Styx in Lafayette

[sadie65]

I found this interesting simply because of the songs chosen for the sing along...

http://www.purdueexponent.org/index.php ... le_id/1851

Styx performs in Lafayette
By Lisa Poppe
Assistant Features Editor


Sonny Koufax called them the "greatest American rock band" in "Big Daddy." Cartman sings their songs on a regular basis.

Styx, an act that has been around since the �60s, has enjoyed a long-standing popularity with fans of all ages.

Tonight the group arrives at Purdue to entertain one of its younger crowds at 7:30 p.m. in the Long Center for the Peforming Arts, 111 N. Sixth St. in downtown Lafayette.

John Clawson, a sophomore in the School of Management, has listened to Styx since he was 12 years old. His father was a fan before him.

"I love the keyboards," Clawson said. "The solo stuff they do is great, too; I just like the sound of it all."

Peter Kernan, who does media relations for the group, has said that after visiting sites on Purdue's campus, he's incited choruses of sing-alongs to songs such as "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto" after spreading the word of the group's Long Center performance.

"It's really great," Kernan said. "I've been surprised by how many kids know all the words."

Kernan said tickets are still available for the concert tonight, which will feature The Sulentic Brothers Band as the opening act.

To purchase remaining tickets, students can go to any of the Purdue box offices or call (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster.

[bugsymalone]

choruses of sing-alongs to songs such as "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto" after spreading the word of the group's Long Center performance.

Well. One of those sing-alongs will be a disappointment, since it won't be performed.

Bugsy

[froy]

choruses of sing-alongs to songs such as "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto" after spreading the word of the group's Long Center performance.

Well. One of those sing-alongs will be a disappointment, since it won't be performed.

Bugsy

Chcek that both won't be performed one is butchered one left behind

[sadie65]

I know Mr. Roboto is included in the medley and all...but how sad is it that a song which represents an era in the band that they would like to move past...continues to draw fans to the point that their own people use it to get the crowds.

On it's own, the song is quite catchy.

Rather a shame they don't choose to play that one.

[styxfanNH]

I know Mr. Robot is included in the medley and all...but how sad is it that a song which represents an era in the band that they would like to move past...continues to draw fans to the point that their own people use it to get the crowds.

On it's own, the song is quite catchy.

Rather a shame they don't choose to play that one.

Not actually them making the comments, instead a couple of college kids from the campus.

And while they do play some 16 seconds of the song in the medley, to the current line up it represents what divided the band during Kilroy.

[sadie65]

Not actually them making the comments, instead a couple of college kids from the campus.

I read this differently. I took it to mean the band's people were using the song to roust the crowd.

And while they do play some 16 seconds of the song in the medley, to the current line up it represents what divided the band during Kilroy.

[/quote]

I understand what the song represents. My point was that the song is a crowd pleaser...and one they shouldn't walk away from simply because of their own feelings. It did also gain them a whole new set of fans. It's a business. And I know they are damned if they do, damned if they don't.

[Monker]

I read this differently. I took it to mean the band's people were using the song to roust the crowd.

If you read it, it is PRIOR to the concert. How can they lead a crowd in a sing-a-long for a concert that hasn't even happened? It sounds like Peter Kernan is a promoter...he's just doing he was hired for. The band probably doesn't even know about it.

I understand what the song represents. My point was that the song is a crowd pleaser...and one they shouldn't walk away from simply because of their own feelings

And, if they played it, people like Froy would have all kinds of fun criticizing them for using yet another of Dennis' songs...and a signiture song at that. So, why not allow THEIR OWN feelings influence the songs they choose - instead of someone elses?

It's a business. And I know they are damned if they do, damned if they don't.

It's also their career. And, if they are not doing what makes THEM happy, why do it at all?

And, here is another article:

http://www.purdueexponent.org/index.php ... le_id/1284

Styx tickets go on sale Friday
From Staff Reports

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for the Styx concert coming to the Long Center Theatre, 111 N. 6th St., on Nov. 15 in downtown Lafayette.

Students can purchase tickets, priced at $48.50 and $58.50, at Purdue box office in Stewart Center and at all TicketMaster locations, including Marsh and LS Ayres in the Lafayette area.

Peter Kernan of Pacific Coast Productions said that due to the small capacity of 1,200 seats at the Long Center and the growing popularity of the show, tickets could possibly sell out Friday or shortly thereafter.

This will be the first Styx performance in Lafayette since the Mr. Roboto tour at Elliott Hall of Music in October of 1983. The opening act will be southern rock group Sulentic Brothers Band from South Bend.

