Another great show attended right after John Fogerty the night before. This trip to Vegas was EPIC as I took in two major shows and about six minor ones.
Styx didn't disappoint - they were one of my bucket list bands that I had to see before they are gone or me. Who ever goes first. All kidding aside, Styx delivered an absolutely fantastic show. One disclaimer this isn't the REAL Styx because the real Styx would have Dennis DeYoung in the band and the other originals however since they cannot all get along and one has passed away I would have to settle for Lawrence Gowan (yes that Canada's Gowan) in place. And what an outstanding choice to replace him - Gowan was FANTASTIC!
Styx didn't disappoint - they were one of my bucket list bands that I had to see before they are gone or me. Who ever goes first. All kidding aside, Styx delivered an absolutely fantastic show. One disclaimer this isn't the REAL Styx because the real Styx would have Dennis DeYoung in the band and the other originals however since they cannot all get along and one has passed away I would have to settle for Lawrence Gowan (yes that Canada's Gowan) in place. And what an outstanding choice to replace him - Gowan was FANTASTIC!
Setlist:
Encore:
- The Grand Illusion
- Too Much Time on My Hands
- Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
- Starman
- Lady
- Lorelei
- Man in the Wilderness
- Miss America
- Space Oddity (Acoustic - David Bowie Tribute)
- Crystal Ball
- Snowblind
- Lights
- Suite Madame Blue
- Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
- Life on Mars/Changes (David Bowie cover)
- Play Video
- Come Sail Away
Encore:
- Rockin' the Paradise
- Renegade
I have to REALLY give Styx props for giving it their all for their fans. They really spoke with the crowd, told stories, and constantly thanked their fans for the support. The incredible homage to the recently parted David Bowie was awesome too with the highlight being the acoustic version of "Major Tom" played by Gowan and Tommy Shaw (guitar). This show was one of them "I forgot they sang that" shows and when they played the song "Crystal Ball" and totally flashed back to hearing that song for the first time way back in the day.
I will knock Styx on one major miss - not playing their most iconic song "Mr. Roboto". I'm only guessing but I think it wasn't played for copyright reasons as I believe that Dennis DeYoung won't allow them to sing that song. I don't know for sure but it's the only logical conclusion I can come up with. They also missed playing "Pieces of Eight" which is another great song. Other than that they played all their other main songs.
I will knock Styx on one major miss - not playing their most iconic song "Mr. Roboto". I'm only guessing but I think it wasn't played for copyright reasons as I believe that Dennis DeYoung won't allow them to sing that song. I don't know for sure but it's the only logical conclusion I can come up with. They also missed playing "Pieces of Eight" which is another great song. Other than that they played all their other main songs.
video: "blue collar man"
The Band
Great! Gowan was the superstar in this performance and superstar drummer Todd Sucherman a close second with Tommy Shaw following.
The Crowd:
Once again another older crowd however a very friendly crowd. I had a great time talking to other Styx fans. The crowd was thoroughly enjoying the show as was I. One more off my bucket list! :)
Audience Interaction & Engagement: A+
Quality and Diversity of Music: B
Stage Presence of Band A+
Energy from the Crowd: A
Notable Exceptions: Mr. Roboto, Pieces of Eight
Overall Rating for Show: A
Great! Gowan was the superstar in this performance and superstar drummer Todd Sucherman a close second with Tommy Shaw following.
The Crowd:
Once again another older crowd however a very friendly crowd. I had a great time talking to other Styx fans. The crowd was thoroughly enjoying the show as was I. One more off my bucket list! :)
Audience Interaction & Engagement: A+
Quality and Diversity of Music: B
Stage Presence of Band A+
Energy from the Crowd: A
Notable Exceptions: Mr. Roboto, Pieces of Eight
Overall Rating for Show: A