Styx/Boston Atlanta Show 8/17/08

[Roboto750]

Hi all,

I attended the Boston/Styx show this past weekend and wanted to share a few thoughts.

First, as previously reported, JY was there, which really surprised me due to the recent illness of his wife. He played as good as ever, but didn't seem to talk quite as much. Plus, Gowan sang "Lorelei," and did a pretty decent job. JY still sang "Miss America" and gave a few short intros towards the end. At one point in the show, Gowan made a comment about JY appreciating all of our support, which was nice. This was the last night Styx played with Boston on this tour, so I'm sure it was one of the motivators for JY to do his best to be there and he delivered.

Anyway, the set was pretty much the same as previously reported (not in any order - Blue Collar Man, Grand Illusion, Lorelei, Too Much Time, Suite Madame Blue, snippet of Man in the Wilderness, Crystal Ball, Miss America, Fooling Yourself, Come Sail Away, and Renegade). I may have missed one in there. They sounded awesome and had a huge stage presence. I've seen this incarnation of Styx about 8 times (once with Burtnik) and I have to say that I thought the stage set up and effects were excellent! The lights were great, and I like how their stage speakers had the word "Styx" illuminated at times. Plus, during "Come Sail Away," the moon was projected on the new backdrop (which looks awesome) during the first part of the song. They also had a cool little video outro that played while they took their bows (with the "One with Everything" reprise playing). Certainly a step in the right direction for the band! Oh, and Chuck made an appearance too!

Boston was good, but Styx blew them away! Boston didn't have nearly the stage presence that Styx did (they mainly just stood there and played). In addition, there were times where it was very hard to hear the vocals (especially during the opening number, “I Had a Good Time”). One song just kind of rolled into another, which isn't always bad, but it got a little old after a while. The lighting was decent, but I thought Styx used it more effectively (whoever makes these decisions, that is). Several people started leaving half way through Boston's set. Again, I thought they sounded good on most of the songs, so I don't attribute it to Brad not being there. It's just that the members of Styx, past and present, are true showmen and know how to get their audience(s) involved.

The bottom line, it was a good show, but the positions should have been reversed (and, yes, I am aware that it was Boston's tour). If nothing else proves it, the front section of the amphitheater stood for all of Styx' set. They only stood for maybe half of Boston's. I don’t blame the set lists or length for this one either.

I did get a Boston 2008 tour shirt and will wear it with pride. My parents, girlfriend, and I all had a blast!

[MRMUSIC413]

We caught them a few days prior to your gig and they were outstanding as always.
As a longtime musician and fan (30+ years on both accounts), I love what they've
morphed into the last 10 years or so. The playing level (w/ Sucherman, Phillips, & Gowan)
is just ridiculous. Great live band.

[tommyluvr2]

Robato750 said
First, as previously reported, JY was there, which really surprised me due to the recent illness of his wife. He played as good as ever, but didn't seem to talk quite as much. Plus, Gowan sang "Lorelei," and did a pretty decent job. JY still sang "Miss America" and gave a few short intros towards the end. At one point in the show, Gowan made a comment about JY appreciating all of our support, which was nice. This was the last night Styx played with Boston on this tour, so I'm sure it was one of the motivators for JY to do his best to be there and he delivered.

I am very surprised that JY made it to the Atlanta, its probably almost theraputic for him to play a show. I actually think the NY State Fair is their last show with Boston, I have tickets for this one I know it will be a good one. I hope Susie is well enough for JY to do the shows.

Denise

[LtVanish]

We caught them a few days prior to your gig and they were outstanding as always.
As a longtime musician and fan (30+ years on both accounts), I love what they've
morphed into the last 10 years or so. The playing level (w/ Sucherman, Phillips, & Gowan)
is just ridiculous. Great live band.

I completely agree, the talent that is in this band is unbelievable. You'd have a hard time finding another band that sounds better. Especially a band that is completely live, which is few these days.

