Styx graced us with their magical and stunning presence last Tuesday night at Hard Rock Live in Sacramento. What can I say about Styx that anyone older than 40 doesn’t already know? They are an amalgam of yacht rock and progressive rock mixed in with heavy guitar from the 1970s. This band effortlessly defies the odds, their ages, and has kept their pitch harmonies, melodies, and rock thunder rolling since 1972. Originating from Chicago, Styx has been impressing its fans for over 50 years. They are a powerhouse ensemble and a real 'heavy outfit' as I would call them. Although they began in 1972, Styx really didn’t come into their own until the addition of Guitarist and main songwriter, Tommy Shaw, in 1975.

Checking out the stage prior to liftoff, fans were presented with the familiar 'Styx' logo along with two ramps on either side of the drum riser. As lights dimmed, fans knew it was time for a true rock and roll show here in Sacramento.  The show kicked off in true Styx form with one of my favorites, “The Grand Illusion”. This song truly showcased Lawrence Gowan and his amazing talents (on vocals and keys) from the very first note, demonstrating his charisma and stage presence (which I believe are second to none.) 'Dennis who' is what I was thinking as Gowan demonstrated in spades his incredible showmanship for the now packed theater. Wow!

The timeless ballad “Lady” was next up next. I really love this song (written by former founding member Dennis De Young for his wife, Suzanne.) Being the oldest song on the set list (from their second album, Styx II,) it took us all back in time and was a song I won't soon forget. Tommy Shaw took over on lead vocals for “Too Much Time On My Hands” (from the album Paradise Theater) which was the first album I bought with my own babysitting money the day it came out in 1979. Next up on lead vocals was James “J.Y.” Young for "Miss America” (also off The Grand Illusion). So good.

Throughout the evening, James Young and Tommy Shaw shared guitar duties and traded off leads like complete pros, mesmerizing fans with their incredible guitar prowess. Bassist Ricky Phillips (who has played with heavyweights such as Ted Nugent, Jimmy Page and was formerly with bands Bad English and The Babys) held down the low end while Drummer Todd Todd Sucherman (the 'baby' of the group at age 54) absolutely killed behind the skins.

Many songs from Pieces Of Eight were to follow, giving the new guy, Guitarist Will Evankovich a chance to shine. “Rocking The Paradise" from the same titled album was amazing, with Gowan and his keyboard doing 360s and he showed us he must be keeping up with his yoga by playing the keys behind his back (in addition to running all over the stage without breaking a sweat.) Taking it down a notch or two was an amazing instrumental, “Khedive”, a stunningly beautiful piano piece.

Next up was “Lost At Sea”, then of course the amazing hit “Come Sail Away” (made famous by South Park - lol). I couldn’t help but laugh a tiny bit during the song, but I truly love it and the whole arena was provoked into an unplanned sing along w/ Gowan. Wrapping up the evening was a two-song encore consisting of "Mr. Roboto" and “Renegade”, which had everyone on their feet even more so than the whole night.  

Bottom line, Styx's show on Tuesday night  at Hard Rock Live was a testament to a legendary band that has withstood the test of time (and then some).  They highlight what's great in Rock and Roll today, and continue to electrify fans with performances that transport fans of all ages to a place and time where all that mattered was the music itself.  Thank you Styx for one incredible evening!