars and bongos. Lead guitarist Mark Dannells was performing in a much heavier band, as his stage presence carried more 80s shred guitar vibes. He was living for the music he was playing. Yacht Rock Revue mentioned that they enjoy playing other bands music, but it is even better when they are joined by those band members. Looking Glass’s guitarist and vocalist Elliot Lurie stepped on stage to join the boys for a cover of his song “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” and their original song “Tropical Illusion.” The bad boys of yacht rock had the fans dancing in the crowd with island vibes for other songs like “Escape (The Pina Colada Song),” “Kiss You All Over,” “Ride Like the Wind,” “Heart to Heart,” “Africa,” “Baker Street,” and ending with “More Than a Feeling.” Yacht Rock Revue was the perfect fit to lift the spirits for everyone in the venue.
Up next was the legendary rockers REO Speedwagon, who has written some of the most beautiful love songs of a generation. The band has been going strong for nearly six decades, and their music is still resonating with newer generations. As there was a group of young ladies just losing themselves to the music on the barricade. It was a wonderful sight to see how much the band’s music continues to touch everyone who hears it. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Kevin Cronin is 72 years old, but still sounds exactly like he does on record. His voice is angelic beauty to the ears. Guitarist Dave Amato and bassist Bruce Hall can be seen playing back to back and posing next to each other for the crowds entertainment throughout the set. Drummer Bryan Hitt and keyboardist Derek Hilland may be rocking out on the backline of the stage, but they continue to play with the same passion they have since first contributing to the band. REO Speedwagon kept the crowd in the palms of their hands for a set that included such classics as “Don’t Let Him Go,” “Take It on the Run,” “Keep Pushin’,” “Live Every Moment,” “Tough Guys,” “I Wish You Were There,” “Music Man,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Son of a Poor Man,” “Time for Me to Fly,” “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” “Keep on Loving You,” and ending with “Roll With the Changes.” With the final song, Kevin’s grandchildren snuck on stage to surprise him, which you could tell he was elated to see them. The kids even helped with the chorus of the final song. REO Speedwagon’s set turned into a family affair for the band, and all the families that came to this show together.
As two giant inflatable suitcases took over the stage, we knew we were ready to finally catch our Train. Two loud train horns sounded off across the Kia Forum as the band took the stage and jumped right into “Calling All Angels.” Vocalist Pat Monahan tenor voice makes the entire Train experience feel like we’re at church singing hymns. Monahan also likes to give the audience a special moment as people will throw phones on stage for him to take selfies with. Guitarist Taylor Locke brings more of a rocker vibe to the band, busting out a double neck guitar a couple times. Bassist Hector Maldonado helps add volume to Monahan’s voice with his backing vocals. While drummer Matt Musty keeps the tempo grooving, with keyboardist Jerry Becker adding the whimsy to the music. Something unique about a Train show was that it seems Monahan just enjoyed sharing music with the crowd. Often breaking into another band’s song in the middle of their own. While performing “Meet Virginia” they weaved into Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker.” For “Hey, Soul Sister,” they worked Redbone’s famous “Come and Get Your Love.” As well for “Drive By,” Monahan led the crowd into a giant harmony of the Beatles “Hey Jude Outro.”
Because we were in Los Angeles, we had a quick surprise guest appearance by the Hangover’s Ken Jeong who helped to hype up the crowd. Train also took a moment to welcome a band not playing on this tour called Cheat Codes to the stage. They apparently wrote a song that Monahan cherishes so much that he wanted to perform it with the band as both bands launched into Cheat Codes song “Bloom.” They brought back Yacht Rock Revue to help them perform a cover of the Eagles “Hotel California,” in which Monahan took over as the drummer, and killed it. The rest of their set included other greats like “If It’s Love,” “Get to Me,” “Save Me, San Francisco,” “Over the Hills and Far Away,” “Play That Song,” “Angel in Blue Jeans,” “50 Ways to Say Goodbye,” “Marry Me,” “Bruises,” and ending with “Drops of Jupiter.” Train’s set was just a dedication to the love of music, whether it be their own or other artists. They just wanted to perform the music they loved.
This night was a night to dance. Whether you showed up with your dancing shoes or not, all three bands played music that gets the body up and moving. My mom has been telling me I need to experience Train for years, and after this show, I’m sorry I took so long to see them, Mom. Train, along with REO Speedwagon and Yacht Rock Revue, all had songs that were infectious. It was impossible to not leave this show with a big smile on your face, and your heart warmed even a little bit more. If you need a good night of fun music to help lift your spirits, you can’t go wrong seeing any of these three bands.
TRAIN, REO SPEEDWAGON & YACHT ROCK REVUE — SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 — THE KIA FORUM (LOS ANGELES)
