Styx, REO Speedwagon + Ted Nugent Bring ‘The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express’ Tour to Massachusetts – Photos
The train just keeps a ‘rollin on ‘The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express’ tour, featuring the triple bill of Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent. The classic rock collective that earned a prominent spot on our ‘Must-See Rock Concerts of 2013’ list recently made a pit stop in Springfield, Mass. on April 23. Check out our photos from the show below.
Prior to the concert, the three bands announced that they would be donating a portion of the proceeds from the tour to victims of the recent Boston Marathon bombings, a tragedy that hit very close to home to the show in Western Massachusetts. Before the gig, the tour was selling off raffle tickets for autographed guitars and photos to raise additional funds -- a kind and thoughtful effort that was definitely appreciated by the community.
In contrast to their high-energy, polished performances and deep arsenal of hits, each band offered heart-felt condolences and messages of perseverance, hope and forging forward throughout their set, referring to both the tragedy in Boston as well as the victims in the plant explosion in Texas. At one point, REO Speedwagon front man Kevin Cronin described the pure elation of returning home to the States after touring throughout the globe. He said that no matter where in the world their touring takes them, as soon as they hit US soil the first thing they do is bend down, kiss the ground and say a little thank-you to be home.
The three acts will continue their one-way ticket to rock through the end of May. Check out all the remaining dates here and read our recent review of the tour stop in Toledo, Ohio here.
Photos From 'The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express' tour with Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent:
Styx
REO Speedwagon
Ted Nugent