For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or call Purdue box office at (800) 914-SHOW or (765) 494-3933.

[sadie65]

If you read it, it is PRIOR to the concert. How can they lead a crowd in a sing-a-long for a concert that hasn't even happened? It sounds like Peter Kernan is a promoter...he's just doing he was hired for. The band probably doesn't even know about it.

I never said it was during the concert. I actually can read. The article portrays him IMO as working for the band. Perhaps he does, perhaps he doesn't.

And, if they played it, people like Froy would have all kinds of fun criticizing them for using yet another of Dennis' songs...and a signiture song at that. So, why not allow THEIR OWN feelings influence the songs they choose - instead of someone elses?

Did I or did I not say I recognized they were in a damned if they do damned if they don't situation here. As for their own feelings...please. It is a business. They are certainly free to do as they wish, but I'd be hard pressed to believe they make their decisions based on their own feelings most of the time.

It's also their career. And, if they are not doing what makes THEM happy, why do it at all?

Because it is a means to an end for them. Just as doing my job is a means to an end for me. By all means I want them to be happy. It was just my take on the article. Nothing more.

[Monker]

Did I or did I not say I recognized they were in a damned if they do damned if they don't situation here. As for their own feelings...please. It is a business. They are certainly free to do as they wish, but I'd be hard pressed to believe they make their decisions based on their own feelings most of the time.

My point is if they are in the "damned if they do and damned if they don't" situation, why shouldn't they make the decision based on what THEY want? If YOU were in that position, if YOU had to make a decision that would 'upset' certain groups of people no matter what you chose, would YOU make the decision based on a popularity contest, or would you do what YOU want? I would do what makes ME happy, and people can either join in the fun, or be all pissy like froy...THAT is not my problem, or Styx', it's THEIRS.

Because it is a means to an end for them. Just as doing my job is a means to an end for me.

And, if every decision made at your job was based on money with no consideration on how to keep employees happy, how long would you stay at your job? How long would it take for others around you to find something else?

By all means I want them to be happy. It was just my take on the article. Nothing more.

Of course it is. And, I think it's a lot to do about nothing. So some media guy led a crowd to Mr. Roboto? So what? He had fun, they had fun. It sounds like the concert is going to sell out in a few hours. If it were Dennis, Suite would be making another "Dennis sold out another show!" post.

[sadie65]

My point is if they are in the "damned if they do and damned if they don't" situation, why shouldn't they make the decision based on what THEY want? If YOU were in that position, if YOU had to make a decision that would 'upset' certain groups of people no matter what you chose, would YOU make the decision based on a popularity contest, or would you do what YOU want? I would do what makes ME happy, and people can either join in the fun, or be all pissy like froy...THAT is not my problem, or Styx', it's THEIRS.

Depends on the situation. If it's my job, then I would find compromise...which I imagine they believe they did by including it in the medley.

And, if every decision made at your job was based on money with no consideration on how to keep employees happy, how long would you stay at your job? How long would it take for others around you to find something else?

Every situation is an exaggeration, however in my job, I have to bury my feelings to do what is best for the company. Certainly keeping employees happy is important, but then I'm old fashioned as well. I'm not necessarily paid to like my job, I'm paid to do my job.

Of course it is. And, I think it's a lot to do about nothing. So some media guy led a crowd to Mr. Roboto? So what? He had fun, they had fun. It sounds like the concert is going to sell out in a few hours. If it were Dennis, Suite would be making another "Dennis sold out another show!" post.

[/quote]

And that's a tired argument from you. Suite has nothing to do with this discussion. I hope the band sells out...for it's something they haven't been able to do recently.

[Monker]

Depends on the situation. If it's my job, then I would find compromise...which I imagine they believe they did by including it in the medley.

Exactly.

Every situation is an exaggeration, however in my job, I have to bury my feelings to do what is best for the company. Certainly keeping employees happy is important, but then I'm old fashioned as well. I'm not necessarily paid to like my job, I'm paid to do my job.

That's not exactly what I was getting at with that bit. Hey, it would save the company money if you paid more of your health insurance premium...at the same time, they are going to switch plans so you have a higher copay. Oh, and it's too expensive for the company to pay for your dental and eye insurance...you'll have to start picking up the full premium on that. The company needs to save some money so the highest raise you can possibly earn is %3. They are also going to put on a hiring freeze so if anybody quits, the existing staff is going to have to pick up their work. They may put you on mandatory overtime depending on how understaffed they get. They are going to end contributing to your pension, if you are lucky enough to get one, and cut back on the company matched contributions to your 401k.

