Styx and Foreigner at mud Island 6-22-07 review

[Abitaman]

Saw Styx with foreigner last night at Mud Island in Memphis, TN. Overall it was a very good show, and I walked a way happy.
Foreigner was tight. The new singer Kelly Hanson was all over the place (including in the crowd). He doesn't have the same stage presence that Lou had in his younger days, but he makes his self known. He handled all the songs great with the exception of one, which for some reason just didn't go down well. The only bad part of the Foreigner show was Mick was have problems with the foot pedals, and the roadie had to come out several times to work on it during the show. It even stopped one song from being played in the encore (Waitng for a Girl like you). They rolled the keys out, then rolled them back, because the roadie was trying to fix a problem. I don't think anyone noticed this or minded, the crowd was on their feet the whole time. Personal note, I LOVED the acoustic version of Say you Will.

Styx started the show out with a one two three punch that brought the house down (Blue Collar...,Grand..., Lorelei) Then had a slight mishap with Lady (IMO). LArry started the song off sounding like Alvin the Chipmunk, but recovered by 4 lines into the song. Heard one of the best versions of Too Much Time on My Hands last night, just awesome, and Snowblind was pretty good too. But to me, things started going down hill around here. Tommy did an acoustic version of Man in the Wilderness, which IMO he struggled though. His voice sounded very weak and rough around the edges. This drew looks from my wife. He went into Crystal Ball and again struggled until the song picked up with rest of the band coming in.
Larry's beatle song came off very good, as did Fooling Yourself. But Miss America was good till the did the traditional singing of the Miss America theme over the song, just added chaos to the song, and it ended on a bad note. After a couple of other songs Larry did a stunning job on Come Sail Away (had the crowd very into the song) and ended it on a very high note.
But IMO, the encore sucked. Came out with new song from their new cd Everything all the Time. It got a good round of applause. I just thought the song was in the wrong place in the set list. But the 15 minute version of Renegade was way over the top and too much. I was glads the song was over along with the show.
I was disappointed in the set list which was (not in order)
Lady
Lorelli
Crystal Ball
Grand Illusion
Come Sail Away
Fooling Yourself
Man in Wilderness
Miss America
Blue Collar Man
Renegade
Too Much Time on My Hands
Snowblind
I am the Walrus
Everything All the Time

Same old thing they have been doing for years. I told my wife each song that would be played before they played it, only missed two.
Missed not having Best of Times, Suite Madame Blue, and Rockin the Paradise at a Styx show. Missed the melody too.

Larry other than being a chipmunk for a bout a minute into Lady was good. All over the stage, acting really goofy, dancing, and carrying on with people.
Ricky with his hat, was pretty laid back, more middle of the road performance between Chuck and Glen.
Todd was great all night.
JY was in good voice and interacted with he band and the crowd.
Tommy was having vocal problems IMO, and was not his usual active self on stage.
Of course it was 90+ degrees and it was about 9:45 when they came on.

I came in to the show with high hopes, but I think foreigner was the winner this night. Styx just didn't seem on their game. They people that came with us thought it was one the best Styx shows they have ever seen. Not me, maybe it was because I got up at 4 am and worked and had to drive back to Memphis to barley make the show. Maybe because it was basically the same show they have been doing since 2002 or 03. Maybe becuase I saw Dennis less than a year ago. Whatever it was....
But I didn't not walk away unhappy, I was entertained, and had fun. As we were walking back the car, my wife said "They weren't as good as they usually are, less wait a few years before we see them again." I just shook my head in agreement, but I know I'll be back and hopefull they will too-ERIC

[Abitaman]

In response to another thread-At the Styx Foreigner show last night, I would say that 1/4 to 1/3 of the crowd was under 25.-ERIC

[ek88]

But the 15 minute version of Renegade was way over the top and too much.

I agree. It seems to me like it has just gotten longer and longer over the last few years. I'd just as soon hear another song, even if it's not a well-known one.

