By Trish Stoecker
On July 20, 2024, the Mid-Florida Amphitheater buzzed with energy as classic rock enthusiasts gathered for a night to remember, featuring John Waite, Foreigner, and Styx. The air was thick with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the performances of these iconic artists, each bringing decades of hits and showmanship to the stage.
John Waite opened the evening, captivating the audience with his soulful voice and charismatic presence. Waite, who last performed in Tampa in 2019, delivered a nostalgic setlist including “Missing You,” “Change,” and “When I See You Smile.” His performance was both intimate and powerful, setting the tone for the night with a blend of emotion and classic rock energy. Despite a relatively short set of around 45 minutes, Waite’s performance was a heartfelt journey through his most beloved songs.
Next up was Foreigner, who had graced Tampa with their presence just last year. The setlist from this year was identical to last year’s, except for no acoustic set, due to time constraints. However, they did not disappoint. Foreigner’s set was a high-octane spectacle, featuring timeless hits like “Cold As Ice,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
The crowd sang along passionately, their voices merging with the band’s impeccable harmonies. The energy in the amphitheater was electric, with the band playing for nearly 90 minutes, leaving the audience craving more. This year they did feature Tampa’s own Plant High School Chorus to back them up on “I Want to Know What Love Is.” It showcased the teens’ vocal talents as well as gave the band the opportunity to promote funding for the arts in High School.
The grand finale of the evening was Styx, who hadn’t performed in Tampa since 2017. The band showcased their legendary musicianship and dynamic stage presence with a setlist that included classics such as “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” and rounded out the night with “Mr. Roboto.” Styx’s performance was a masterclass in rock theatrics, complete with dazzling lights and intricate instrumental solos. Their two-hour set was a rollercoaster of emotions, blending hard rock anthems with softer, melodic tunes. Two of the early members of Styx remain: James “JY” Young (who joined the band in 1970) and Tommy Shaw (1975). In 1999 they were joined by Lawrence Gowan who replaced Dennis DeYoung, on keyboards and lead vocals. His keyboard was prominently featured on a turntable he could spin to great effect, allowing those in attendance to see him tickling the ivories. In May of this year, the group announced that Lawrence’s younger Brother Terry would be joining the band on bass, replacing longtime band member Ricky Phillips. Todd Sucherman on drums and Will Evankovich on acoustic and electric guitars filled out the band’s complement.
Throughout the night, each act demonstrated remarkable showmanship, connecting with the audience and delivering performances that resonated deeply with fans both old and new. The July 20 concert at the Mid-Florida Amphitheater was a testament to the enduring power of classic rock, leaving attendees with memories to cherish for years to come.