Those are the decisions that I am talking about. There are other things to consider in a business besides how much money the corporate entity makes.

And that's a tired argument from you. Suite has nothing to do with this discussion. I hope the band sells out...for it's something they haven't been able to do recently.

No, she doesn't. What I am saying is this is such a petty thing. Instead of looking at the positive side, this guy doing his job and getting these kids to buy Styx tickets - and sell out the show, some minor thing is blown out of proportion to make it look bad. It's not..and that is my point.

[sadie65]

Those are the decisions that I am talking about. There are other things to consider in a business besides how much money the corporate entity makes.

Of course there are. And in my position I have to take all of that into account. My employees tell me I am quite benevolent... as well they should-LOL

No, she doesn't. What I am saying is this is such a petty thing. Instead of looking at the positive side, this guy doing his job and getting these kids to buy Styx tickets - and sell out the show, some minor thing is blown out of proportion to make it look bad. It's not..and that is my point.

Since I am the only one making the observation, I don't think it's been blown out of proportion. I merely gave an opinion about the article and choice of song. I wasn't trying to make anyone look bad. And I've acknowledged that I hope they do well. Methinks you read a bit much into what I wrote.

[Rockindeano]

Kernan said tickets are still available for the concert tonight

There's a shock.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Monker says:

Of course it is. And, I think it's a lot to do about nothing. So some media guy led a crowd to Mr. Roboto? So what? He had fun, they had fun. It sounds like the concert is going to sell out in a few hours. If it were Dennis, Suite would be making another "Dennis sold out another show!" post.

And that's a tired argument from you. Suite has nothing to do with this discussion. I hope the band sells out...for it's something they haven't been able to do recently.[/quote]

Monker, if I find any press that Styx sells out a show, I'll post it. I do check their website for any information and I check other sites too. I think I've posted quite a few current Styx articles and it seems the only one that makes comments are froy. I don't see anyone on here really getting on their bandwagon right now. I've been posting their never ending concert dates when they're posted, I've been posting Tommy's latest Hello Friends letters and any interesting articles that I come across. There's really nothing going on with them that's really interesting. They added a "new" covers song 2 concerts ago, whoop-di-do. If they would've added a song they haven't done in years, that would be very exciting and worth talking about. I also posted about Gowan doing his symphony shows in Canada and the information. Blah, blah, blah.

So there you go and thank you for adding me to your discussion

I hope you have a GREAT day Monker

[sadie65]

And here are some print reviews for the show.

http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a ... /511160348

Arena rock alive, well in Styx
November 16, 2005

Domo arigato, Mr. Tommy Shaw.

Downtown Lafayette was finally rocked, and rocked well, on a blustery Tuesday night by Styx.

The onetime kings of arena rock nearly sold out the Long Center for the Performing Arts, a 1,200-capacity theater. Usually home to classical concerts and plays, Long Center housed a wall of Marshall stacks, double kick drums, dramatic lights and a spinning keyboard stand for the first time in years.

While lead vocalist and guitarist Tommy Shaw and guitarist and vocalist James Young are the only members of Styx who remembered ruling the 1970s and early 1980s with hits like "Mr. Roboto," "Come Sail Away" and "Babe," the band showed as much energy and enthusiasm as men 20 years younger.

A long, dramatic intro with choreographed lighting built anticipation as Shaw, Young and newer members -- drummer Todd Sucherman, singer and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, and bassist and vocalist Ricky Philips -- strode onto the stage to launch into "Blue Collar Man" followed by "The Grand Illusion."

The hungry-for-rock Lafayette crowd ate it up with a spoon. Teenagers, a few senior citizens and hundreds of people in between immediately were brought to their feet and clapped along to the rhythm.

A mother and daughter danced together. A father and daughter pumped their fists and sang along to the classic "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)."

Styx used all of the stage, running along steps and platforms above the drum riser. It was obvious the diminutive Shaw could do nothing but be in a rock band as he struck classic rock poses and handed a pick to a woman in the front row.

A medley of 18 Styx songs was tight but yielded only a few instantly recognizable tracks in "Light Up" and "Mr. Roboto," which was written by original lead singer Dennis DeYoung. He bitterly split with the band in 2000.

Styx stayed away from DeYoung material, save the scream-along classic in "Lady." This hurt the potential jukebox of hits vibe that the show started with as the band played more obscure songs like "Snowblind" and "Crystal Ball" and covers from the Big Bang Theory. While impressive, the Beatles' "Egg Man" and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Find the Cost of Freedom" lacked as much punch as any of the band's original hits.

