Then the good:

[sadie65]

And then for a good review:

STYX
Billy Bobs Texas
Fort Worth, TX


By: Wendy Walker



Set List: Blue Collar Man, Grand Illusion, One With Everything, Lady, Too Much Time on My Hands, Snowblind, More Love for the Money, Medley, These are the Times, Fooling Yourself, Miss America, Come Sail Away I am the Walrus, Renegade.

For a little over an hour and a half, Styx rocked the Stockyards in Fort Worth at Billy Bob’s Texas. This intimate venue was great for a close up look at a band that has now rocked us for over 30 years. Although the line up has changed the band now consisting of Tommy Shaw, James J.Y. Young, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips, and Todd Sucherman love what they do and it shows.

As Styx fans walked into the venue they were greeted with Country Music, Wrangler jeans, and Cowboy hats. Styx took the stage to rock this true Texas honky tonk at 10:30 p.m. They started with "Blue Collar Man" from Pieces of Eight which they followed up with the classic "Grand Illusion". Da Boyz were, as always, in perfect form as they worked to get the crowd charged up with the songs of yesteryear. Most of the crowd was charged and ready to party, however the big cowboy bouncers would not let anyone stand up. Styx is a band that is known for their great crowd interaction, which was stifled do to the crowd having to stay in their seats. Styx pushed on and delivered an amazing show for the Rock-n-Rollers in the audience.

There were two highlights of the night. The first came when Shaw explained to the audience that Sucherman, (who took the place of drummer John Panozzo on the Return to Paradise Tour) came up with an idea of how to give the audience 18 of the Styx greats by performing an amazing medley. Some of the songs included in the medley were "Midnight Ride" "Shooz" "Crystal Ball" "Mr. Roboto" and "Queen of Spades".

At the completion of the Medley Young led the band in "These are the times" from their 2003 release Cyclorama. The crowd pulled out lighters and from their seats swayed back and forth with their arms in the air, when keyboard player, Gowan played the opening notes for "Come Sail Away" to close the show

The true Styx fans knew that it wasn’t over as they forgot about the big cowboy bouncers and pushed their way to the front. The band reentered the stage and the second highlight of the show began. They played their cover version of the Beatles "I am the Walrus", which has received a lot of attention from classic rock radio stations around the country, as well as, VH1 Classic whom debuted the video. The crowd loved this cover and wanted more. Sucherman then started the pounding heart beat that began the vintage "Renegade". Styx fans stood to their feet as the bouncers gave up trying to control the crowd.

At the end of the show a burst of confetti was shot from the top of the stage as the band used hockey sticks to shoot beach balls into the audience. Shaw, Young and the rest of the band gathered at the front of the stage and took their final bow. Once again, Styx was on fire with their amazing stage presence and high energy show. The Audience left the venue wishing the show had not ended and wanting to caravan to Oklahoma where the band would be performing the following evening.

[DarrenUK]

Its just amazing how 2 different people could review a show so different.
I have been to gigs where I have loved the show but people after the show thought it was bad and also ive left a show dissapointed and people have loved it.....
I reviewed a CD for a magazine i once wrote for and gave it just 4/10 and the following months mailbag gave me a hard time for giving it such a poor review.
Everyone is different...

[styxfanNH]

And now you see the dilemma the guys are in. Two different people seeing the same show, give reviews as if they were reviewing different shows.

We all know in many ways the song selection is a no win situation. Play some of Dennis's songs and get trashed by those that believe Dennis is Styx and they have no right. Play a few o f Dennis' songs and get panned for not including enough of his work.

This is the first time in a long time I have seen in an interview where someone has said that Larry sounds exactly like Dennis. I think at this point we all can tell the difference.

And if you haven't seen the show before or go to many concerts in a variety of venues then you can't tell the difference between the shows when security makes it a sit down concert. Styx puts on a great show and is even better when Security lets the crowd interact with the band.

Totally obvious the reviewer in this article has seen the band before and the one in the other interview hadn't.

[froy]

And then for a good review:

STYX
Billy Bobs Texas
Fort Worth, TX


By: Wendy Walker



Set List: Blue Collar Man, Grand Illusion, One With Everything, Lady, Too Much Time on My Hands, Snowblind, More Love for the Money, Medley, These are the Times, Fooling Yourself, Miss America, Come Sail Away I am the Walrus, Renegade.

