Bachman-Turner Overdrive at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Friday, July 18, 2025 [Photo credit: Dean Birkheimer]

DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine

“To sing is to pray twice” ~ St. Augustine

There are rarely nights when everything just clicks, the music, the crowd, the atmosphere. Fortunately, the evening of July 18th, 2025 at Stir Cove was one of those nights. With Jefferson Starship opening the night, The Marshall Tucker Band setting the tone, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive closing with a high-octane set, the packed house at the open-air venue was treated to a perfect evening of classic rock nostalgia under flawless summer skies.

Jefferson Starship wasted no time launching into a spirited set that proved, even after 50 years, their sound still soars. Fronted by Cathy Richardson’s powerhouse vocals and anchored by longtime member David Freiberg, the band lit up the stage with a tight, energetic performance. Classics like “Jane,” “Find Your Way Back,” and “Somebody to Love” got the crowd on its feet early. Their blend of psychedelic rock and radio-ready anthems felt like the perfect opener with a familiar yet fresh set. Their performance was both a tribute to their legacy and a showcase of enduring energy.

With the audience now fully engaged, The Marshall Tucker Band brought their signature blend of country, blues, and jazz-tinged Southern rock. Doug Gray, the band’s sole original member, kept the spirit alive with heartfelt vocals and an easygoing charisma that made the audience feel like part of the family. “Heard It in a Love Song” and “Fire on the Mountain” brought singalongs, but it was the extended, jam-filled “Can’t You See” that brought the house down. The interplay between flute, guitar, and pedal steel was mesmerizing, a reminder of the band’s musical depth. Their musicianship was tight, with the flute solos adding that familiar, soulful flair. The band’s warmth and authenticity made their set feel like a jam session among friends—comfortable, nostalgic, and heartfelt.

The sun may have set, but the venue’s energy rose when BTO took the Stir Cove stage. When the quintet that includes Brent Howard, Randy Bachman, Bachman’s son Tal Bachman, Lance Lapointe and Koko Bachman hit the first notes of “Take It Like a Man,” the crowd erupted. It was clear the band came to deliver. The band took us on a hit after hit journey. Their no-frills, heavy-riff rock and roll felt tailor-made for a night like this.  They tore through “Roll on Down the Highway,” with raw energy and precision. Fans, young and old, belted every word. The band played like they were on a mission to remind us why their music still moves people five decades later. The moment of the night was the Guess Who montage of “These Eyes”, “Laughing”, “Undun”, “No Sugar Tonight” and “No Time”. The rhythm section thundered, guitars screamed, and the vocals hit all the right nostalgic notes. “Takin’ Care of Business” closed the night and with a roar, thousands sung in unison under a glowing Iowa sky. With a cool breeze rolling off the river, and a sea of smiling faces, Stir Cove proved once again why it’s one of the Midwest’s best summer venues. There were no gimmicks, no laser shows, just three legendary bands doing what they do best. For fans of classic rock, it wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive Marshall Tucker Band Jefferson Starship All images © Dean Birkheimer

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