[froy]

Styx started the show out with a one two three punch that brought the house down (Blue Collar...,Grand..., Lorelei) Then had a slight mishap with Lady (IMO). LArry started the song off sounding like Alvin the Chipmunk, but recovered by 4 lines into the song. Heard one of the best versions of Too Much Time on My Hands last night, just awesome, and Snowblind was pretty good too. But to me, things started going down hill around here. Tommy did an acoustic version of Man in the Wilderness, which IMO he struggled though. His voice sounded very weak and rough around the edges. This drew looks from my wife. He went into Crystal Ball and again struggled until the song picked up with rest of the band coming in.
Larry's beatle song came off very good, as did Fooling Yourself. But Miss America was good till the did the traditional singing of the Miss America theme over the song, just added chaos to the song, and it ended on a bad note. After a couple of other songs Larry did a stunning job on Come Sail Away (had the crowd very into the song) and ended it on a very high note.
But IMO, the encore sucked. Came out with new song from their new cd Everything all the Time. It got a good round of applause. I just thought the song was in the wrong place in the set list. But the 15 minute version of Renegade was way over the top and too much. I was glads the song was over along with the show.
I was disappointed in the set list which was (not in order)
Lady
Lorelli
Crystal Ball
Grand Illusion
Come Sail Away
Fooling Yourself
Man in Wilderness
Miss America
Blue Collar Man
Renegade
Too Much Time on My Hands
Snowblind
I am the Walrus
Everything All the Time

Same old thing they have been doing for years. I told my wife each song that would be played before they played it, only missed two.
Missed not having Best of Times, Suite Madame Blue, and Rockin the Paradise at a Styx show. Missed the melody too.

Larry other than being a chipmunk for a bout a minute into Lady was good. All over the stage, acting really goofy, dancing, and carrying on with people.
Ricky with his hat, was pretty laid back, more middle of the road performance between Chuck and Glen.
Todd was great all night.
JY was in good voice and interacted with he band and the crowd.
Tommy was having vocal problems IMO, and was not his usual active self on stage.
Of course it was 90+ degrees and it was about 9:45 when they came on.

I came in to the show with high hopes, but I think foreigner was the winner this night. Styx just didn't seem on their game. They people that came with us thought it was one the best Styx shows they have ever seen. Not me, maybe it was because I got up at 4 am and worked and had to drive back to Memphis to barley make the show. Maybe because it was basically the same show they have been doing since 2002 or 03. Maybe becuase I saw Dennis less than a year ago. Whatever it was....
But I didn't not walk away unhappy, I was entertained, and had fun. As we were walking back the car, my wife said "They weren't as good as they usually are, less wait a few years before we see them again." I just shook my head in agreement, but I know I'll be back and hopefull they will too-ERIC

[/quote]

I will simplify
STYX IS DONE

[Abitaman]

Yea, when they walked off stage, they were done, and everyone went home. You were right Froy . I don't think they are done. They still have music to play (new). But they need some time off and to write new music. Sure I will agree they will not be as big as they were (neither Will DDY). But both parties still have some good songs in them. Look at DDY new cd. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Styx Cyclorama was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But they need to get away from the cover cds, and the live cds. Put out some new music, 10 or 12 new song every two years, maybe we can get three of 5 new cds from them.
But I do not think their career is over. Not yet.-ERIC

[froy]

Yea, when they walked off stage, they were done, and everyone went home. You were right Froy . I don't think they are done. They still have music to play (new). But they need some time off and to write new music. Sure I will agree they will not be as big as they were (neither Will DDY). But both parties still have some good songs in them. Look at DDY new cd. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Styx Cyclorama was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But they need to get away from the cover cds, and the live cds. Put out some new music, 10 or 12 new song every two years, maybe we can get three of 5 new cds from them.
But I do not think their career is over. Not yet.-ERIC

Cyclo in your eyes was great
Take away Glen and you have BBT
Shaw and JY have 0 writing chemistry
Thats why Styx is done
Dennis is going to put the nail in there coffins
This new cd is a monster
There are so many hits and its not even done yet'
I wish you would just face the fact that Styx has no chance against Dennis absolutly none,

[Abitaman]

I faced the fact that theri career was over when they broke up in 84. Anything since then has been good to see and hear, from any of them-ERIC

[StyxCollector]

Missed not having Best of Times, Suite Madame Blue, and Rockin the Paradise at a Styx show. Missed the melody too.

