Crystal Grand Theater 4-24

[kansas666]

We caught STYX Friday night at the Crystal Grand Theater in the Wisconsin Dells.

Great show as always. I love the new opening with snippits of Light Up and Put Me On before breaking into Miss America - Great way to get that song out of the way in a hurry.

I am constantly amazed at how tight and musically dexterous STYX is. The band is really good. Too bad Denny can't get a backup band anywhere near as good.

My only disappointment was the setlist. They were the only band and the only thing remotely new was the intro. They didn't play any of the newest songs. I thought we might get Just Be, Everything All the Time or Can't Stop Rocking. But no dice. What we got instead were some really long jams during the encore. Gowan started out with an organ recital before BCM that was kind of neat. But then JY and Tommy went into the longest and most boring guitar duo I have ever heard. After that came a succinct drum solo by Todd.

Other than that, I thought it was a great show. The place was nearly full. I saw about 4 empty rows in the back and I couldn't tell how many people were in the balcony. The place holds just over 2000.

[froy]

We caught STYX Friday night at the Crystal Grand Theater in the Wisconsin Dells.

Great show as always. I love the new opening with snippits of Light Up and Put Me On before breaking into Miss America - Great way to get that song out of the way in a hurry.

I am constantly amazed at how tight and musically dexterous STYX is. The band is really good. Too bad Denny can't get a backup band anywhere near as good.

My only disappointment was the setlist. They were the only band and the only thing remotely new was the intro. They didn't play any of the newest songs. I thought we might get Just Be, Everything All the Time or Can't Stop Rocking. But no dice. What we got instead were some really long jams during the encore. Gowan started out with an organ recital before BCM that was kind of neat. But then JY and Tommy went into the longest and most boring guitar duo I have ever heard. After that came a succinct drum solo by Todd.

Other than that, I thought it was a great show. The place was nearly full. I saw about 4 empty rows in the back and I couldn't tell how many people were in the balcony. The place holds just over 2000.

How can the show be great but the setlist sucks?
Kind of imposssible if you ask me

[chowhall]

How can the show be great but the setlist sucks?
Kind of imposssible if you ask me

Well, we all know that you are the completely unbiased observer of the current version of Styx.

[LordofDaRing]

They open with Miss American now? Okkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy

[cittadeeno23]

I agree with that absolutely, but I also have to say, Too bad the band currently calling themselves Styx can't get a lead singer nearly as good as Dennis.

[yogi]

Styx NEVER has had a 'lead' singer.

They have ALWAYS had 3 lead singers who took the lead when the song they fronted was played.

DDY could be called the BEST of their 3 singers, but those who drink from the bathwater Tommy would argue that point.

[Hollywood]

We caught STYX Friday night at the Crystal Grand Theater in the Wisconsin Dells.

Great show as always. I love the new opening with snippits of Light Up and Put Me On before breaking into Miss America - Great way to get that song out of the way in a hurry.

I am constantly amazed at how tight and musically dexterous STYX is. The band is really good. Too bad Denny can't get a backup band anywhere near as good.

My only disappointment was the setlist. They were the only band and the only thing remotely new was the intro. They didn't play any of the newest songs. I thought we might get Just Be, Everything All the Time or Can't Stop Rocking. But no dice. What we got instead were some really long jams during the encore. Gowan started out with an organ recital before BCM that was kind of neat. But then JY and Tommy went into the longest and most boring guitar duo I have ever heard. After that came a succinct drum solo by Todd.

Other than that, I thought it was a great show. The place was nearly full. I saw about 4 empty rows in the back and I couldn't tell how many people were in the balcony. The place holds just over 2000.

How can the show be great but the setlist sucks?
Kind of imposssible if you ask me

If Kansas666 said the setlist sucked then I would agree with you, but he did not say that. I've seen many excellent shows where I wish a certain song was played or maybe a group skipped over an album or did not play anything new and been disappointed with that aspect, but a performer can overcome this.

Hell, people that want to hear something new from any band is a rarity. From the biggest to the smallest bands when they say here is something off our new record the crowd sighs and scurries off to the bar or latrine.

[froy]

We caught STYX Friday night at the Crystal Grand Theater in the Wisconsin Dells.



My only disappointment was the setlist.

How can the show be great but the setlist sucks?
Kind of imposssible if you ask me

If Kansas666 said the setlist sucked then I would agree with you, but he did not say that.

Looks like he did

[Bearded Clam]

This pretty much sums up why I don't bother seeing them live any longer. If they can't mix it up and try something new or rare when they're playing alone, there's no chance they'll do it when they're off with REO and whoever else. They need to get Burtnik to come back and breathe new life into their set. IMO

[cittadeeno23]

Yogi, I agree that Styx never had just one lead singer. They had 3 lead singers. And I love Tommy's voice just as much if not better sometimes then Dennis'.
But my point was in reference to the comment that Dennis can't get a backup band as good as Styx.
So my point was that although it's true that Dennis can't find a backup band as good as Styx, Then it is also true that Styx can't find a keyboardist who sings as good as Dennis.

