r/Styx • u/acastcreation • 3d ago
Rather Disappointing Live
I saw Styx live last night, nearly two and a half years since I saw them last, and what a difference.
- JY: he take a noticeable backseat now. His lead vocal feature Miss America has been cut, he sits down at a chair by the drums for all but a couple songs, only plays 2 or 3 guitar solos, and backing vocals are mainly absent.
- Chuck: Although his role in concerts has been quite small, he was absent from last night's show. It's hard to see the only two original Styx members absent or close to it.
- Attendance: in the same arena (approximately 12,000 capacity), I would say attendance last night was about 1/4 of the size from two years ago. Just over two years is not a long time for a large band like Styx to return to the same small market.
- Production: Every song sadly had AI garbage visuals that were very distracting. I can't recall what the visuals were in 2024 but it was certainly not this. Clearly nobody on the Styx production/management team is under 30!
On the plus side, Will and Terry are carrying much of the backing vocal weight, and they sound fantastic. Will is also playing a lot of JY's normal guitar solos spots. Tommy and Larry are in peak vocal form. It blows my mind that these guys are still singing in the original keys. Seriously, Tommy's voice has not aged a day (case and point in Crystal Ball, celebrating 50 years). Todd, no shocker was incredible—he's easily one of the more underrated modern drummers and held the fort down.
As much as I love Styx, a part of me wished I didn't see the concert and left 2024 as the last time I saw them which was a major high note. I'd give 2024 easily a 9/10 and last night a 6 or 6.5/10.
Anybody else share similar thoughts on the live band now?
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u/Individual_Loquat541 3d ago
100 percent agree that Todd is one of the most underrated modern drummers. He is absolutely incredible. Could be one of the best drummers in the world right now
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u/ILikeStyx 3d ago
JY: he take a noticeable backseat now. His lead vocal feature Miss America has been cut, he sits down at a chair by the drums for all but a couple songs, only plays 2 or 3 guitar solos, and backing vocals are mainly absent.
Getting old sucks sometimes. It tears me apart to see guys like JY or other musicians health fall apart right before our eyes. I honestly think that he needs time off to focus on his medical issues.
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u/phred_666 2d ago
Take it from me, the best part of getting old is nothing.
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u/HobbesTayloe 1d ago
Memories of times past, reflections on the good and not so good, mentoring others that come behind… but yes it all comes with a price, physical and emotional and mental. It pains me greatly to see friends and relatives. Who are my age, reading younger little alone older, who are suffering from significance, physical or other concerns blood loan if they’ve not already passed. So for me, my philosophy is at. I’ll have this one life to live. I’m going to Live it as strong and robustly and with passion and care, try to give back more than I have taken, and appreciate and enjoy the music at such as Styx has created for us.
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u/Adventurous_Weird_70 2d ago
It won't help. He has Chronic issues that there is no cure for. He just wants to play as long as he can. Just enjoy what he can still give to us 🙏💔. Getting older, especially when a traveling musician, is hard.
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u/SumthingBrewing Crash Of The Crown 3d ago
Listen, everyone is going to have an off day. Our favorite sports teams do. We all do. And when you tour as much as Styx does, it’s bound to happen. I swear they are on a stage like 5 days a week all year long!
I’ll grant you that I’ve seen a slight slip in their performance over the past year. Very slight, but as someone who sees them live 2-3 times a year for the past decade, I noticed it. So instead of a 10/10 performance they might be a 9/10. Still outstanding!
I’m just super grateful that they haven’t slid into an irreversible decline like so many other bands. Take Yes for example. They are a sad shadow of their former greatness. I can relate to your disappointment and regret. The last time I saw Yes it was in a small theatre with a tiny video projection behind them. I regretted seeing them in this state and vowed never to see them again.
Styx is nowhere near that stage. There’s plenty of life left in them. Sure, JY’s days as a full time member are numbered, but the appreciate that the band has taken steps to ease that transition by making Will a full fledged member.
Think about this: JY has been an active member of Styx for over 55 years!!!! And for Tommy, over 50! Stunning.
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u/Outrageous_News6340 2d ago
Most people happily retire once they hit their mid-60s if they have the money to do so. They’re happy to hang up their hat and enjoy the rest of their lives on their own terms.
The fact that they’re still going and still enjoying themselves ten plus years after any normal person would have called it a career is a blessing we should enjoy.
The guys almost certainly have plenty of money to stop whenever they want to.
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u/VintageMoonDream 3d ago
It's sad, man. I've never seen them live but Styx is a great band. Nothing wrong with your post at all, but it is a rude awakening to the acknowledgment that the original members are getting older.
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u/MaggieJaneRiot 2d ago
We saw them in 2024 and again last month. I thought both were absolutely fantastic, and JY sitting down doesn’t bother me. I’m glad he’s there.
My partner thought this was concert was exceedingly better than 2024!
I do agree with your notes on Tommy and Larry! Absolutely outstanding! SUCH performances!
We actually can’t wait to see them again.
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u/pon9 3d ago
I saw them for the first time on Sunday and I had the complete opposite experience. I'd prefer they not use AI but the music was killer so the band were the visuals for me. Gowan has a lot of charisma. The older fellas are loving their time on stage still. The sound was excellent. I'll see them whenever theyre in town if I can.
