By Eva Dunn
Gold Country Times

Classic rock legends BOSTON with REO Speedwagon brought their "More Than a Feeling" tour to the beautiful Murphy's Ironstone Amphitheater on Saturday night, July 25th. With the awesome, classic sound of their earlier records, Boston’s new music still embodies the creative, the imaginative and harmonious, appealing to ageless generations. Ironstone brought classic rock to gold country in an UNBELIEVABLE show.

The spectacular concert was exhilarating with dramatic light shows, an indescribable melding of harmonious yet seemingly cacophonous music, while a visual presentation played on the huge screen behind the band. Of special note was the wild Hammond organ work, almost never ending, and soaring, endless harmony guitars leaving us in musical bliss. The concert was a festival of sensory overloads, intense!

Opening for BOSTON was REO Speedwagon, a band that still has the power to get the audience roaring and on its feet with their high-energy show; they remain one of the golden bands from the 80’s. Playing 'Keep On Lovin' You', sung by lead singer Kevin Cronin, 'Ridin’ the Storm Out', 'Don’t Let Him Go' and more, some say Boston won’t remain your favorite band after you see REO Speedwagon! The band's onstage chemistry is powerful. They absolutely rocked the Ironstone stage this night, a brilliant performance, and the audience appreciatively demanded an Encore. Being at this concert was not just an event, it was an experience!

The concert atmosphere is the best; you're living in the moment. Band tee's are everywhere; everyone in the audience is waiting for the band to come out, and the excitement is tangible. The sun was just beginning to set; it was a beautiful evening with a light breeze. Wine, beer, and food was available for purchase. A VIP dinner before the show was prestigious. Once the talented rockers appeared onstage, everyone erupted into screams and applause, and for the next 4 hours you sing along to every song the band plays that you know; everyone claps, cheers, yells, jumps and dances--in the aisles, standing on their seats, on the lawn, and by night's end, we all left in a happy daze, totally Rocked out!

A flashback to the late 70's with Hits like "Peace of Mind," "Feelin' Satisfied," and "Rock & Roll Band", besides the 1986 "Amanda," but with current song selections from one of the hottest album releases, Boston's 6th album, the 2013 'Life, love & Hope', the band’s first new music in 11 years, the dramatic popularity of Boston was highly evident with this sold-out concert. Current members include guitarist/keyboardist Tom Scholz, founder of the band, guitarist Gary Pihl, drummer Jeff Neal, vocalist Tommy DeCarlo, keyboardist/guitarist Beth Cohen, and bassist Tracy Ferrie. The audience was full of baby boomers, re-living their musical past, tightly embracing their significant other and 30-40 year olds dancing wildly together as favorite nostalgic songs played; everyone enjoyed this amazing summer concert.

Having its roots in 1940s' and 1950s' rock and roll, heavily influenced by blues, rhythm and blues, there is nothing like classic Rock. I hadn't listened to rock music much since the 80's and had forgotten how much I really used to connect with this powerful music. The level of sound at this concert was absolutely astronomical, and we loved it! A great band makes for a great concert, but a spectacular venue increases the enjoyment. Ironstone Amphitheatre Rocks it! For more information on the bands, see online:
http://bandboston.com/ http://www.reospeedwagon.com/ Concert Series by Richter Entertainment Group Presents, www.richtergroup.net/

The Ironstone Amphitheatre continues its summer concert series with The Steve Miller Band and Buddy Guy August 1st. Eric Clapton once described Buddy as the best guitar player alive. In 1993 Guy received Billboard‘s Century Award. He tours constantly, appearing at blues clubs and festivals around the world; The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery August 11; Hall and Oates August 27; and the Concours d’Elegance on Sept 26, 2015. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.

Ironstone is ADA Parking and wheel chair accessible, besides providing ADA seating. Ironstone Amphitheatre is located at 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys, CA. Call 1-209-728-1251 for more information or visit online them online at http://ironstoneamphitheatre.net/wired/