Styx @ Viejas 10-7-07

[StyxCollector]

I just got back to my hotel room before flying out in the AM. I was here in California most of last week for business and figured what the heck - I'll see Styx. They happened to be playing close and it's been a few years.

Let me set context: Viejas is a casino/outlet center owned by some Indian tribes. The venue is set up smack dab in the middle of the outlets on the common area. It can seat somewhere between 1000 and 1500 people. Styx looked to be somewhere in the 1000 - 1200 range. So I can now say I've seen Styx at an outlet mall (and for the record, I've seen DDY at an amusement park, so I can poke a small bit of fun here folks - it's called sarcasm).

For all you naysayers who think people don't know or care Dennis is gone - many still have no idea. I overheard the guy in front of me asking about it since he was surprised to hear DDY was no longer in the band and questioned how they could charge $55 for a DDY-less Styx (not making this up). To be fair, I think he had a good time by the end of the night, but his initial reaction is consistent to fans I encounter at nearly every show I've seen since 1999.

Setlist
Blue Collar Man
Grand Illusion
Lorelei
One With Everything
Gowan Piano Solo/I Am The Walrus
Too Much Time On My Hands
Midnight Ride
Crystal Ball
Fooling Yourself
Miss America
Come Sail Away

Encore
Everything All The Time
Renegade

This was the first time since I had seen Styx in about three years. The last time was in Lowell, MA just after Ricky had joined and I was not very impressed so I went into this one with no expectations.

The show is the same basic one you've seen for, well, years with few exceptions. It was nice to hear the full "Midnight Ride" and no medley. I definitely noticed "Lady" missing from the set and I'm thinking that it won't be back any time soon. Call it a hunch. I'm still not in love with "Everything All The Time", but it wasn't a bad tune live. "One With Everything" was done very well.

The sound was excellent, if not a tad bit bass heavy (even for my liking). I forgot to bring my earplugs but didn't need them. The mix was decent and Gary did a good job.

The band itself is very tight, and much better than the last time I saw them. Ricky fits in MUCH better, but I still hate his modified bass part on "Blue Collar Man". Todd is still "the man" on drums. JY is well, JY. The Joker grin thing is still a bit disconcerting. Then we come to Mr. Shaw. I've seen Tommy twice this year with Shaw Blades and that Tommy was not the Tommy on stage tonight. There were times - at least to me - he seemed like he was on autopilot. He sang fine, he played his part on stage, but it was apparent to me where he was more into the show (for example, doing "Everything All The Time") and where was not. To the untrained eye, it may not have seemed different. Having seen the band way too many times over the years, it just seems obvious to me.

Ironically, there were more posed/staged things in this concert than I remember in a long time from a Styx show since 1999. Even more, dare I say it, than most of the Dennis concerts I've seen. It's not a bad thing, but Styx still has a great deal of cheese and schmaltz associated with it I can name quite a few moments that even out-schmaltz Dennis (i.e. the part in "Miss America" where Ricky hands Gowan a pick and then he plays Tommy's guitar; the foam green colored guitars used by everyone in "One With Everything" but to name two).

The crowd was sparse at first and I think by the end it seemed close to a sell out, but people were just showing up and buying tickets. They really didn't get into it until "Too Much Time On My Hands".

Overall - good show. Left a better taste in my mouth than the last time but I'm good for a few more years or until they tour with some new material.

Allan

PS - As a side note, some of Tommy's new guitars are gorgeous. The natural wood topped one he used on "Come Sail Away" rivaled some of the stuff Rob Allen does (he's a bass manufacturer). It was also weird to see Tommy playing a Strat on "Renegade". I don't think I've seen that before ...

I dislike the red Strat JY uses with the black Lace Sensor pickups - note to JY: use regular pickups. These seem to bite too hard. Just my opinion as a fellow musician ... Gowan's sunburst Strat on "Midnight Ride" is a much better looking and sounding guitar.

[Grotelul]

I just got back to my hotel room before flying out in the AM. I was here in California most of last week for business and figured what the heck - I'll see Styx. They happened to be playing close and it's been a few years.

Let me set context: Viejas is a casino/outlet center owned by some Indian tribes. The venue is set up smack dab in the middle of the outlets on the common area. It can seat somewhere between 1000 and 1500 people. Styx looked to be somewhere in the 1000 - 1200 range. So I can now say I've seen Styx at an outlet mall (and for the record, I've seen DDY at an amusement park, so I can poke a small bit of fun here folks - it's called sarcasm).