And this essentially is the problem with Styx live these days - there is not a balance in the sets and they ignore (largely because Lawrence can't sing 'em) some of their bigger hits. In the early Evening With Styx shows when Lawrence was attempting some of those, they had more pacing in the set. In the 90 minute rock show, it's all rock, all the time. Not necessarily bad, but not good either.

To be fair, in a DDY show you could say it's also too mid-tempo at times (doing 2 or 3 in a row) or ballad heavy. You can't win, right?

[Blue Falcon]

Missed not having Best of Times, Suite Madame Blue, and Rockin the Paradise at a Styx show. Missed the melody too.

And this essentially is the problem with Styx live these days - there is not a balance in the sets and they ignore (largely because Lawrence can't sing 'em) some of their bigger hits. In the early Evening With Styx shows when Lawrence was attempting some of those, they had more pacing in the set. In the 90 minute rock show, it's all rock, all the time. Not necessarily bad, but not good either.

To be fair, in a DDY show you could say it's also too mid-tempo at times (doing 2 or 3 in a row) or ballad heavy. You can't win, right?

Maybe Styx is going to go the same route Journey did with Jeff Scott Soto, and hire a DDY clone froma Styx tribute band.

[rajah2165]

I faced the fact that theri career was over when they broke up in 84. Anything since then has been good to see and hear, from any of them-ERIC

I'd agree with that statement, but I feel like they did re-emerge in the national consciousness 2 times since 84 and their career had a chance of being resurrected with these two events...

1. "Show Me The Way" in 90-91
2. The reunion in 1996.

[StyxCollector]

Maybe Styx is going to go the same route Journey did with Jeff Scott Soto, and hire a DDY clone froma Styx tribute band.

THat I can say is a no ... not going to happen.

[bugsymalone]

I faced the fact that theri career was over when they broke up in 84. Anything since then has been good to see and hear, from any of them-ERIC

Very well stated, Eric. And for those who enjoy both sides of the "great divide" you have many opportunities to see, and enjoy, both.

Bugsy

[piecesofeight]

But they need some time off and to write new music.

Yeah, but ouside of Tommy, touring is the others bread and butter.

[Blue Falcon]

Maybe Styx is going to go the same route Journey did with Jeff Scott Soto, and hire a DDY clone froma Styx tribute band.

THat I can say is a no ... not going to happen.

Maybe that's because there AREN'T ANY Styx tribute bands!

[styxfansite]

Maybe Styx is going to go the same route Journey did with Jeff Scott Soto, and hire a DDY clone froma Styx tribute band.

THat I can say is a no ... not going to happen.

Maybe that's because there AREN'T ANY Styx tribute bands!

There is that Tribute band that is in "The Perfect Man" movie

[bugsymalone]

There is that Tribute band that is in "The Perfect Man" movie

You are correct! Here is the lead singer:



Bugsy

[Abitaman]

I faced the fact that theri career was over when they broke up in 84. Anything since then has been good to see and hear, from any of them-ERIC

Very well stated, Eric. And for those who enjoy both sides of the "great divide" you have many opportunities to see, and enjoy, both.

