Concert review: El Monstero w/ Night Ranger | 07.18.26, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater (with photo gallery)

Photo of El Monstero’s Mark Thomas Quinn by Sevauna Stageman

A St. Louis summer is incomplete without an iconic El Monstero show, and they once again did not let their biggest fans down! One of the hottest days of the summer didn’t stop this near sold-out crowd from enjoying a legendary trip through Pink Floyd’s discography.

Before El Monstero took us all on that legendary journey, the classic rock icons Night Ranger got the night started, they did not disappoint! They kicked things off with “(You Can Still) Rock in America,” and it was clear the amphitheater was full of longtime fans. It was the perfect way to get everyone pumped up.

Their set was a great mix of higher energy anthems and those slower, nostalgic moments that are always the best part in my opinion. We were able to hear fan favorites such as “Four in the Morning” and “When You Close Your Eyes,” and they even threw in a killer performance of “High Enough” from the Damn Yankees days. Watching the sun perfectly set over the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre while everyone sang “Sister Christian” together was definitely a highlight. They closed it out with “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” leaving everyone ready for the main event.

There is just something magical about El Monstero in the summertime. For those of us in St. Louis, it’s a total tradition. The band, a collection of St. Louis rock royalty including singer Mark Thomas Quinn (Lex Luthor, Joe Dirt), guitarist Jimmy Griffin (KINGOFTHEHILL, The Incurables), and bassist Kevin Gagnepain (Stir), returned to the amphitheater and showed once again why this is the one night every summer that Pink Floyd fans just can’t miss. They completely pulled us into the Pink Floyd universe from the start. The setlist was perfect per usual, flowing perfectly between the massive hits and those long melodic guitar solos that the fans really appreciate. After vocalist Quinn rode onto stage on a motorcycle, the first half of the night was a dream for fans of The Wall and Wish You Were Here. We got everything from “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2” and “Mother” to “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” and “Welcome to the Machine.” Having multiple vocalists really helped capture that unique Floyd sound that we all know and love. They of course had plenty of theatrics like always including exotic dancers and fun visuals that matched to each song.

The second half of the night shifted into The Dark Side of the Moon, taking us through that legendary sequence: “Breathe,” “Time,” “The Great Gig in the Sky,” and right through to “Brain Damage.” It felt so immersive, especially with that added energy of a live crowd and plenty of confetti.

By the time the show ended, everyone was reminded why El Monstero has such a massive following here, and everyone shows up every single summer. They somehow recreate the whole atmosphere and emotion that makes Pink Floyd so special. Whether you’ve been going for years or it was your first time, it’s one of those experiences that you just have to keep coming back to. It’s definitely a ritual for a reason! | Sevauna Stageman