For all you naysayers who think people don't know or care Dennis is gone - many still have no idea. I overheard the guy in front of me asking about it since he was surprised to hear DDY was no longer in the band and questioned how they could charge $55 for a DDY-less Styx (not making this up). To be fair, I think he had a good time by the end of the night, but his initial reaction is consistent to fans I encounter at nearly every show I've seen since 1999.

Setlist
Blue Collar Man
Grand Illusion
Lorelei
One With Everything
Gowan Piano Solo/I Am The Walrus
Too Much Time On My Hands
Midnight Ride
Crystal Ball
Fooling Yourself
Miss America
Come Sail Away

Encore
Everything All The Time
Renegade

This was the first time since I had seen Styx in about three years. The last time was in Lowell, MA just after Ricky had joined and I was not very impressed so I went into this one with no expectations.

The show is the same basic one you've seen for, well, years with few exceptions. It was nice to hear the full "Midnight Ride" and no medley. I definitely noticed "Lady" missing from the set and I'm thinking that it won't be back any time soon. Call it a hunch. I'm still not in love with "Everything All The Time", but it wasn't a bad tune live. "One With Everything" was done very well.

The sound was excellent, if not a tad bit bass heavy (even for my liking). I forgot to bring my earplugs but didn't need them. The mix was decent and Gary did a good job.

The band itself is very tight, and much better than the last time I saw them. Ricky fits in MUCH better, but I still hate his modified bass part on "Blue Collar Man". Todd is still "the man" on drums. JY is well, JY. The Joker grin thing is still a bit disconcerting. Then we come to Mr. Shaw. I've seen Tommy twice this year with Shaw Blades and that Tommy was not the Tommy on stage tonight. There were times - at least to me - he seemed like he was on autopilot. He sang fine, he played his part on stage, but it was apparent to me where he was more into the show (for example, doing "Everything All The Time") and where was not. To the untrained eye, it may not have seemed different. Having seen the band way too many times over the years, it just seems obvious to me.

Ironically, there were more posed/staged things in this concert than I remember in a long time from a Styx show since 1999. Even more, dare I say it, than most of the Dennis concerts I've seen. It's not a bad thing, but Styx still has a great deal of cheese and schmaltz associated with it I can name quite a few moments that even out-schmaltz Dennis (i.e. the part in "Miss America" where Ricky hands Gowan a pick and then he plays Tommy's guitar; the foam green colored guitars used by everyone in "One With Everything" but to name two).

The crowd was sparse at first and I think by the end it seemed close to a sell out, but people were just showing up and buying tickets. They really didn't get into it until "Too Much Time On My Hands".

Overall - good show. Left a better taste in my mouth than the last time but I'm good for a few more years or until they tour with some new material.

Allan

PS - As a side note, some of Tommy's new guitars are gorgeous. The natural wood topped one he used on "Come Sail Away" rivaled some of the stuff Rob Allen does (he's a bass manufacturer). It was also weird to see Tommy playing a Strat on "Renegade". I don't think I've seen that before ...

I dislike the red Strat JY uses with the black Lace Sensor pickups - note to JY: use regular pickups. These seem to bite too hard. Just my opinion as a fellow musician ... Gowan's sunburst Strat on "Midnight Ride" is a much better looking and sounding guitar.

A couple of questions... Did Tommy use his Taylor electric at all? Did Gowan play organ on Midnight Ride?

[StyxCollector]

A couple of questions... Did Tommy use his Taylor electric at all? Did Gowan play organ on Midnight Ride?

The wood topped guitar I mention for CSA was a Taylor. He also played a blue one, and if I'm not mistaken, a white one as well. He also played the foam green Fender (Jaguar? I forget - he talked about it in a note about a year ago), the white Strat, the white Gibson (I'm pretty sure this is what he used on "Everything All The Time"), a Les Paul, and the Taylor acoustics. I may have missed one, but that seems about right.

JY played the foam green Strat, a black Strat, and the red Strat. I don't recall others.

Ricky had the foam green Fender 5-string, the black with pearloid Fender 5-string (seems like his main bass), a white/cream Fender 5-string with tortoise pickguard, and what appeared to be an old Spector 5-string he used pretty much from Miss America on. Again, I'm pretty sure that is all of what he used.

Gowan played minimal keys on MR - mainly the chorus and they were barely audible.