Am I bashing Dennis' band? No, I just think the guys currently in Styx are better than Dennis' backup band. I think his band is just fine. Just not as good as Styx.
Am I bashing Gowen? No, I am just saying that Dennis is a way better singer than he is. Once again, Gowen is fine, just not nearly as good a singer as Dennis is.

Not trying to start a war here. This board does a really good job of that every day! I just think it's fair to point out that if Dennis is not as good without Styx, Then Styx is not as good without Dennis. And I love Tommy EVERY BIT as much as Dennis. So I'm not in one "camp" or the other. Actually, that's not true, I am.
I'm in the camp in which Styx consists of Dennis and Tommy in the same band!

[yogi]

agree!!!!

[cittadeeno23]

I knew you would agree! Classis Styx rules!


You're also a big Glen fan, so I know you have good taste!!!

Welcome to Hollywood is now in my top 10 of favorite albums of all time.

[DerriD]

What this speaks to is what I've been thinking for the last couple of years, they are creatively spent. For all their musical expertise, they simply aren't breaking any new ground or writing solid music. It's been 6 years since Cyclorama and we've gotten 3 new tunes, one of which "Just Be" is as boring as watching paint dry.

10 years and only one new studio album (albeit a solid effort) to show for it. I honestly think that it was an effort to show Dennis they didn't need him that drove that album to be as good as it was.

We get a slew of compilations, 4 live albums and a covers album.

Additionally, their live performances are becoming more and more cookie cutter and stale.

Hopefully, something...anything will give them some sort of a kick in the pants, otherwise I have no interest in seeing them again.

[Everett]

This was the best show that i haue ever seen in the past 5 years that i have gone to see them live. i died and went to heaven when they played boat on the river (my second favorite song) my first time hearing it live in person. best part was when i was able to get chuck to sign my copy of his book before the bow down.

[Hollywood]

What this speaks to is what I've been thinking for the last couple of years, they are creatively spent. For all their musical expertise, they simply aren't breaking any new ground or writing solid music. It's been 6 years since Cyclorama and we've gotten 3 new tunes, one of which "Just Be" is as boring as watching paint dry.

10 years and only one new studio album (albeit a solid effort) to show for it. I honestly think that it was an effort to show Dennis they didn't need him that drove that album to be as good as it was.

We get a slew of compilations, 4 live albums and a covers album.

Additionally, their live performances are becoming more and more cookie cutter and stale.

Hopefully, something...anything will give them some sort of a kick in the pants, otherwise I have no interest in seeing them again.

I am brain dead tonight, but what new songs? Just be and Everything All the Time is all I can think of.

[DerriD]

What this speaks to is what I've been thinking for the last couple of years, they are creatively spent. For all their musical expertise, they simply aren't breaking any new ground or writing solid music. It's been 6 years since Cyclorama and we've gotten 3 new tunes, one of which "Just Be" is as boring as watching paint dry.

10 years and only one new studio album (albeit a solid effort) to show for it. I honestly think that it was an effort to show Dennis they didn't need him that drove that album to be as good as it was.

We get a slew of compilations, 4 live albums and a covers album.

Additionally, their live performances are becoming more and more cookie cutter and stale.

Hopefully, something...anything will give them some sort of a kick in the pants, otherwise I have no interest in seeing them again.

I am brain dead tonight, but what new songs? Just be and Everything All the Time is all I can think of.

I was giving them credit for "Can't Stop Rockin' ". I did forget that there have actually been 5 live albums, not 4.

[froy]

What this speaks to is what I've been thinking for the last couple of years, they are creatively spent. For all their musical expertise, they simply aren't breaking any new ground or writing solid music. It's been 6 years since Cyclorama and we've gotten 3 new tunes, one of which "Just Be" is as boring as watching paint dry.

10 years and only one new studio album (albeit a solid effort) to show for it. I honestly think that it was an effort to show Dennis they didn't need him that drove that album to be as good as it was.

We get a slew of compilations, 4 live albums and a covers album.

Additionally, their live performances are becoming more and more cookie cutter and stale.

Hopefully, something...anything will give them some sort of a kick in the pants, otherwise I have no interest in seeing them again.

It won't be long before you see Dennis back in Styx
His new cd has blown them away
They have lost millions by letting him do this cd solo
If this was a reUnion STYX cd they would be the talk of the town and selling out big arenas with no double or triple bills.
Instead it's Shaw and Glue lips singing some dumb song about how the road is long and they will be strong to carry on bla bla bla
Total spinal tap lyrics and it shows how thye are dead without Dennis

[Monker]

If this was a reUnion STYX cd they would be the talk of the town and selling out big arenas with no double or triple bills.
Instead it's Shaw and Glue lips singing some dumb song about how the road is long and they will be strong to carry on bla bla bla
Total spinal tap lyrics and it shows how thye are dead without Dennis

And, it's even more obvious how 'dead' Dennis is without Styx. It may be his best solo CD, but he won't even be invited on a major tour with a major act. So, it's back to the rib fests and county fairs for Dennis.