However, my ears were gleefully ringing after realizing the rock spectacle is still alive in 2005.

Opening the show was South Bend's Southern rock sextet, the Sulentic Brothers Band. Suffering from muddy sound and low vocals, the band did a satisfactory job warming up the crowd. However, they received cheap pops by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and playing "Freebird," which was about half of the Sulentic Brothers' set. I guess no one had to yell "Freebird!" after all.

Brouk is the arts and entertainment reporter for the Journal and Courier. Contact him at tbrouk@journalandcourier.com.


http://www.purdueexponent.org/index.php ... le_id/1878

Styx rocks mixed Long Center crowd
By Lisa Poppe
Assistant Features Editor

A woman in her 30s feverishly strums Tommy Shaw's guitar during Styx's hit "Come Sail Away." Two rows behind her, 21-year-old college students high-five each other, screaming the lyrics.

The crowd for Styx's Tuesday night performance was anything but ordinary, which fit the show itself perfectly.

"Styx is in Lafayette, what is it, 22 years later?" Shaw asked between songs, speaking of their last performance here in 1984. "What took us so long?"

From 2-year-olds to 60-year-olds, loyal fans braved the wind and rain outside to get to the Long Center Theater in downtown Lafayette to see the legendary band.

The group started the night off somewhat slow with a few new songs as well as some old favorites, including "Lorelei" and "Snowblind," which was inspired by Lafayette's "wacky weather," said lead singer James "JY" Young.

Spotlights, originating from every point on stage and off, shown on the performers as they ran the length of the platform interacting with the crowd. As the members of the group plowed through the songs, the crowd's excitement began to build.

Purdue students Christina Rincon and Samantha Switzer were able to make their way on stage to take part in the picture-taking Styx does during their shows.

"I'm still shaking right now," Rincon, a senior in the School of Management said as Switzer, a senior in the College of Liberal Arts, stood by. "That was so great."

As the confetti flew through the air at the end of the show, all five members bowed and thanked the crowd. Although half of the audience was seeing Styx live for the first time, their reaction seemed to be similar to that of fans who had been there since the 60s.

"It was really good," said Nick Jones, a senior at Tri-County High School. "Definitely better than I thought it would be."

[SuiteMadameBlue]

See I would've loved to hear "Crystal Ball" and "Snowblind" live.

By the way Monker ( ), Sadie was up a few hours before me and posted this first!!

[NealIsGod]

I love your new avatar, Suite.

[bugsymalone]

I love your new avatar, Suite.

Could he have had a bigger white boy 'fro back then??

(And by the time I get this posted, Suite will have changed back to Rob Thomas with his buzz cut and everyone will be wondering what the heck I am talking about!)

Bugsy

[swwskj]

Nobody can hold a candle to the Greg Rollie 'fro on the Captured inset pictures. He and Neal at the time could have given Debut Album era Boston a run for biggest white boy 'fro band of all time. Can you imagine Neal, Greg and Sib all in the same band.

[yogi]

Sounds like it was a GREAT show!!!! They are AWESOME live!!!!

I am still on their bandwagon. As long as they are out there and creating new music I will be a HUGE fan!!

Hell, I would like to see both Dennis and Glen return, but whether they do or not I will still support them ALLLLLLL!!!!!!

[Monker]

Nobody can hold a candle to the Greg Rollie 'fro on the Captured inset pictures. He and Neal at the time could have given Debut Album era Boston a run for biggest white boy 'fro band of all time. Can you imagine Neal, Greg and Sib all in the same band.

Well, there is always Fletch...6'5", 6'9" with the afro.

[bugsymalone]

Well, there is always Fletch...6'5", 6'9" with the afro.

OMG! I had forgotten about that! Hilarious!

Bugsy

[SuiteMadameBlue]

NealIsGod says:

I love your new avatar, Suite.

Thank You

I love the poofy hair Neal. I was getting flack for the Rob Thomas picture, so then I got mad and put the cowboy up. Then I got flack for that one again, all in fun, so I put this one up since I'm seeing Journey in December (blah, blah, blah-I'm babbling again) LOL

Bugsy says:

(And by the time I get this posted, Suite will have changed back to Rob Thomas with his buzz cut and everyone will be wondering what the heck I am talking about!)

I'll keep Neal up for you Bugsy (of course until I get bent of out shape again-LOL)


Here's for Monker & Bugsy: