REO Speedwagon 'Can't Fight This Feeling' at Packed Star Plaza Theatre Show

After plans to close the venue were reversed, the nearby Star Plaza Theatre proved to be a popular stomping ground for both artists and fans alike with a sold out show featuring REO Speedwagon on Saturday night.

Management for the Star Plaza Theatre, which is located just over the border in Merrillville, IN, announced in August that the venue was going to be closing its doors in 2017 due to the upcoming demolition of the adjoining Radisson hotel, which is being replaced with a newer, more upscale hotel.

However, the plans to close the theatre were called off after management and city officials received an outpouring of support to keep the theatre open. Past performers, along with fans and local residents who have memories at the theatre, expressed their desire to see the doors stay open for future shows and events.

With positive energy in the air following the announcement of the theatre staying open, fans started pouring in on Saturday night for a sold out show with Oak Lawn native Kevin Cronin and the rest of his band mates.

Star Plaza President and CEO Charlie Blum was the first to take the stage, welcoming the crowd before supporting act Michael Tolcher began a 30-minute acoustic set.

Following a brief intermission after Tolcher’s performance, REO Speedwagon finally came on stage, opening with their popular hit “Don’t Let Him Go," leading up to a number of other ballads that the packed crowd didn’t hesitate singing along with.

Frontman Kevin Cronin, who grew up in Oak Lawn and still has family residing in the area, even brought his mother, Millie (known as 'Mother Rock'), on stage for “Can’t Fight This Feeling", dedicating the song to her for being an inspiration on his life and his musical career. What’s usually a routine song for the band turned out to be an intimate and emotional moment for everyone both off the stage and on.

Additionally, bassist Bruce Hall and guitarist Dave Amato took lead vocals for two songs. Hall showed off his talent on the bass guitar and behind the microphone for “Back on the Road Again," while Dave Amato covered “Stranglehold” from his days with Ted Nugent. Kevin Cronin even took the stage wearing a Cubs jersey towards the end of the show, despite being a longtime White Sox fan.

From their beginning verse to their final bow, REO Speedwagon delivered an energetic show to an electric crowd. The band’s progressive style never fails to disappoint, and Saturday’s show at the Star Plaza was no different.

Photos by AJ Roccaforte. More photos in higher resolution are available here.