September 3, 2023

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Last week brought back a flood of memories.  I first saw the band Styx in October of 1977.  They were the opening band for Aerosmith, touring to promote their newest release, “The Grand Illusion.”  Thursday night, they were still playing as strong as ever at the Stark County Fairgrounds.  Whoever booked this show deserves a raise!

 

Opening the show with “To Those” from their newest release Crash of the Crown, you sensed that you were in for a treat.  James “JY” Young was the only true original member that was on stage all night, but this band is Styx.  Tommy Shaw, who joined the band in 1975 has rocked this band forever.  Todd Sucherman on drums, Ricky Phillips on bass, the newest addition of Will Evankovich on guitar and Lawrence Gowan on vocals and spinning keyboard rounds out the band.  Original member, Chuck Panozzo, makes an appearance on bass throughout the night and it was great to see him.

 

Other than the four newer songs, this was a night of greatest hits.  “The Grand Illusion,” “Lady,” “Crystal Ball,” “Lorelei,” and “Fooling Yourself” all stood out.  The lights and the perfect sound quality were both amazing, and made this show extra special.

 

Ending the night with a triple punch of “Come Sail Away”, “Mr. Roboto”, and “Renegade” left the entire crowd on it’s feet.  Forty five years have passed since I first saw them, and time has not turned this band into a group going through the motions!  This band “ROCKS”!  I honestly cannot wait to see them again!

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Review by Dave Whitman

Photos by Greg Drugan

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