Bugsy

And I like listening and going to the shows of both sides. More SRP for me-ERIC

[Grotelul]

Yea, when they walked off stage, they were done, and everyone went home. You were right Froy . I don't think they are done. They still have music to play (new). But they need some time off and to write new music. Sure I will agree they will not be as big as they were (neither Will DDY). But both parties still have some good songs in them. Look at DDY new cd. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Styx Cyclorama was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But they need to get away from the cover cds, and the live cds. Put out some new music, 10 or 12 new song every two years, maybe we can get three of 5 new cds from them.
But I do not think their career is over. Not yet.-ERIC

Cyclo in your eyes was great
Take away Glen and you have BBT
Shaw and JY have 0 writing chemistry
Thats why Styx is done
Dennis is going to put the nail in there coffins
This new cd is a monster
There are so many hits and its not even done yet'
I wish you would just face the fact that Styx has no chance against Dennis absolutly none,

Just like DDY's new CD is in your eyes. Hits? Hohohohahahaha! Styx without Tommy also had no chance. Wasn't the same. Face that fact.

[styxdudebrandon]

Styx started the show out with a one two three punch that brought the house down (Blue Collar...,Grand..., Lorelei) Then had a slight mishap with Lady (IMO). LArry started the song off sounding like Alvin the Chipmunk, but recovered by 4 lines into the song. Heard one of the best versions of Too Much Time on My Hands last night, just awesome, and Snowblind was pretty good too. But to me, things started going down hill around here. Tommy did an acoustic version of Man in the Wilderness, which IMO he struggled though. His voice sounded very weak and rough around the edges. This drew looks from my wife. He went into Crystal Ball and again struggled until the song picked up with rest of the band coming in.
Larry's beatle song came off very good, as did Fooling Yourself. But Miss America was good till the did the traditional singing of the Miss America theme over the song, just added chaos to the song, and it ended on a bad note. After a couple of other songs Larry did a stunning job on Come Sail Away (had the crowd very into the song) and ended it on a very high note.
But IMO, the encore sucked. Came out with new song from their new cd Everything all the Time. It got a good round of applause. I just thought the song was in the wrong place in the set list. But the 15 minute version of Renegade was way over the top and too much. I was glads the song was over along with the show.
I was disappointed in the set list which was (not in order)
Lady
Lorelli
Crystal Ball
Grand Illusion
Come Sail Away
Fooling Yourself
Man in Wilderness
Miss America
Blue Collar Man
Renegade
Too Much Time on My Hands
Snowblind
I am the Walrus
Everything All the Time

Same old thing they have been doing for years. I told my wife each song that would be played before they played it, only missed two.
Missed not having Best of Times, Suite Madame Blue, and Rockin the Paradise at a Styx show. Missed the melody too.

Larry other than being a chipmunk for a bout a minute into Lady was good. All over the stage, acting really goofy, dancing, and carrying on with people.
Ricky with his hat, was pretty laid back, more middle of the road performance between Chuck and Glen.
Todd was great all night.
JY was in good voice and interacted with he band and the crowd.
Tommy was having vocal problems IMO, and was not his usual active self on stage.
Of course it was 90+ degrees and it was about 9:45 when they came on.

I came in to the show with high hopes, but I think foreigner was the winner this night. Styx just didn't seem on their game. They people that came with us thought it was one the best Styx shows they have ever seen. Not me, maybe it was because I got up at 4 am and worked and had to drive back to Memphis to barley make the show. Maybe because it was basically the same show they have been doing since 2002 or 03. Maybe becuase I saw Dennis less than a year ago. Whatever it was....
But I didn't not walk away unhappy, I was entertained, and had fun. As we were walking back the car, my wife said "They weren't as good as they usually are, less wait a few years before we see them again." I just shook my head in agreement, but I know I'll be back and hopefull they will too-ERIC

I will simplify
STYX IS DONE[/quote]


Froy just shut up already!

You say that way too much and its NOT TRUE!

[froy]

I will simplify
STYX IS DONE

Froy just shut up already!

You say that way too much and its NOT TRUE![/quote][/quote]

DONE FINISHED OVER

[styxfanNH]

But the 15 minute version of Renegade was way over the top and too much.

