REO, Foreigner, Frampton Show a Most Familiar Way

Nostalgia caught up with the ‘70s again Tuesday at the Universal Amphitheatre, where the arena-rock dream team of REO Speedwagon, Foreigner and Peter Frampton joined forces for a show that was as challenging as a rerun of “Eight Is Enough.”

The slicked-up folk-rock of REO Speedwagon seemed somehow the most contemporary of the three. Credit for that lies largely with singer Kevin Cronin, who was a perky presence running across the stage in his two-tone shoes, preaching between songs on brotherhood, fatherhood, etc.

REO’s mid-tempo, brand-X pop was as upbeat and bland as ever. But the band should at least be credited with bolstering its current reunion with an album of all-new material (“Building the Bridge”), which is more than can be said for KISS or the Sex Pistols.

As with the other acts, Foreigner’s bombastic power-chord rock often turned into nostalgic sing-alongs Tuesday. If the melodrama of FM radio hits such as “Cold as Ice” rang less than true, at least the band understood the concept of showmanship, hung on relentlessly catchy melodies that echo in your brain longer than you might like.

Looking like a blond Wayne Newton in his mustache and white bicycle shorts, guitarist Mick Jones led the rock star anthem “Juke Box Hero,” which stood up as epic teenage fantasy, though it was stretched beyond reason to include a piece of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”

Opening the night was Frampton, who was a cordial, ego-free presence. His rocked-up signature hit “Do You Feel Like We Do” featured tasteful soloing and flashes of a jazzy flair. His was the most satisfying set of the night.

At least Frampton drew on his one shining moment (the 1976 superstardom of his “Frampton Comes Alive!” album), when he could actually claim a distinctive sound of his own.

* REO Speedwagon, Foreigner and Peter Frampton play Saturday at Glen Helen Blockbuster Pavilion, 2575 Glen Helen Parkway, Devore, 7:30 p.m. $15-$35. (909) 886-8742.