[Everett]

Where the heck is the medley?

[LtVanish]

13 songs? Are they only playing 80 min sets now even not touring with Def Leppard? What do we have to do to get Miss America off the setlist, I can not stand the song anymore and usually go use the restroom when it is played now.

[Everett]

13 songs? Are they only playing 80 min sets now even not touring with Def Leppard? What do we have to do to get Miss America off the setlist, I can not stand the song anymore and usually go use the restroom when it is played now.

miss america is jy's signature song that's why they play it every single show. Just like blue collar man/renegade/too much time and everything else our tommy's signature songs. Personally miss america is awesome live anyway why do you guys hate it so much? Again where the heck is the medley?

[Jodes]

They retired the medley earlier on this year I believe.

[stabbim]

13 songs? Are they only playing 80 min sets now even not touring with Def Leppard?

Usually depends on the venue. I saw an "Evening With" show earlier this year that was just over 2 hours. Sometimes casino gigs are a bit shorter.

What do we have to do to get Miss America off the setlist,

Get JY to quit. Maybe.

[LtVanish]

13 songs? Are they only playing 80 min sets now even not touring with Def Leppard?

Usually depends on the venue. I saw an "Evening With" show earlier this year that was just over 2 hours. Sometimes casino gigs are a bit shorter.

What do we have to do to get Miss America off the setlist,

Get JY to quit. Maybe.

I hope you are right I am going to see them Dec. 28th, hope it is the 2 hour show.

I don't want JY to quit, I just think he could play something else, at least Midnight Ride is in the set. Why not bring back "Great White Hope" that would kick ass to hear the whole song.

[stabbim]

I don't want JY to quit, I just think he could play something else, at least Midnight Ride is in the set. Why not bring back "Great White Hope" that would kick ass to hear the whole song.

No arguments here.

I was just reiterating the same thing that others have said: for better or worse, it's considered his signature song, and I don't see it going away as long as he's playing shows. Might as well ask DDY to stop playing "Come Sail Away" or TS to drop "Renegade."

[StyxCollector]

FYI - Todd and I wound up being on the same flight from San Diego this AM. We chatted briefly. He's truly a nice guy and I look forward to possibly chatting with him further for the site sometime down the road.

[LtVanish]

I don't want JY to quit, I just think he could play something else, at least Midnight Ride is in the set. Why not bring back "Great White Hope" that would kick ass to hear the whole song.

No arguments here.

I was just reiterating the same thing that others have said: for better or worse, it's considered his signature song, and I don't see it going away as long as he's playing shows. Might as well ask DDY to stop playing "Come Sail Away" or TS to drop "Renegade."

Yeah I get your point, although you would hear no complaints from me if Come Sail Away and Renegade were not played , just as long as "Born For Adventure" and "mademoiselle" were played in their place.

[kansas666]

I definitely noticed "Lady" missing from the set and I'm thinking that it won't be back any time soon. Call it a hunch.

It's interesting that Gowan only sang one song.

[rajah2165]

I definitely noticed "Lady" missing from the set and I'm thinking that it won't be back any time soon. Call it a hunch.

It's interesting that Gowan only sang one song.

Gowan sings 3

[brywool]

13 songs? Are they only playing 80 min sets now even not touring with Def Leppard? What do we have to do to get Miss America off the setlist, I can not stand the song anymore and usually go use the restroom when it is played now.

miss america is jy's signature song that's why they play it every single show. Just like blue collar man/renegade/too much time and everything else our tommy's signature songs. Personally miss america is awesome live anyway why do you guys hate it so much? Again where the heck is the medley?

yeah, I don't agree on miss america. Signature song, I suppose, but the others you mentioned were hits. Jys was an album track. I'd rather hear him do something else. He sings MA terrible these days, of course, live, he's never done it very well, even in 77. He needs a new song.

[Zan]

I skip ahead when Miss America comes on the iPod or CD usually, but live, I really love hearing it. Something about it, old as it may be, gets me dancing. Mind you, I have NO problem adding Midnight Ride or Great White Hope, but I'm happy with Miss America where it is.

[Abitaman]

13 songs? Are they only playing 80 min sets now even not touring with Def Leppard? What do we have to do to get Miss America off the setlist, I can not stand the song anymore and usually go use the restroom when it is played now.

miss america is jy's signature song that's why they play it every single show. Just like blue collar man/renegade/too much time and everything else our tommy's signature songs. Personally miss america is awesome live anyway why do you guys hate it so much? Again where the heck is the medley?

yeah, I don't agree on miss america. Signature song, I suppose, but the others you mentioned were hits. Jys was an album track. I'd rather hear him do something else. He sings MA terrible these days, of course, live, he's never done it very well, even in 77. He needs a new song.

