by classicstyxfan » Thu Jul 07, 2005 9:38 am
Interesting review Dave,
My experience was much different than yours, though I don't disagree with much of what you said.
I arrived "on the scene" at about 6 pm...at that point all of the available seating was spoken for, so I went and got a bite to eat, hoping that seating might open up after the warm up band finished their set........Nope. didnt happen. No one budged without a buddy staying to save their seat. These were some serious fans!
So, forgetting that my teens and 20's are far in the rearview mirror, I decided I would get as close as I could standing, and gradually made my way up to the very front "row" of the standing section, and stood for another hour waiting for the show to begin, checking my watch every 5 minutes. It was worth it though, cus I was going to have a good view.......of the ASS of the people in front of me ! yup, as Styx took the stage EVERYONE who had seats decided they now had to stand on top of them to get a little better view! #!@&#*%!!!!!!! This even effected the sound, as the higher frequencies couldnt seem to get through all these bodies !!!!!!
So. I decided to move back...when I finally got to a point where I could at least see the upper torso's of the band I found myself ( a non smoker with a bit of asthma ) Surrounded by chain smokers ! At one point I decided it just wasnt worth it, and I was leaving......I got to a bench to rest my legs for a bit through Walrus, which I could barely hear....then they played the medley, so I toughed it out and went back to watch the rest of the show.
As for the band/music a few observations......( sorry, I didnt memorize the setlist )
1. Tommy sounded great ! I am amazed he still has so much in his tank ! what a talent this guy still is !
2. Ricky looks like he is very comfortable on stage, his presence is dynamic, particularly when compared to Chuck P's more low profile approach.
3. Gowan also has a strong presence.....while I cringed to myself all during Lady and Come Sail Away, it appeared the crowd didnt notice or care that DDY wasn't there. I don't need no Doctor truly rocked as the 1st encore.
4. I thought some of the harmonies were a bit off....particularly on find the cost of freedom, but to be fair, I had to struggle to hear it over some conversation in my proximity...the outer core of fans were more casual about the music, it was more a social event for many of them. Some of the harmonies in Fooling Yourself and a bit of Renegade sounded a little off, but for the most part, they were pretty good vocally.
5. JY was a dork ! he seemed to be trying a little too hard to be the front man. Styx should immediately retire Miss America, he hasn't got what it takes to give that song the punch it deserves anymore....
I was impressed that Midnight Ride was in the medley ( in a lower key ) and sounded much better than I thought it could. Enjoyed Put Me On
in the medley too. Oh and retire Loreli too.....sorry, I am a purist !
These Are The Times would be a suitable replacement !
6. Todd is awesome !!
Froy, I don't think you would have seen anything to change your opinions, except for a large crowd that was enjoying itself immensely, and embraced Gowan......It's definately not the Styx we all knew and loved in the 70's ( and many of you loved in the 80's ) but it's a viable outfit that puts on a good show !
I'd like to see them again in a venue where I can enjoy the show a little more though. Bad venue for me.....I suppose for $12.00 ( plus another $20 for food/drink and $10 to park ) I got what I paid for.
Questions ? Comments ?
