Album Information Section
Album Title: Arch Allies: Live at Riverport
Artist: Styx & REO Speedwagon
Original Release Date: September 26, 2000
Label: Unknown Label
Genres: Rock, Progressive Rock
Track Listing
- 1. Blue Collar Man (5:01)
- 2. The Grand Illusion (5:39)
- 3. Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) (6:18)
- 4. Lady (4:47)
- 5. Brave New World (5:43)
- 6. Edge of the Century (5:10)
- 7. Heavy Water (5:50)
- 8. Too Much Time on My Hands (5:23)
- 9. Renegade (7:27)
- 10. Blue Collar Man (5:21)
- 11. Roll With the Changes (5:56)
- 12. Don’t Let Him Go (4:31)
- 13. Music Man (3:20)
- 14. Take It on the Run (4:18)
- 15. Can’t Fight This Feeling (5:08)
- 16. Time for Me to Fly (3:51)
- 17. Back on the Road Again (7:09)
- 18. Keep On Loving You (3:26)
- 19. Roll With the Changes (6:18)
- 20. Ridin’ the Storm Out (5:04)
- 21. 157 Riverside Avenue (7:46)
- 22. Blue Collar Man (5:20)
- 23. Roll With the Changes (5:58)
Recording Information
Arch Allies: Live at Riverport was recorded at the Riverport Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, Missouri, during a concert on July 4, 1999. The album captures the live performances of both Styx and REO Speedwagon, highlighting the energy and excitement of a rock concert setting. The production team behind the album included renowned producer and engineer, who utilized a mix of analog and digital recording techniques to achieve a polished yet authentic live sound. Notably, the album features ambient crowd noise and spontaneous interactions between the bands and the audience, which enhances the live experience.
Band Context
At the time of the album’s release, Styx and REO Speedwagon were both established acts known for their significant contributions to the rock genre throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Styx had seen a resurgence in popularity, gaining new fans while catering to their loyal base. The lineup for Styx during this period included founding members Tommy Shaw, James Young, and Chuck Panozzo, alongside Lawrence Gowan on keyboards and Todd Sucherman on drums. REO Speedwagon, led by frontman Kevin Cronin, featured classic members Bruce Hall, Gary Richrath, and Neal Doughty, all of whom had been pivotal in crafting their signature sound.
Prior to Arch Allies, both bands had experienced various lineup changes and periods of hiatus, but they came together to embark on a successful tour in the late 1990s, which culminated in this live recording. The album not only serves as a showcase of their hits but also as a testament to the camaraderie between the two bands, who shared the stage for an unforgettable night. This collaboration was significant in the context of the late 1990s rock landscape, as it represented a return to the classic rock format that had dominated the charts decades earlier.
Track Commentary
The album opens with Styx’s “Blue Collar Man,” a classic anthem that resonates with themes of hard work and perseverance. This is followed by “The Grand Illusion,” which showcases the band’s progressive rock roots with its elaborate instrumentation and lyrical depth. “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” and “Lady” further highlight Styx’s ability to blend rock with poignant storytelling.
REO Speedwagon’s contributions begin with “Don’t Let Him Go,” and the band’s signature power ballads, like “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” are crowd favorites that exemplify their emotive style. The energetic “Roll With the Changes” is a standout track, delivering an uplifting message that resonates with audiences.
Overall, Arch Allies: Live at Riverport serves as a celebration of both bands’ legacies, with tracks like “Renegade” and “Ridin’ the Storm Out” standing out as highlights of the live performance. The album has received positive reviews for its production quality and the palpable energy of the live setting, reinforcing the timeless appeal of both Styx and REO Speedwagon. It remains a beloved entry in the catalog of both bands, appealing to long-time fans and new listeners alike.
