When you’ve had a 38-year career, released 15 studio albums, 6 best-of compilations and 4 live albums, garnering 8 Top Ten singles, and sold over 30 million albums worldwide it’s hard to keep things interesting. But that is exactly what STYX has done.
Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo—are getting ready to head out on the U.S. concert trail again this year. However, for this round of dates, the band has an extra-special treat planned - it won’t be a typical STYX show. Along with the classic hits, the band will be performing 1977's “The Grand Illusion” and 1978's “Pieces of Eight” in their entirety. Both albums spawned such hit singles and Classic Rock radio standards as "Come Sail Away," "Renegade," "Blue Collar Man" and "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man).”
This is the most unique STYX concert ever,” says singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw. “It's a hybrid experience of enjoying the artistry of the vinyl album and the energy and of our live performance. Some songs have never been performed live!” It’s the tour STYX fans have been waiting for. As icing on the cake, a seven-song EP, entitled “Regeneration, Volume 1”, containing six newly re-recorded classics--"Come Sail Away,” "Crystal Ball," "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man),” “Lorelei,” “The Grand Illusion” and “Sing For The Day” and a brand new track, “Difference In The World,” will be available for sale at every stop along “The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight” October/November tour route.
STYX was spawned in a suburban Chicago basement in the early 1970’s and would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype by the late 70’s and early 80’s. As far as touring, STYX has performed more shows since 1999 than all of the previous years of their career combined. Complete with two Super-Bowl appearances, Pollstar box office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Bad Company, and Foreigner. STYX will continue to try to conquer the planet one venue at a time.
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