I really like the live version on CITA-ERIC

[masque]

wow, thats awesome they are playing midnight ride now!!! I would be all right with dropping miss america but adding great white hope and possibly put me on as well....or maybe even bring back half-penny two-penny!!!

[Barbara]

YES! I hope they keep "Midnite Ride" in!
"Born For Adventure" would be unbelievable!!!!
I think "These Are The Times" is a good J.Y. tune.

[Blue Falcon]

I've seen Tommy twice this year with Shaw Blades and that Tommy was not the Tommy on stage tonight. There were times - at least to me - he seemed like he was on autopilot. He sang fine, he played his part on stage, but it was apparent to me where he was more into the show (for example, doing "Everything All The Time") and where was not.

Sadly, this is what happens when JY forces you to play 100 shows a year for eight consecutive years...

[Jodes]

Right.. JY holds a gun to his head backstage before every show..

Please.

[StyxCollector]

Right.. JY holds a gun to his head backstage before every show..

Please.

That's not the issue at all.

Just from an observation standpoint it's clear to at least me TS seems more interested to play a show with SB than Styx. There were moments where TS was genuinely having fun up there, but not like the whole show at either SB one I went to. Styx is his cash cow, and he knows it. Nothing wrong with it, and to the untrained eye, no one would probably know, but I think the Styx train could use some time in rest. Doing 100 - 200 shows a year can wear on anyone and I think it's slowly catching up to most of the guys anyway.

[Blue Falcon]

Right.. JY holds a gun to his head backstage before every show..

Please.

Doing 100 - 200 shows a year can wear on anyone and I think it's slowly catching up to most of the guys anyway.

JY doesn't need a gun...all he has to do is remind Tommy of his alimony payments!

If the other guys are wearing down, are we going to see JY replace them in the near future and then slag them in the press too? ("Yeah, this new Tim Bob is GREAT on guitar, he's the BEST GUITARIST WE'VE HAD...he's SO MUCH BETTER THAN THAT OTHER 'OTHER GUY') and ("We didn't need Chuck, he contributed nothing as a musician. Plus, he's gay. Our new bassist is better than that Other Other 'Other Guy'.")

Soon JY will be bellowing "THIS IS BEST STYX LINEUP EVER!" to Wal-Mart shoppers on Aisle 5.

[Grotelul]

Right.. JY holds a gun to his head backstage before every show..

Please.

Doing 100 - 200 shows a year can wear on anyone and I think it's slowly catching up to most of the guys anyway.

JY doesn't need a gun...all he has to do is remind Tommy of his alimony payments!

If the other guys are wearing down, are we going to see JY replace them in the near future and then slag them in the press too? ("Yeah, this new Tim Bob is GREAT on guitar, he's the BEST GUITARIST WE'VE HAD...he's SO MUCH BETTER THAN THAT OTHER 'OTHER GUY') and ("We didn't need Chuck, he contributed nothing as a musician. Plus, he's gay. Our new bassist is better than that Other Other 'Other Guy'.")

Soon JY will be bellowing "THIS IS BEST STYX LINEUP EVER!" to Wal-Mart shoppers on Aisle 5.

What's the alternative? Get together with Dennis every 7 years and then break up after 2? JY busted his ass over the years for this group and I see nothing wrong with what he is doing. From a technical standpoint, this is the best group of players they have had and I believe that is what he is referring to. Would I like to hear new music? Of course but it's their thing, they can do what they want. My life isn't hung up on what Styx does.

[Higgy]

Right.. JY holds a gun to his head backstage before every show..

Please.

That's not the issue at all.

Just from an observation standpoint it's clear to at least me TS seems more interested to play a show with SB than Styx.

I think that's because Tommy realizes (like the rest of the world) how much better Shaw/Blades is than new Styx. How much fun can it be playing Blue Collar Man multiple times a show with what amounts to a tribute band, when you can actually be producing forward thinking music with Jack Blades?

[StyxCollector]

I think that's because Tommy realizes (like the rest of the world) how much better Shaw/Blades is than new Styx. How much fun can it be playing Blue Collar Man multiple times a show with what amounts to a tribute band, when you can actually be producing forward thinking music with Jack Blades?