[Roboto750]

Robato750 said
First, as previously reported, JY was there, which really surprised me due to the recent illness of his wife. He played as good as ever, but didn't seem to talk quite as much. Plus, Gowan sang "Lorelei," and did a pretty decent job. JY still sang "Miss America" and gave a few short intros towards the end. At one point in the show, Gowan made a comment about JY appreciating all of our support, which was nice. This was the last night Styx played with Boston on this tour, so I'm sure it was one of the motivators for JY to do his best to be there and he delivered.

I am very surprised that JY made it to the Atlanta, its probably almost theraputic for him to play a show. I actually think the NY State Fair is their last show with Boston, I have tickets for this one I know it will be a good one. I hope Susie is well enough for JY to do the shows.

Denise

You are correct, NY is their last show. Tommy said it was their last night during the Atlanta show, but he made a mistake. I saw this the other night on Styxworld.com as well.

[Everett]

Hi all,

I attended the Boston/Styx show this past weekend and wanted to share a few thoughts.

First, as previously reported, JY was there, which really surprised me due to the recent illness of his wife. He played as good as ever, but didn't seem to talk quite as much. Plus, Gowan sang "Lorelei," and did a pretty decent job. JY still sang "Miss America" and gave a few short intros towards the end. At one point in the show, Gowan made a comment about JY appreciating all of our support, which was nice. This was the last night Styx played with Boston on this tour, so I'm sure it was one of the motivators for JY to do his best to be there and he delivered.

Anyway, the set was pretty much the same as previously reported (not in any order - Blue Collar Man, Grand Illusion, Lorelei, Too Much Time, Suite Madame Blue, snippet of Man in the Wilderness, Crystal Ball, Miss America, Fooling Yourself, Come Sail Away, and Renegade). I may have missed one in there. They sounded awesome and had a huge stage presence. I've seen this incarnation of Styx about 8 times (once with Burtnik) and I have to say that I thought the stage set up and effects were excellent! The lights were great, and I like how their stage speakers had the word "Styx" illuminated at times. Plus, during "Come Sail Away," the moon was projected on the new backdrop (which looks awesome) during the first part of the song. They also had a cool little video outro that played while they took their bows (with the "One with Everything" reprise playing). Certainly a step in the right direction for the band! Oh, and Chuck made an appearance too!

Boston was good, but Styx blew them away! Boston didn't have nearly the stage presence that Styx did (they mainly just stood there and played). In addition, there were times where it was very hard to hear the vocals (especially during the opening number, “I Had a Good Time”). One song just kind of rolled into another, which isn't always bad, but it got a little old after a while. The lighting was decent, but I thought Styx used it more effectively (whoever makes these decisions, that is). Several people started leaving half way through Boston's set. Again, I thought they sounded good on most of the songs, so I don't attribute it to Brad not being there. It's just that the members of Styx, past and present, are true showmen and know how to get their audience(s) involved.

The bottom line, it was a good show, but the positions should have been reversed (and, yes, I am aware that it was Boston's tour). If nothing else proves it, the front section of the amphitheater stood for all of Styx' set. They only stood for maybe half of Boston's. I don’t blame the set lists or length for this one either.

I did get a Boston 2008 tour shirt and will wear it with pride. My parents, girlfriend, and I all had a blast!

Here's The Link To This Show::

http://www.guitars101.com/forums/f90/st ... 75865.html

[MRMUSIC413]

We caught them a few days prior to your gig and they were outstanding as always.
As a longtime musician and fan (30+ years on both accounts), I love what they've
morphed into the last 10 years or so. The playing level (w/ Sucherman, Phillips, & Gowan)
is just ridiculous. Great live band.

I completely agree, the talent that is in this band is unbelievable. You'd have a hard time finding another band that sounds better. Especially a band that is completely live, which is few these days.

Exactly. Hoping this line-up stays locked in for years to come. Very, very impressive playing.