I agree. It seems to me like it has just gotten longer and longer over the last few years. I'd just as soon hear another song, even if it's not a well-known one.

Don't forget it is where they introduce the band that primarily extends the song as well as closing out the set. It bookends all of that causing it to go on forever. But I agree that it would be nice just to hear the song and close out the set a different way.

[styxfanNH]

Styx started the show out with a one two three punch that brought the house down (Blue Collar...,Grand..., Lorelei) Then had a slight mishap with Lady (IMO). LArry started the song off sounding like Alvin the Chipmunk, but recovered by 4 lines into the song. Heard one of the best versions of Too Much Time on My Hands last night, just awesome, and Snowblind was pretty good too. But to me, things started going down hill around here. Tommy did an acoustic version of Man in the Wilderness, which IMO he struggled though. His voice sounded very weak and rough around the edges. This drew looks from my wife. He went into Crystal Ball and again struggled until the song picked up with rest of the band coming in.
Larry's beatle song came off very good, as did Fooling Yourself. But Miss America was good till the did the traditional singing of the Miss America theme over the song, just added chaos to the song, and it ended on a bad note. After a couple of other songs Larry did a stunning job on Come Sail Away (had the crowd very into the song) and ended it on a very high note.
But IMO, the encore sucked. Came out with new song from their new cd Everything all the Time. It got a good round of applause. I just thought the song was in the wrong place in the set list. But the 15 minute version of Renegade was way over the top and too much. I was glads the song was over along with the show.
I was disappointed in the set list which was (not in order)
Lady
Lorelli
Crystal Ball
Grand Illusion
Come Sail Away
Fooling Yourself
Man in Wilderness
Miss America
Blue Collar Man
Renegade
Too Much Time on My Hands
Snowblind
I am the Walrus
Everything All the Time

Same old thing they have been doing for years. I told my wife each song that would be played before they played it, only missed two.
Missed not having Best of Times, Suite Madame Blue, and Rockin the Paradise at a Styx show. Missed the melody too.

Larry other than being a chipmunk for a bout a minute into Lady was good. All over the stage, acting really goofy, dancing, and carrying on with people.
Ricky with his hat, was pretty laid back, more middle of the road performance between Chuck and Glen.
Todd was great all night.
JY was in good voice and interacted with he band and the crowd.
Tommy was having vocal problems IMO, and was not his usual active self on stage.
Of course it was 90+ degrees and it was about 9:45 when they came on.

I came in to the show with high hopes, but I think foreigner was the winner this night. Styx just didn't seem on their game. They people that came with us thought it was one the best Styx shows they have ever seen. Not me, maybe it was because I got up at 4 am and worked and had to drive back to Memphis to barley make the show. Maybe because it was basically the same show they have been doing since 2002 or 03. Maybe becuase I saw Dennis less than a year ago. Whatever it was....
But I didn't not walk away unhappy, I was entertained, and had fun. As we were walking back the car, my wife said "They weren't as good as they usually are, less wait a few years before we see them again." I just shook my head in agreement, but I know I'll be back and hopefull they will too-ERIC

I saw them in Bloomington the next night with the same set. They seemed pretty much on the whole night. But I can't see how you say the same old thing they have been doing for years. Acoustic Man in the Wilderness bridging into the Full version of Crystal Ball is new, as was Midnight Ride. The Medley was gone and Everything All the Time was the new song that fits much better in the flow of their show than Just Be. Three new songs to the set , one song brought back, and the elimination of one of their staples - the medley - are huge changes. That and they've changed the stage show up quite a bit with Tommy swapping sides of the stage for half the show, shows they are at least moving in a different direction. Whether that will change on the Def Lep tour or not is yet to be seen because of the time constraints. But we will see in the fall.

