The “corporate rock” label is idiotic. I would call a band “corporate” if they had a big hit and then every single song after that sounded just like it in an attempt to hit again. Instead, they throw the label on bands like Journey and Foreigner. Like them or not (I do), they had hit after hit that sounded nothing like the previous hit. It’s a label usually used by snobs who don’t like what is popular. And then they say, “Well, Bieber is popular, too!” as if there’s no difference between a Johnny Bravo who is selling on his appeal to young girls and hard-working guys who play all their instruments and write all their songs.
The idea of Ted putting on his own competing show is appealing, but I doubt if he would do that to the other bands on the bill—especially hit pal, Tommy.
I saw REO live a couple of years ago and they did a mildly anti-Vietnam song. Cronin introduced it by saying, “We were young and didn’t know much, but we love the troops and support them completely.” I think he had some connection to Clinton—something about happily approving the use of “Building the Bridge” for his reelection—but he’s obviously not consumed by politics like your basic Springsteen.
I might be seeing Styx live at an upcoming free festival. I like their music, but I have to say—every live show of theirs I’ve seen on TV has been pretty awful. I’d rather have seen them with Dennis, but . . . free!
I saw them many times over the years. Paradise Theater was the best. I was in the 4th row on the floor. J.Y. trod the stage like a guitar god straight from Mount Olympus. The sound was stellar.