MR

This review is really a tale of two Styx.

The 70 foot screen

The 70 foot screen is amazing. Not sure what type of technology it is, but it is pretty cool. Looks like a huge HD format tv, but is see through when it is not in use. You've seen the video they are using in the various videos on youtube. However. much of the video has been around for awhile and really isn't new. I think most of it is being rehashed from the Styx,Reo, Journey tour.

The Set List

You've seen the set list for this tour. It's an 80 minute set that runs through much of the hits they have been playing for the last 5 or 6 years. The casual or new fans were having a ball and were really into the show and the music.

However, as someone that goes to see this band at least once a year, I think I have about had enough with this selection of songs. I watched the show. Technically a good show. But, I found myself getting kinda board and checking my watch to see where they were in the set and checking off the songs as they went through the set.

High Enough was in the set. It was weird hearing Tommy sing Jack's lead and Larry singing Tommy's lines. They really should play another Styx song.

I also found it weird that Blue Collar Man was in the encore. The flow of the set just seemed a bit off.


All in all it was a good show, but as a frequent viewer, I have just had enough and don't know how quickly I will return.

On another note: huge kudos to Keith and the crew. The switch over from one band to another was just 10 minutes. These guys were awesome.

YUP.

If Styx continues to play the same sheds and the same songs each tour and EVERY YEAR, their hardcore fans will become bored and they will only be seen by casual fans and how many tickets will casual fans buy?

They really need new music in the sets, plain and simple.
However, if they DO new music, that doesn't sell, then it'll be the harcores sitting through those songs while the casual fans head off to the bathroom. I see the dilemma, but I cannot support them doing the same thing over and over.

Now, if they wanted to do something different that would bring crowds out- have a Styx/Shaw-Blades tour. S/B opens. Styx closes.

or

Put their differences aside and have a Styx/Dennis tour. This does not mean Dennis back in the band. This means a solo Dennis. Let Dennis sing his Styx songs with his band, let Styx do their songs with their band. Give Gowan more to sing that Dennis wouldn't be doing (I Don't Need No Doctor and Salty Dog would be excellent additions to the set).

They really need to do something different or they will very soon be done.

Said many times, and I say it again -- I think they will milk this cash cow until it runs dry. Right now this format is working for Touring Styx, and the other bands that tour with them year-to-year.

It does sell tickets when I am sure none of those bands alone would draw that much. Far smaller audiences for sure.

THEY get plenty out of these types of shows, no question. The hardcore fan really doesn't, but I do not get the impression that is who they want to appeal to anymore.

Bugsy

Why not do what makes business sense? I would love to hear new material, remastered albums and rare stuff but that is not what brings in the dough right now. I like the idea adding Shaw-Blades to the bill. Styx/Dennis bill? Would be great but I don't see it happening anytime soon.

At some point in the future, things will change and then maybe the hardcores get something.

brywool wrote:If Styx continues to play the same sheds and the same songs each tour and EVERY YEAR, their hardcore fans will become bored

That's right...all 12 of us.

Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

kansas666 wrote:

brywool wrote:If Styx continues to play the same sheds and the same songs each tour and EVERY YEAR, their hardcore fans will become bored

That's right...all 12 of us.

Sadly, this is true.

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

froy wrote:

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

just wait toph

froy wrote:

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

True, but so do a lot of other bands. Do you think that DDY would be doing shows if he wasn't getting compensated for it? Bottom line it's their job and a business. Some fans can't accept that but it's still the truth.

froy wrote:

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

It's still a rumor at this point. I doubt it, but never say never.

froy wrote:

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

It’s coming soon. I received a message yesterday about the upcoming shows for Regeneration Vol. 1. Froy, you may have to attend this one!

ChicagoSTYX wrote:

froy wrote:

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

It’s coming soon. I received a message yesterday about the upcoming shows for Regeneration Vol. 1. Froy, you may have to attend this one!

I also heard Regeneration Vol. 1 is now ready to be released.

ChicagoSTYX wrote:

ChicagoSTYX wrote:

froy wrote:

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

It’s coming soon. I received a message yesterday about the upcoming shows for Regeneration Vol. 1. Froy, you may have to attend this one!

I also heard Regeneration Vol. 1 is now ready to be released.

Any chance it'll be available at the United In Rock concert in Pittsburgh tomorrow night?

Boomchild wrote:

froy wrote:

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

True, but so do a lot of other bands. Do you think that DDY would be doing shows if he wasn't getting compensated for it? Bottom line it's their job and a business. Some fans can't accept that but it's still the truth.

I think they play for a variety of reasons, and sure, obviously money is one of those reasons. How could it not be? It's no different than what I do, or what anyone does who's lucky enough to get to do what they actually like for a living. Does that mean you should do it for free? That makes no sense at all. You've got to put value on something and try to get what you can from it, or you won't be able to do it anymore. That's the reality.


Sterling

ChicagoSTYX wrote:

froy wrote:

Archetype wrote:Would be nice to see a true "Evening With Styx" gig. They could do it in big clubs/theaters. They'd get to bring out some old, obscure, fun stuff. Man Of Miracles live would probably be pretty intense.

What happened to the entire PO8 being played? You will never see MOM live ever. Its obvious STYX plays for money not for the fans or the love of music
MONEY and that's it

It’s coming soon. I received a message yesterday about the upcoming shows for Regeneration Vol. 1. Froy, you may have to attend this one!

Those shows are for the fall. In the summer the band has to go out and play as many of these huge multi-bill shows as possible. Then fall and winter they can do smaller shows on their own. It would be a catastrophe for them to try to play an entire old album to a crowd that came to see another band. They need to do that in smaller halls to a Styx-only crowd.

Sterling

kansas666 wrote:

brywool wrote:If Styx continues to play the same sheds and the same songs each tour and EVERY YEAR, their hardcore fans will become bored

That's right...all 12 of us.

13

Bearded Clam wrote:

kansas666 wrote:

brywool wrote:If Styx continues to play the same sheds and the same songs each tour and EVERY YEAR, their hardcore fans will become bored

That's right...all 12 of us.

13

Oh sorry, hadn't seen you in awhile!