Formed by students attending the University of Illinois back in 1967, REO Speedwagon found some success in the 70’s, but really blew-up in the early 80’s behind the release of the album High Infidelity, then later the chart-topping single Can't Fight This Feeling. Performing on a stage set on top of a dog track, memories of yesteryear were definitely in full effect, especially for those in the VIP seats situated on the track as well. However, up-close or not the band's energy seemed to rise into the stadium-like seating above those guests.

The show began with lead singer Kevin Cronin coming out to perform a solo of Keep Pushin.' It was an amazing sight to see someone who's been performing since the early 70’s be so full of energy and still entertain with strong vocals. Following the solo, the other four members (drummer, guitarist, bassist, and pianist) came out and by the second song together, the crowd nearly exploded with jubilation...probably something to do with their massive hit Keep on Loving You. Next, the band returned to their early roots with Golden Country, a song Kevin claimed was their only song to have a political message. It was written during their years at the University of Illinois.

Kevin really kept the crowd engaged all night, even saying how he watched the Miami Heat that day, although he's a Lakers fan and wasn't happy Miami got Lebron James. However, even after the playful jeers from the Miami natives after he stated he's a huge Kobe Bryant fan, he quickly won the crowd back with the monster ballad Can’t Fight This Feeling. Every word was sang in unison with him as he danced and swayed to the music.

Later, he talked about remembering his first time coming to Miami to perform. It was New Years Eve 1972-1973. The whole band traveled from Champaign, IL to Miami, FL in a 1972 Impala. They opened for a band called Black Oak Arkansas that night.

Now, more than 40 years to the day, the band keeps on rockin.'