[DerriD]

Yea, when they walked off stage, they were done, and everyone went home. You were right Froy . I don't think they are done. They still have music to play (new). But they need some time off and to write new music. Sure I will agree they will not be as big as they were (neither Will DDY). But both parties still have some good songs in them. Look at DDY new cd. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Styx Cyclorama was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But they need to get away from the cover cds, and the live cds. Put out some new music, 10 or 12 new song every two years, maybe we can get three of 5 new cds from them.
But I do not think their career is over. Not yet.-ERIC

Cyclo in your eyes was great
Take away Glen and you have BBT
Shaw and JY have 0 writing chemistry
Thats why Styx is done
Dennis is going to put the nail in there coffins
This new cd is a monster
There are so many hits and its not even done yet'
I wish you would just face the fact that Styx has no chance against Dennis absolutly none,

Just like DDY's new CD is in your eyes. Hits? Hohohohahahaha! Styx without Tommy also had no chance. Wasn't the same. Face that fact.

Wrong! Styx without Tommy had Equinox and about one decent album's worth if you combinded the wooden nickel records. After Tommy they had Edge, which had a top ten hit. Edge by itself probably has 3 - 4 times the sales of every single release without Dennis combined.

[froy]

shows they are at least moving in a different direction. Whether that will change on the Def Lep tour or not is yet to be seen because of the time constraints. But we will see in the fall.

[/quote]

No we won't

[mikemarrs]

i live near mud island.saw styx there in 1991.didn't get to see it this time.

[styxfanNH]

shows they are at least moving in a different direction. Whether that will change on the Def Lep tour or not is yet to be seen because of the time constraints. But we will see in the fall.

No we won't

Some will see in the fall..... better Froy?

[froy]

shows they are at least moving in a different direction. Whether that will change on the Def Lep tour or not is yet to be seen because of the time constraints. But we will see in the fall.

No we won't

Some will see in the fall..... better Froy?

I like a few will see in the fall,

[Grotelul]

Yea, when they walked off stage, they were done, and everyone went home. You were right Froy . I don't think they are done. They still have music to play (new). But they need some time off and to write new music. Sure I will agree they will not be as big as they were (neither Will DDY). But both parties still have some good songs in them. Look at DDY new cd. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Styx Cyclorama was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But they need to get away from the cover cds, and the live cds. Put out some new music, 10 or 12 new song every two years, maybe we can get three of 5 new cds from them.
But I do not think their career is over. Not yet.-ERIC

Cyclo in your eyes was great
Take away Glen and you have BBT
Shaw and JY have 0 writing chemistry
Thats why Styx is done
Dennis is going to put the nail in there coffins
This new cd is a monster
There are so many hits and its not even done yet'
I wish you would just face the fact that Styx has no chance against Dennis absolutly none,

Just like DDY's new CD is in your eyes. Hits? Hohohohahahaha! Styx without Tommy also had no chance. Wasn't the same. Face that fact.

Wrong! Styx without Tommy had Equinox and about one decent album's worth if you combinded the wooden nickel records. After Tommy they had Edge, which had a top ten hit. Edge by itself probably has 3 - 4 times the sales of every single release without Dennis combined.

Where did they go after Edge? They were extremely lucky to get this record out when they did. A year or two later with the dawn of grunge, they wouldn't have done nearly as well and A&M wasn't going to support them as well as they should have anyway because they all hated Dennis. 2003 was a much different environment than '90-'91. Edge in a 2003 environment? Would have failed.

[DerriD]

...and if my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle. It WAS released in 1990. Your point?

[Grotelul]

...and if my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle. It WAS released in 1990. Your point?

You are saying Styx without Tommy sold many more records. Edge vs Cyclorama..yes this is very true. Edge was released in 1990. Styx without Dennis..1999 to present is a much different environment to sell records in so you can't really compare the two. Who is selling major numbers from that era now? No one. You can't make a good argument based on these records being sold in different periods. If a Styx with Dennis and no Tommy released music today would it sell worth a sh*t? No way.