RiverEdge Park isn’t the only place that played a part in saving Chicago-area rock & roll this summer, but the Aurora institution along the Fox River was by far the first out of the gate with a major double header of REO Speedwagon and Head East, while continuing to lead about a month before everywhere else.

Both Illinois acts would’ve probably sold out the spacious venue anyway, but given the July 1 concert came after a pandemic-induced drought that lasted an excruciating 15 months, this was unquestionably the hottest ticket in town.

Even though there wasn’t a seat to be had, there were several options for concertgoers getting back in the groove based on their comfort levels, including a standing room only section up front, a chance to bring a seat for the general admission hill and an overflow section on the backside for spreading out.

Either way, the outdoor aspect made RiverEdge especially safe, while providing the ideal environment for a beer-raising night of non-stop sing-a-longs for fans of all ages.

Just prior to taking the stage, REO Speedwagon was given the key to the city by Mayor Richard C. Irvin, officially unlocking the return of live music, which soon manifested itself perfectly in the classic track “Back On The Road Again.”

The band also celebrated the start of its entire “40th Anniversary Of Hi Infidelity” Tour, the more than ten million copy-selling album that put them on the international map thanks to “Don’t Let Him Go,” “Take It On The Run” and “Keep On Loving You,” all of which were enthusiastically featured, along with “Someone Tonight” and “Tough Guys.”

REO Speedwagon even brought it back to the very beginning thanks to “Son Of A Poor Man,” “Golden Country” and “Like You Do,” giving a shout-out to Champaign’s Red Lion with longtime singer Kevin Cronin proclaiming “you can take the band out of the bar, but you can’t take the bar out of the band.”

Bill mates Head East came up in that very same scene and brought its brand of heartland sounds that continue to resonate more than five decades down the highway (and a shout-out to Chicago Concert Reviews from stage, though much appreciated, had no factor in shaping that statement since the cross-generational audience’s reaction spoke for itself).

Anthems such as “Elijah,” “Jefftown Creek,” Russ Ballard’s “Since You Been Gone” and “Never Been Any Reason” found co-founder Roger Boyd and the band in top-notch form, adding so much crunch and punch, it was impossible to tell the forced hiatus lasted this long.

But rest assured, concerts are indeed making a comeback and there’s a whole pile of tours and tributes coming to RiverEdge, plus there’s a brand new bridge to give guests a shortcut from the parking lot to the main gate.

Just make sure to arrive early to score whatever section is most desired, get the lawn chairs loaded and be ready to rock like life depends on it, which in the case of REO Speedwagon and Head East, is exactly the type of attitude each act took throughout this historic return.

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For additional information on REO Speedwagon and Head East, visit Speedwagon.com and Head-East.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at RiverEdge Park include Eagles tribute One Of These Nights (Jul. 9); Fleetwood Mac tribute Tusk (Jul. 16); Sammy Hagar & The Circle (Jul. 18); BeeGees tribute Stayin’ Alive (Jul. 30); Bob Seger tribute Hollywood Nights (Aug. 6); Led Zeppelin tribute Get The Led Out (Aug. 20) and Poi Dog Pondering (Aug. 28). For additional details, visit RiverEdgeAurora.com.