Arena rock (sometimes stadium rock,anthem rock, or corporate rock) is a term used to describe rock music that utilised large arena venues, particularly sports venues, for concerts or series of concerts linked in tours. Musically, arena rock bands often came from the hard rock, heavy metal and progressive rock genres, but utilised a more commercially oriented and radio-friendly sound, with highly-produced music that included both hard rock numbers and power ballads, both often employing anthemic choruses.

The origins of arena rock were in the 1960s, sometimes dated to when The Beatles played Shea Stadium in New York in 1965. Also important was the success of the large pop and rock festivals like Monterey (1967) and Woodstock (1969) and the use of large stadiums for American tours by bands including The Rolling Stones, Grand Funk Railroad and Led Zeppelin. The tendency developed in the mid-1970s as the increased power of amplification and sound systems allowed the use of larger and larger venues. Smoke, fireworks and sophisticated lighting shows became staples of arena rock performances. It has been argued that the rise of arena rock marked the end of the idealism of 1960s, particularly in the disillusionment that followed the Altamont Festival of 1969, for a more commercial form of rock. Key acts included Journey, REO Speedwagon, Boston, Foreigner, Styx,Kiss, Peter Frampton and Queen.

Steven J. "Steve" Morse (born 28 July 1954) is an American guitarist and composer, best known as the founder of the Dixie Dregs, and the guitar player in Deep Purple since 1994. Morse's career has encompassed rock, country, funk, jazz, classical, and fusion of these musical genres. In addition to a thriving solo career, he enjoyed a brief stint with Kansas in the mid 80s.