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A Kweevak.com Rock Report by Rich and Laura Lynch Styx has had a dramatic and diverse history. Starting out in the early 70's as a progressive group they would end the decade as the prototype for arena rock success with four consecutive tripe-platinum albums to their credit. With many peaks and valleys Styx has stood the test of time. They are still a solid touring unit and 2008 will see the band sharing triple bills with Def Leppard and REO Speedwagon for a much anticipated summer tour.
 Tommy Shaw and James (JY) Young of Styx onstage at the BergenPAC! The current Stygian line-up includes long term members Tommy Shaw and James "JY" Young playing guitars with Lawrence Gowan on keyboards, Todd Sucherman on drums and Ricky Phillips (along with the occasional guest appearance by founder Chuck Panozzo) on bass. The BergenPAC is in the heart of the rock solid Palisades region and situated in the center of a city brimming with restaurants and stores. The BergenPAC is an older theater with charm and history. Many greats have graced its stage including Styx who rocked out the Palisades on Friday January 25, 2008. Playing to a capacity crowd, Styx came out strong with "Blue Collar Man" and "The Grand Illusion". The fans were on their feet and Tommy quickly made a connection, encouraging the crowd to clap along. Lawrence was playing some flashy keys as his board spun around and Shaw prowled the stage. The band's execution was energetic. Both hits were enthusiastically received by the audience who was acknowledged by Tommy throughout the night with many shout-outs to the town of Englewood. "Lorelei" was vibrant allowing Todd Sucherman to demonstrate that he is a drummer of poise and power combined with the able Ricky Phillips on bass. The rhythm team played over lavish guitar licks melding with lush keys. The song - like many of Styx's compositions - progressed through a number of mixed musical movements. Afterwards Tommy enthused, "this is an awesome place for rock and roll... we got a lot of music for you." The new and catchy "One With Everything" was multi-pronged featuring harmonizing vocals and a giant chorus. The song is the title track from the band's most recent musical project - the ambitious dual CD and DVD release featuring a live concert with full orchestral accompaniment. The new track followed Styx's popular, familiar format and proved the band are still capable of writing relevant and inspiring songs. "Lady" was aptly played and sung by Lawrence Gowan. Dennis DeYoung's signature songs were generally accepted by the crowd who were on its feet and remained standing for a rocking version of the popular "Too Much Time On My Hands". Along with the power-pop ballads, Styx included some of their more reflective songs such as "Boat On The River", the atmospheric "Snowblind" and later "Crystal Ball" which started off subtle before building momentum and culminating in intricate instrumentation. "Man in the Wilderness" completed the trio of songs which showcased fan favorite Tommy Shaw on acoustic guitar. Styx closed their substantial set with the rocking "Miss America" and "Come Sail Away" which started with snippets from other great rock songs, soared on solos and encouraged more audience participation. The encore included "Everything All The Time" and "Renagade" with Gowan playing the keyboards backwards and Tommy saying "sing it" which of course everyone did - thus ending the night on a high note. Friday's setlist reflected the diversity and dynamic of Styx's catalogue which has hits, progressive pieces, power ballads and solid rockers. They played their crowd pleasing classics along with a couple of more recent songs and a whimsical version of The Beatles' "I Am The Walrus". Styx's music has stood the test of time and the current incarnation is very much a viable vessel. As a live touring band they continue to wind on down the river - successfully navigating through four decades of music industry triumph and turbulence! Opening for Styx on Friday was Back Door Slam - a youthful power trio from the Isle of Man. But, don't let their looks or age fool you. Back Door Slam played an animated five song set which included two catchy originals from their debut album and impressive interpretations of Cream and Jimi Hendrix. The band is well versed in the blues and rock and their set featured powerful rhythms and sizzling guitar solos. Bandleader, singer and guitarist Davy Knowles' playing was top notch and you could get the feeling he might be the next big thing in the world of blues guitar. At least the audience thought so - cheering enthusiastically and often for the dazzling show opener. Their cover of Robert Cray's "Back Door Slam", which inspired their name was sassy blending up-tempo blues in a rock and roll context. Hopefully, we will be hearing more from this up-and-coming group.
SETLIST
 Davy Knowles of Back Door Slam: Heir to the guitar god throne? Related Links: For more information on STYX and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- styxworld.com | bergenpac.org | Buy Styx CD | Buy Styx DVD | backdoorslam.com
 Originally Published: 01/29/2008 on Kweevak.com |
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