To be fair and balanced here, I wouldn't call Influence forward thinking music, per se. It's an album of covers. I think it's more that change of scenery, and quite frankly, I think he gets along better with Jack even though he's spent nearly 30+ years with Styx (discounting 1984 - 1995/6 of course).

And if you really think about it, he's been playing with Jack for about 20 years, so not much difference in time.

[shaka]

Right.. JY holds a gun to his head backstage before every show..

Please.

That's not the issue at all.

Just from an observation standpoint it's clear to at least me TS seems more interested to play a show with SB than Styx.

I think that's because Tommy realizes (like the rest of the world) how much better Shaw/Blades is than new Styx. How much fun can it be playing Blue Collar Man multiple times a show with what amounts to a tribute band, when you can actually be producing forward thinking music with Jack Blades?

No offense but the last Shaw/Blades effort, as much as I enjoy it, was far from forward looking. Tommy can have it both ways so he's doing it.

[Grotelul]

Right.. JY holds a gun to his head backstage before every show..

Please.

That's not the issue at all.

Just from an observation standpoint it's clear to at least me TS seems more interested to play a show with SB than Styx.

I think that's because Tommy realizes (like the rest of the world) how much better Shaw/Blades is than new Styx. How much fun can it be playing Blue Collar Man multiple times a show with what amounts to a tribute band, when you can actually be producing forward thinking music with Jack Blades?

Uhhhhh.......yeah that's it. It's all speculation what Tommy is thinking. Does it get old singing the same songs over and over and going from one town to the next for months? Sure. Who wouldn't get burned out singing any song, no matter how good it is that many times and being around the same group of people for days on end. S/B offers something different. I think it would be a nice change of pace for anyone who tours as much as a band like Styx does to play some different songs that you love in a relaxed atmosphere with someone who you happen to get along great with.

You are just stirring more shit as always.

[Ash]

I think that's because Tommy realizes (like the rest of the world) how much better Shaw/Blades is than new Styx. How much fun can it be playing Blue Collar Man multiple times a show with what amounts to a tribute band, when you can actually be producing forward thinking music with Jack Blades?

To be fair and balanced here, I wouldn't call Influence forward thinking music, per se. It's an album of covers. I think it's more that change of scenery, and quite frankly, I think he gets along better with Jack even though he's spent nearly 30+ years with Styx (discounting 1984 - 1995/6 of course).

And if you really think about it, he's been playing with Jack for about 20 years, so not much difference in time.

No comparison - Influence is Tommy's best recording since 7DZ even if it is an album of covers. You can just hear the fun they're having doing it and trying to make a true tribute to good music. They also took some of those songs in different directions (I Am A Rock, California Dreamin', Time of the Season). I would go for anything by Shaw Blades over Styx at this point.

It may not be "forward" thinking... but I think Tommy & Jack make a better team than Tommy and Dennis ever did. Just my opinion.
Wouldn't it be cool if Tommy joined Dennis on some of his dates, Dennis joined Tommy (or tommy and jack) on some of their dates and were able to find a way to be friends and exist in the music world without it being Styx? Dennis and Glen found a way to do it... so you have to know it can be done.

[AnnieOprah]

Right.. JY holds a gun to his head backstage before every show..

Please.

Doing 100 - 200 shows a year can wear on anyone and I think it's slowly catching up to most of the guys anyway.

JY doesn't need a gun...all he has to do is remind Tommy of his alimony payments!

If the other guys are wearing down, are we going to see JY replace them in the near future and then slag them in the press too? ("Yeah, this new Tim Bob is GREAT on guitar, he's the BEST GUITARIST WE'VE HAD...he's SO MUCH BETTER THAN THAT OTHER 'OTHER GUY') and ("We didn't need Chuck, he contributed nothing as a musician. Plus, he's gay. Our new bassist is better than that Other Other 'Other Guy'.")

Soon JY will be bellowing "THIS IS BEST STYX LINEUP EVER!" to Wal-Mart shoppers on Aisle 5.

What's the alternative? Get together with Dennis every 7 years and then break up after 2? JY busted his ass over the years for this group and I see nothing wrong with what he is doing. From a technical standpoint, this is the best group of players they have had and I believe that is what he is referring to. Would I like to hear new music? Of course but it's their thing, they can do what they want.

Thanks Susie for coming out tonight!