Northfield, Ohio – The multi platinum award winning iconic band Styx stopped by the North Coast on their latest tour in support of ” The Mission ” ( An amazing album , make sure you get a copy ) . In honor of them giving an amazing performance this week we decided to list the five reasons why Styx are not to be missed !
One -Creativity
Why many bands or classic rock band rest on their laurels , Styx does not . They continually test their musical chops by creating new challenges and music . Case in point ,” The Mission ” an amazing rock opera of a mission to Mars and emotions and feelings of it and guess what . They are doing the complete album live on select dates on the tour . I remember being a kid and every time a new tour came to town, being one of the first to see the music performed live was special and this recreates that time in my life .
Two-Musical Range
The musical range and ability of the Styx members cannot be understated . The range of Tommy Shaw’s voice and his virtuosity playing his Gibson guitar is a sight to behold and a treat for the ears . The voice of Laurence Gowan along with his beautiful keyboard playing on both classic songs such and ” Come Sail Away ” and modern classics at ” Khedive ” and his stage persona ( think acrobat meets comedian think stage actor ) makes it a fun night ! The aggressive guitar of James ” JY ” Young and rough and tumble vocals on classics as ” Miss America ” really make it a well rounded band .Bassist and guitarist/vocalist Ricky Phillips ( formally of The Babys/Bad English ) proves he is rock n’ roll royalty every night and beings it all together . The drumming of Todd Sucherman was as sight to behold. I was watching as he switched grips from a jazz grip to the power grip of a rock song . Subtle little things like that show a true professional in his prime ! Last but not least is founding member Chuck Panozza without whom Styx would not exist . His drive and ambition to create music cannot be understated in it’s importance .
3-Drive
Styx tours more then any other band that I know of . They continually sell out venues across the US for one simple reason .They give the fans what they want , two hours of great music and an escape from reality . For a band that literally could live off of their royalties they don’t , they get out there in front of the live audience and show them you can rock at any age from 17-70, the spirit never dies .
4-The Hits
The list goes on and on but the hits are not just songs , but time capsules to a different era when life simpler and not so complex. ” Blue Collar Man ” ( Long Nights ) , ” The Grand Illusion ” and ” Lady ” will live on and on in our memories. The new hits such as ” Gone , Gone , Gone ” and “Radio Silence ” are a beloved update as well to the mega list of hits . If you want a great night to rock out and feel young again get to a Styx show .
5-Giving Back
The band continually gives back to the community in both musical and financial means . Their history of playing a full concert with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra , showing the kids of today that classic and classic rock can be combined in a fun and exciting way . The Rock To The Rescue charity in which fans buy raffle tickets to a signed guitar with the funds going to a local charity takes place on most dates of the tour .
With all that mind , these are the five reasons Styx are not to be missed . Please don’t forget to listen to our interview with Laurence Gowan in a previous post. Until next time don’t be a ” Renegade ” and get to a show !