For a little over an hour and a half, Styx rocked the Stockyards in Fort Worth at Billy Bob’s Texas. This intimate venue was great for a close up look at a band that has now rocked us for over 30 years. Although the line up has changed the band now consisting of Tommy Shaw, James J.Y. Young, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips, and Todd Sucherman love what they do and it shows.

As Styx fans walked into the venue they were greeted with Country Music, Wrangler jeans, and Cowboy hats. Styx took the stage to rock this true Texas honky tonk at 10:30 p.m. They started with "Blue Collar Man" from Pieces of Eight which they followed up with the classic "Grand Illusion". Da Boyz were, as always, in perfect form as they worked to get the crowd charged up with the songs of yesteryear. Most of the crowd was charged and ready to party, however the big cowboy bouncers would not let anyone stand up. Styx is a band that is known for their great crowd interaction, which was stifled do to the crowd having to stay in their seats. Styx pushed on and delivered an amazing show for the Rock-n-Rollers in the audience.

There were two highlights of the night. The first came when Shaw explained to the audience that Sucherman, (who took the place of drummer John Panozzo on the Return to Paradise Tour) came up with an idea of how to give the audience 18 of the Styx greats by performing an amazing medley. Some of the songs included in the medley were "Midnight Ride" "Shooz" "Crystal Ball" "Mr. Roboto" and "Queen of Spades".

At the completion of the Medley Young led the band in "These are the times" from their 2003 release Cyclorama. The crowd pulled out lighters and from their seats swayed back and forth with their arms in the air, when keyboard player, Gowan played the opening notes for "Come Sail Away" to close the show

The true Styx fans knew that it wasn’t over as they forgot about the big cowboy bouncers and pushed their way to the front. The band reentered the stage and the second highlight of the show began. They played their cover version of the Beatles "I am the Walrus", which has received a lot of attention from classic rock radio stations around the country, as well as, VH1 Classic whom debuted the video. The crowd loved this cover and wanted more. Sucherman then started the pounding heart beat that began the vintage "Renegade". Styx fans stood to their feet as the bouncers gave up trying to control the crowd.

At the end of the show a burst of confetti was shot from the top of the stage as the band used hockey sticks to shoot beach balls into the audience. Shaw, Young and the rest of the band gathered at the front of the stage and took their final bow. Once again, Styx was on fire with their amazing stage presence and high energy show. The Audience left the venue wishing the show had not ended and wanting to caravan to Oklahoma where the band would be performing the following evening.

Who is Wendy Walker ?
Is this from a newspaper or just a Styx follower?
This looks like someone paid Wendy to write this you can tell by the pumping

[sadie65]

http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/concerts/styx05.htm


Sorry I got it from this site.

Sadie

[DarrenUK]

Paid her to do it ?
Was it you who paid the other guy to give a bad review?

If DDY said the world was square you would try and prove Columbus was wrong all the time.

[ek88]

Hard to believe that the two reviews were of the SAME show. Guess a person should never wholly base their opinions based on a review or two.

[piecesofeight]

Reviewers and critics basically suck. I don't listen to anyone who gets paid to give thier opionion. It means even less than someone I know and or respect.
Critics have pretty much disliked what I consider to be great music. Thanks goodness the critics didn't like Styx.
Same goes with all these charts that are given via a few people's opinions-hogwash. The charts that are done compiling info will get a bit more respect outa' me.

[froy]

Reviewers and critics basically suck. I don't listen to anyone who gets paid to give thier opionion. It means even less than someone I know and or respect.
Critics have pretty much disliked what I consider to be great music. Thanks goodness the critics didn't like Styx.
Same goes with all these charts that are given via a few people's opinions-hogwash. The charts that are done compiling info will get a bit more respect outa' me.

Wendy is just a Styx follower with a website
Im sure she is just pumping the band
The bad review sounds right to me
Styx is stale and just about done with there scam

[Abitaman]

SCAM?

[froy]

SCAM?

Yep the 5 guys on stage are not Styx and that = SCAM
Just the name is there not the players,

[froy]

Most of the crowd was charged and ready to party, however the big cowboy bouncers would not let anyone stand up.

Thats a crock of shit I will tell ya that
The bouncers would not let them stand up yea right
Sounds like the crowd was bored
Nice excuse,

[Monker]

Most of the crowd was charged and ready to party, however the big cowboy bouncers would not let anyone stand up.

