Why We Continue To Want To Sail Away With Styx

Posted on July 22, 2024 in Concert Reviews, Main Menu // 0 Comments

No matter who you are, chances are very good you have heard many of the songs that have made Styx such an iconic band since the release of their Self titled album in August of 1972.

Currently on tour with Foreigner, as a co-headliner on the Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour, Styx is still going strong. If the enthusiasm of both band and fans alike continues at this pace, this tour could go on for quite some time. From the first notes of The Grand Illusion, everyone is transported into a different world.

It is always such a joy to watch Lawrence Gowan perform. He seems aware and makes contact with as many fans as possible. His flashy stage wear is a perfect compliment to his larger than life personality. A perfect pairing with his strong vocals. I refuse to add “for his age” to this as his vocals were strong for any age. He plays with such ease that at points his spinning keyboard is behind his back, or he’s playing it from the opposite side. True he is a little over the top, but it wouldn’t be the same without him. While I morn the days prior to his arrival, saying it isn’t the same would be to discredit one of the best decisions made in music history. Rarely can such an integral part of a band be replaced with such flawless talent that is such a great fit. Let’s be honest, as a part of Styx since 1999, he’s been accepted with the love he deserves. One of the best moments of the show was during the introductions as Tommy tells the story of how Lawrence came to know them. Opening for Styx, the crowd went crazy for Gowan at which point Tommy noted “That reaction is so loud .It should be for us. Who is this guy?” and upon meeting him told him , “Maybe we will get to work together again.” Fate is an interesting mistress.

Tommy Shaw continues to amaze me every time I see him, and it has been quite a few times. My first experience with Styx was in my middle school years. My love was immediate and unyielding. While my sister and I rarely agreed on music, this was the one. (I still have her copy of Pieces of Eight- don’t tell her.) Nowadays, we can access music just about anywhere, but pulling that vinyl out brings back the memories, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Tommy’s playing is flawless and passionate. His vocals never waiver. He never stops moving. He keeps the crowd on their feet nearly the entire show. I had to sit down a couple of times to catch my breath from dancing and singing along.

Founding member, James J.Y. Young is still enjoying his tenure. It is such a pleasure to watch, as Tommy refers to him, “the master of the Stratocaster” . Indeed. He genuinely seems to just be playing for the love of it and it translates into a level of cool we can only strive to reach. Am I Fan- Girling a bit, sure. I also appreciated great technique. I’ve been around this for long enough to know when the heart and soul are in a show, and this is certainly the case.

The newest addition to the band was Bass Player, Terry Gowan. If you’ve been paying attention, you might recognize the name. He is Lawrence’s brother. He has played with Lawrence on tour and on his solo album and certainly proved his worth on stage this night.

Long time drummer Todd Sucherman, whose drum kit hides him well from the lower areas of the venue, is spectacular. He is a Rockstar in his own right. With a career spanning 37 years, this man shows no sign of slowing down.

Rounding out the group, Will Evankovich in one way or another, has been playing with Tommy Shaw since 2007. He has earned his place as a full time member since he produced and co-wrote the Styx album “The Mission”. He still continues to be a great compliment to the energy and sound that has kept Styx relevant for over 50 Years.

One of the stage security, quite younger than most of the audience, struck up a conversation with me after their set saying, “I wasn’t sure if I would like them, but this music is so uplifting. It just makes me happy. You look like you are having the time of your life and you know every word” I always do have a good time doing what I do, but this guy wasn’t wrong. This was a level of enjoyment I haven’t had at a show in a while. I didn’t take notes, or worry about the next show, or even the next set. I enjoyed being in the moment and Styx will take you there too.

CONNECT ON LINE: https://styxworld.com/

CATCH THE TOUR:

Sat 7/20 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue 7/23 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
Wed 7/24 Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
Fri 7/26 Noblesville, IN Ruoff Music Center
Sun 7/28 Camden, NJ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Tue 7/30 Saratoga Springs, NY Broadview Stage at SPAC
Wed 7/31 Burgettstown, PA The Pavilion at Star Lake
Fri 8/2 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center
Sat 8/3 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater
Sun 8/4 Gilford, NH BankNH Pavilion
Fri 8/16 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf Amphitheater
Sat 8/17 Huntsville, AL Orion Amphitheater
Tue 8/20 Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amp
Wed 8/21 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Fri 8/23 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
Sat 8/24 Tinley Park, IL Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Mon 8/26 Omaha, NE CHI Health Center Omaha
Wed 8/28 Sioux Falls, SD Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

RELIVE THE SET LIST VIA SETLIST.FM

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