Styx hitting town with REO Speedwagon

Styx comes to Las Vegas so often, the variety is more in the company they keep.

The veteran rockers' summer tour with Yes (which somehow did not stop here) probably brought out the pomp and synthesizer side of the Chicago band's sound. Saturday's Hard Rock Hotel concert with REO Speedwagon should pull the focus to the band's American pop.

REO still has its original singer, Kevin Cronin, which is getting to be more of a rarity with classic rock bands such as Styx (which does have Tommy Shaw, but not Dennis DeYoung, who will be in town on his own Oct. 8). Tickets are $39.50-$79.50 for the 8 p.m. show at 4455 Paradise Road. Call 693-5583.

-- By MIKE WEATHERFORD