Thats a crock of shit I will tell ya that
The bouncers would not let them stand up yea right
Sounds like the crowd was bored
Nice excuse,

You're wrong.

I've read countless complaints from Journey fans who say security forced them to sit down at various venues. That is the way things are now. If someone behind you complains to security that you are standing, then it is very possible that you will be told to sit down or leave the venue.

But, of course, you wouldn't know that. People don't stand during Dennis concerts....so, no reason to complain.

[Abitaman]

Not argue with you Monkier but,I would stand during a Dennis concert, anlong at a Styx (froy), and Journey.-ERIC

[styxfanNH]

NIce to know that Froy can see into Texas from Chicago.

Looks like another ten pages is coming

[froy]

Most of the crowd was charged and ready to party, however the big cowboy bouncers would not let anyone stand up.

Thats a crock of shit I will tell ya that
The bouncers would not let them stand up yea right
Sounds like the crowd was bored
Nice excuse,

You're wrong.

I've read countless complaints from Journey fans who say security forced them to sit down at various venues. That is the way things are now. If someone behind you complains to security that you are standing, then it is very possible that you will be told to sit down or leave the venue.

But, of course, you wouldn't know that. People don't stand during Dennis concerts....so, no reason to complain.

No your wrong they were playing at a Bar nobody tells you to sit down at a bar . Its a great excuse for bored fans This was not a theater or concert hall this was a bar . The show started at 10.30 Im sure fans were ready for bed about that time Maybe when they play the airport they can blame security.

One more thing ginga go to the Billy Bobs Texas website click on photos from Billy Bobs
go to the bottom of the page click on Heart looks like they forgot to tell Heart fans to sit down, Total BS excuse STYX fans were sleeping

Here I will make it easy for you
http://www.billybobstexas.com/photos.htm

Maybe the dudes with the 10 galloon Hats did not even know who Styx was

[DarrenUK]

When I post my gig review of the Styx shows in the UK who is gonna pay me to give them a good review.
OK who wants to start the bidding?.
Hey Froy why dont you write the review now and send it me then i will hang on to it and post it in June.
I hope Styx dont have an intermission at the concerts as the site of ice cream salesmen running down the aisle half way through the show will lose them alot of street cred here in the UK.

[styxfanNH]

And again, Froy gives a stellar example to prove his point, but fails to recognize the stage is about 4 1/2 feet off the ground and the heads he sees are not standing but sitting in their chairs.

Way to go Froy

For further proof look at the 38 Special tickets and you can clearly see people sitting. The average table is 30 in ches off the floor, beer bottle is 8 inches and that should give you the perspective on the height of the stage.

But again, why confuse real facts with Froy facts.

[froy]

And again, Froy gives a stellar example to prove his point, but fails to recognize the stage is about 4 1/2 feet off the ground and the heads he sees are not standing but sitting in their chairs.

Way to go Froy

For further proof look at the 38 Special tickets and you can clearly see people sitting. The average table is 30 in ches off the floor, beer bottle is 8 inches and that should give you the perspective on the height of the stage.

But again, why confuse real facts with Froy facts.

4 1/2 feet off the ground ?
What were people sitting on the floor
Look at Kansas you can see the table set up
Does not look like Security had to make them sit
The 10 gallon hats blocked the view not the standing
Looks like a bad seating arrangement and a crowd that does not fit the profile of a Kansas fan Wrong venue bad crowd it all fits together.
As far as real facts look at her write up of the show a bias pump
No facts anywhere.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Don't forget we come from all over the world on this board. Each venue is different, each security personnel is different. We have people wearing Packer gear to our concerts, seriously, down in Texas is the 10 gallon hats. Some places they "allow" you to stand, then again some places you have no choice.

Thanks for the review Sadie

[bugsymalone]

Just from reading the various posts here on this topic it sounds to me like the fans who go see Currentlineup Styx go for the party.

Fans who go see Dennis go for the music.

I have no objection to either. I prefer to listen to the music myself. I have always been that way at concerts. I pay good money to hear the person(s) onstage. Others like to boogie around, drink, throw stuff onstage, etc. The music is just background for the party.

I see no problem with either because at both types of concerts fans have a wonderful time and that is what it is all about in the end.

