Iconic Band Revisit Yesteryear, Taking Mostly Baby Boomer Crowd On A Trip Back to the 1970's & 80's

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Five plus decades since Styx first appeared on stage with their songs emanating from the 1970's and 80's radio, the classic rock icons who got their start in Chicago, Illinois are still wowing audiences all across America. Wednesday (April 22nd) night the legendary band thoroughly entertained 2000 plus fans at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Aside from a few rare entries, the entire evening was concert filled with their greatest hits.

After beginning with 'Build and Destroy', the lead single from their 2025 release 'Circling From Above', Styx took audience members on a trip down memory lane, offering up a dozen Top 40 hits covering 90 solid minutes. From 'To Much Time on My Hands' to 'Come Sail Away' off their 1977 multi-platinum album 'The Grand Illusiion', Styx had concert goers singing every familar chorus, with a host of baby boomers remaining on their feet the entire time.

With James (JY) Young (guitar) and Tommy Shaw (guitar) guiding the ship for the past 50 years, together the six member group yielded 15 songs, closing out the show with two uniquely different standards during the encore.

'Mr. Roboto' off their 1983 release 'Kilroy Was Here' has been a welcome addition to their setlist since re-introducing the song back in 2018. With Shaw taking over on lead vocals, Styx brought the classic rock juggernaut to a finale with 'Renegade' a Top 20 hit in 1979 off their triple platinum release 'Pieces of Eight'.

69 years young, Lawrence Gowan's voice is still as fresh as when he took over as lead vocalist in 1999. The remaining members Todd Sucherman (drums), Will Evankovich (guitar), and Terry Gowan (bass) complete a very tight and well oiled machine who pride themselves not only on pop and rock radio staples, but fluid musicianship.

As Lawrence has indicated to me during several interviews over the past decade, it appears Styx has no timeline to call it quits. As long as he can still twirl the keyboard, and run around the stage with unbridled enthusiasm, and Tommy and his voices hold up, as well as demand for the band continues, Styx will continue to tour until the gods of rock ring the final bell. For more on their 2026 tour dates visit https://styxworld.com/pages/tour

Singer songwriter and Boston native Jay Psaros opened the show, delighting concert goers with his blend of alt-country, folk, and blues. His songs such as 'Whiskey in the Rain' and 'Barrrom Singer' were well received by the audience, as was his soulful version of Prince's 'Purple Rain'. Excellent job from a truly independent artist who has no record label or management, and does everything on his own.

If Psaros weren't a musician, he'd have a nice career as a comic storyteller. His tales of how he went from playing small lounges in Boston to opening for Three Dog Night, as well as his rambling about how he obtained his first RV to travel with the band were priceless. Ideally he didn't sell meth to finance his road trip, but the well timed bit courtesy of 'Breaking Bad' brought about a roar of laughter. For more on his story and music visit https://www.jaypsarosmusic.com/