Grand Rapids Article - New Thread by request

[Zan]

As per LtVanish's request, I'm putting this in its own thread.

When Styx couldn't come to Grand Rapids, blogger went to Styx
Posted by Lorilee Craker | The Grand Rapids Press August 25, 2008
22:07PM
Categories: Concert news
Lorilee Craker attended the Styx/Def Leppard show Saturday in Detroit.

I was among those Styx fans who were seriously bummed when the
phenomenal five-piece couldn't make the rescheduled Def Leppard show
in Grand Rapids (remember, the April show was rescheduled for August
15 when Joe Elliot got sick). So, when Leppard came to Grand Rapids,
it was with Billy Idol, and not the original lineup of Styx, REO
Speedwagon, and those cheeky Brits of the famous baking song "Pour
Some Sugar On Me."

Well, Billy Idol is fine and all, but not as a replacement for Styx!
Thus I was thrilled when JY (James "JY" Young of Styx) invited me and
a friend to come see the original lineup in Detroit, at the revered
Joe Louis Arena.


After four hours of stellar hooks and master riffs from those three
classic bands, I'd have to say (okay, shout it from the rooftops),
that Grand Rapids fans got the short end of the stick. The sold-out
show at The Joe was fantastic, maybe one of the best of my young-ish
life.

One highlight: When the fab vocalists of Lepp came out for the Styx
set and sang harmony on the "creepy/sad" intro of "Renegade." You
know, "Oh Mama, I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the
law..." Smashing! ("Creepy/sad" is my son's description of it, and I
think it's pretty good!)

The most special part of the night for me was seeing JY backstage.
Over the years of interviewing him for The Press, we've become
buddies, and this meeting was especially poignant. His much-loved
wife, Susie (they've been married 35 years, a record in rock 'n' roll)
suffered a brain aneurysm Aug. 14 and was rushed to the hospital. I
first heard the news at the Grand Rapids' Def Leppard show, when lead
singer Joe Elliot dedicated a song to her. He also did that same,
sweet thing at the Detroit show, underscoring the bond of brotherhood
that exists in classic rock circles.

Thank God, she is making good progress, and doctors are optimistic
about her outcome. JY has asked for and received the prayers of untold
friends and fans for his wife's healing. He also sent out word to
everyone to request the Everly Brothers' "Wake Up Little Susie" on the
radio, as a touchpoint for people to think of her and pray.

He has been singing that song to her for days, and she seems to be
responding. When I think of that wonderful guy, sitting by his wife's
side -- the person he has always come home to, all these years on the
road -- softly singing that little ditty to her like a prayer ...
well, I just about lose it. Okay, so I lose it. It's one of the most
tender things I have ever heard.

If you hear a Styx song or even "Wake Up Little Susie," please pray
for Susie's continued healing and for a spectacular outcome, that she
would be fully restored to wellness in record time!

E-mail John Gonzalez: jgonzalez@grpress.com

[Rockwriter]

Wow, what a sweet story. I really hope that she will continue to improve and make a full recovery.

Hope all is well.


Sterling

[LordofDaRing]

Listened to Grand Illusion this morning on the way into work, said a little prayer.

"creepy/sad" intro, that is kind of funny...out of the mouths of children huh.