[StyxCollector]

It won't be long before you see Dennis back in Styx
His new cd has blown them away
They have lost millions by letting him do this cd solo
If this was a reUnion STYX cd they would be the talk of the town and selling out big arenas with no double or triple bills.
Instead it's Shaw and Glue lips singing some dumb song about how the road is long and they will be strong to carry on bla bla bla
Total spinal tap lyrics and it shows how thye are dead without Dennis

Froy, even Dennis knows that it's unrealistic to expect big arenas and not doing at least a double bill. I don't know what glue you're sniffing, but it's one thing to like Dennis, it's another to be blind to the realities that a Styx with DDY, TS, JY, Todd, and <insert bass player here> wouldn't be much bigger than the both draw since there's overlap in the fan base.

As good as DDY's new CD is and the good reviews it's getting, it'd be nice to see it sell millions, but I'm realistic that it won't. DDY is doing the most promotion I've seen him do since, well, Ultimate Collection and it seems like it's paying big dividends.

DDY is not dead. Neither is Styx.

[froy]

If this was a reUnion STYX cd they would be the talk of the town and selling out big arenas with no double or triple bills.
Instead it's Shaw and Glue lips singing some dumb song about how the road is long and they will be strong to carry on bla bla bla
Total spinal tap lyrics and it shows how thye are dead without Dennis

And, it's even more obvious how 'dead' Dennis is without Styx. It may be his best solo CD, but he won't even be invited on a major tour with a major act. So, it's back to the rib fests and county fairs for Dennis.

Major Act?
Not many to choose from

[froy]

.

DDY is not dead. Neither is Styx.

[/quote]

YES they are

[Monker]

DDY is not dead. Neither is Styx.

Of course not...which is why I put it in quotes.

However, in Froyland, where froyline has his own defintions of life and death...Dennis has more nails in his coffin.

[DavidD]

Miss America is a staple of a Styx concert. Putting it up front doesn't make sense.

I also stopped going out of my way to go to STYX shows. Yeah they are great showman and musicians, but how many times am I gong to shell out the sheckles and travel to a venue to see the same over and over again?

On the bright side. I work with teen agers everyday. And classic rock is in. They are listening to bands on the radio like Queen, Led Zeppelin, Boston, The Cars, Van Hallen, Foreigner, Aerosmith and even STYX. Renegade is a big tune with them.

[froy]

DDY is not dead. Neither is Styx.

Of course not...which is why I put it in quotes.

However, in Froyland, where froyline has his own defintions of life and death...Dennis has more nails in his coffin.

Really look at the post above this one
How many people do you have to hear about that are done with STYX before you will believe they are toast

[gr8dane]

DDY is not dead. Neither is Styx.

Of course not...which is why I put it in quotes.

However, in Froyland, where froyline has his own defintions of life and death...Dennis has more nails in his coffin.

Really look at the post above this one
How many people do you have to hear about that are done with STYX before you will believe they are toast

1+ you=3

[MCM]

Miss America is a staple of a Styx concert. Putting it up front doesn't make sense.

I'd rather they "get it out of the way" I loved the studio version, but really don't like what it's become live.

[Zan]

Miss America is a staple of a Styx concert. Putting it up front doesn't make sense.

I'd rather they "get it out of the way" I loved the studio version, but really don't like what it's become live.

Wow, I couldn't agree less. "Miss America" for me, was never a favorite, but live...it takes on a certain energy that can't be compared. The original seems almost watered down now.

[LordofDaRing]

I agree it was a staple of their show. I liken it to when I saw REO a few years back and they opened with Riding the Storm Out. The rest of the show was a let down for me. David, i agree with you, if they come to my neck of the woods, I might go see them, but definately not going out of my way. To be honest putting MA at the beginning isn't pushing me back to Styxworld for Gold Club seating either.

[froy]

Miss America is a staple of a Styx concert. Putting it up front doesn't make sense.

I'd rather they "get it out of the way" I loved the studio version, but really don't like what it's become live.

Wow, I couldn't agree less. "Miss America" for me, was never a favorite, but live...it takes on a certain energy that can't be compared. The original seems almost watered down now.

I disagree Miss America has been destroyed from Day 1 cutting the synth intro and adding a screaming OH Yea JY is enough for me.
Second of all Its not even a great song compared to other JY songs
Great White Hope, Double Life, Midnight Ride, You Need Love and Half Penny are much better choices but a lazy Styx is not interested in being smart.

[chowhall]

To be honest putting MA at the beginning isn't pushing me back to Styxworld for Gold Club seating either.

The $30 to be close to the front is better than the $295 to gain VIP access that doesn't even get you a meet and greet. After a 4 or 5 year absence, I rejoined to get tickets to the nearby show. I just hope REO comes on last so I don't have to listen to Kevin again.