Bugsy

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Good one Bugsy, I go for the music. I'd rather enjoy the music of the show instead of throwing bras and panties on the stage. Again, I'm getting old. When I saw Carrot Styx I was laughing my bum off when they were taking the bras and panties and wearing them on there shoulders, heads and then putting them on their guitars (and keyboard). I could see if the guys were in their 20's or 30's, but sheesh, these guys are 50+. It was funny. If any of you like that, that's great, more power to ya, but to me, it was very, very, very, very FUNNY!!!!!!!!!

Don't mean to knock down the guys

[Liz22562]

Sorry Bugsy, I'm a Styx fan past and present, and I go for the music always have, always will. I have never paid to attend concerts for the 'party' atmosphere - I can have my own party if that is the case.
As long as I enjoy the music I'll be attending their concerts and buying their cd's.

Just my 2 cents...

[Monker]

Just from reading the various posts here on this topic it sounds to me like the fans who go see Currentlineup Styx go for the party.

Nope. It's a combination of the music AND the "concert experience". If all you want is the music, you can sit in your car.

Fans who go see Dennis go for the music.

I don't think so. I think it is a nostalgia feeling for what once was. Dennis singing is part of that. But, IMO, he is missing the entertainment value that Tommy and JY brought with them to Styx. He still has an amazing voice, but he is a boring entertainer.

Like I said, if all I want is the music. I can save my $40/ticket and listen to the CDs. You can't do that with the Styx shows because the "show" is so much different then the CD's...both musicaly and how they entertain.

[Abitaman]

I go for the Music too! Not that i do not like for a band to throw down, which carrotstyx can do. Music has always been first. I could put on a cd, turn it up, invite a few people, get drunk, and have fun, and not rememeber the night, why do that at a concert, and waste money. That's one of the reasons I don't drink, don't know what you did or saw.-ERIC

[froy]

Just from reading the various posts here on this topic it sounds to me like the fans who go see Currentlineup Styx go for the party.

Nope. It's a combination of the music AND the "concert experience". If all you want is the music, you can sit in your car.

And you would be better off in the car.
Fans who go see this current lineup don't go for the music because the music is not great , Its the same songs year after year.

Fans who go see Dennis go for the music.

I don't think so.

You don't think
40 pieces orchestra and they don't go for the music
Wake up Monker

I think it is a nostalgia feeling for what once was. Dennis singing is part of that. But, IMO, he is missing the entertainment value that Tommy and JY brought with them to Styx. He still has an amazing voice, but he is a boring entertainer.

And your a boring poster
I guess if your not spining your keyboards around in circles your boring in Monkers view, In Dennis's show there's emotions feelings and an over all great time, In a Styx show you have a tired dirty looking Shaw and a bunch of other guys nobody gives a ratt ass about,.

[bugsymalone]

I find the Dennis DeYoung concert experience both exciting and entertaining and full of great music. Plus, you get the added benefit of one of the finest voices in rock, pop, or whatever other music medium you choose.

I am NOT interested in having to stand for an entire concert because the folks in the front are having a party.

Yes, the CurrentStyx, I am certain, puts on a great show. I have only seen it on DVD and a few samples on VH1C. Not anything I have any interest in seeing live because the "Main Attraction", in my book, is gone.

MHO ONLY!!

You go for what you want to see and, maybe, hear, Monker, and I go for what I want. It is what makes the world go 'round.

I simply have a preference for the classy performance Dennis puts on nowadays.

Bugsy

[styxfanNH]

If I want a show, I'll go and see a pop act. For me it has always been about the music and the concert experience. There is no replacement for live music. That being said, Rock n Roll was never meant to be listened to in your easy chair sipping wine. Listening to ballads is one thing but on the harder rock stuff, I expect to be standing, screaming and listening to the music. That's the rock n roll experience.

When I go to see Dennis if he comes to my area, I will take my cues from his crowd.

[ChicagoSTYX]

Froy........ YOUR WRONG AGAIN & AGAIN & AGAIN as always

Thank you.

[yogi]

The reason I go to concerts now are to drink $5.00 dollar beers, pay 6.50 for parking, allow ticketmaster to get even richer,see all the people of my generation sporting guts, walkers, crutches, Leif Garrett heads ,tupeas,dried on Rogaine, rocket launcher bras, nasty stage panties, and screaming infants who dont want to be there.

I wont even get into the orchestra type makeups.

You can find all of this at both Styx and DDY concerts. I cant wait until the next time I get to go!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, Froy have you EVER been to a 1999-now Styx concert????? If the answer is an HONEST no, how can you rip it when you have NEVER seen it????