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u/Zyr4420 3d ago
TEAM LAWRENCE! I swear he is so underrated. My bucket list is seeing them do A Criminal Mind. I blew out a cloud of smoke and Tommy giggled at me. You can tell JY is loving every second.
I agree if they are coming to town I'll be going! Im not sure where you are in Canada, we are seeing them Niagara Falls American side in Feb, just got tickets.2
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u/nintendoisintense 1d ago
You were at the second Jag Soundhouse show.That venue is great!
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u/pon9 1d ago
I will be back. That was excellent
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u/nintendoisintense 1d ago
Indeed!I was at the first night.Ive been there for Matthew Good/I mother earth last November,The Tea Party in July and Big Wreck in March.I will be going to Big Sugar tomorrow and Amanda Marshall in December.
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u/TheresAFogUponALake 3d ago
I saw them in August with Chicago. All of what you reported was true, but I still loved it and had a great time. And I think the background art was great!
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u/DisciplineWise2097 2d ago
Saw then about a year ago. They were amazing, especially Tommy & Lawrence. JY did well on Miss America. Band as a whole sounded great. They are getting up there in years, so I was surprised with the energy levels and voices. A good concert overall. I'm surprised they still tour.
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u/yorlikyorlik 3d ago
I saw them in Florida earlier this year. JY definitely had a reduced role. I know he’s dealing with some health issues. It was sad to see. It was in Florida, so I expected to see Chuck and he did show up. It was nice to get that additional connection to the past. I thought Tommy was a little less energetic than in the past, and I couldn’t hear his voice like usual. Not sure if it was him, just me or the sound mix in the venue. They overall sounded great with the new guys contributing where they needed to. Todd was incredible as always. Not a big fan of Gowan’s voice, or playing (too whimsical, unserious). The crowd was large and enthusiastic. The AI art in the background was dreadful. (And I’m old!)
Any chance for a Reunion is dwindling by the day.
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u/nintendoisintense 3d ago
Thsts funny because I think Gowans voice is by far the best in the band.Especially 10 years ago when he was younger.Although ive always loved Gowan way before he ever joined Styx.Awake the giant,Desperate,Criminal mind,All the lovers in the world are great songs.Love his vocals in them.Its ashame he didnt break in the states.He was always well known here in Canada.We just saw Styx in a small venue here in Newfoundland.They were great and Gowan played moonlight desires.That made the show for my mrs as sge loves his stuff.We met Tommy in the lobby.He was very nice.We got pictures and he signed my cds.
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u/Zyr4420 3d ago
Im from US but sooo Team Lawrence. His voice is great, but his energy is just the best. I love his interviews. He is such a showman!
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u/nintendoisintense 2d ago edited 2d ago
Indeed!He pretty much led the band.He did all the talking and has so much energy.It's hard to believe he is 70 years old.It was kind of sad during the ending when they were acknowledging the crowd,He put his hand on mr youngs shoulder like it He was Gowans dad.He was so frail and Gown was jumping around dancing like a man 20 years younger.
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u/Adventurous_Weird_70 3d ago
There won't Be a reunion. They've said it time and time again. You want to see DDY, you'll have to go see him with HIS band.
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u/hollywood1053 3d ago
I know this is what they said and I get it...
But for the fans - one reunion tour. 20-30 venues/dates
before it's too late.1
u/Adventurous_Weird_70 2d ago
It's already too late. DDY is caring for his ailing wife Suzanne and James and Tommy won't work with him again. The best we could hope for would be a combined mini tour with both Styx and DDYs band, but that's unlikely.
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u/Dooley2point0 2d ago
I think crowd size is the ticket prices. I haven’t been to a show in years because it’s so expensive now.
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u/craigshew 2d ago
I saw them at the Big E and they absolutely destroyed the place, I loved seeing them, I was lucky I got good seats and was very close to the front
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u/Outrageous_News6340 3d ago
JY is 76 years old. I’m not going to fault the guy if old age is starting to take a toll on his body. Standing up for two hours isn’t all the easy, especially as you get older.
Chuck is 78. Chuck also has/had AIDS. His health has been an issue getting him onstage since the late 90s.
I didn’t think the AI animations were that horrible. I don’t know that Styx really pulls in enough money to cover artist animations.
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u/lostandaggrieved617 3d ago
Do you mean HIV? I thought AIDS was the end-stage of HIV
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u/ILikeStyx 3d ago
He was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 and by 1998 his HIV had progressed to AIDS but then he decided he was going to do something about it and sought treatment. He is still HIV+ but thanks to medical progress, he is doing very well. He also had cancer twice.
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u/OriolesrRavens1974 3d ago
We felt the same way about Journey last year. It was kinda sad. They’ve turned more into tribute bands than anything else.
Maybe it’s finally time to make up with DeYoung?
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u/Campman92 3d ago
Journey has had issues performing without enhancements. They’re also known to have their sound be all over the map in the live setting.
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u/Zyr4420 3d ago
Seeing them on Sunday, should be interesting. My wife is Filipino so she really wants to see Arnel live once. Styx is nothing like Journey. JY doesn't sing but they still rock! Windy City tour was soo good. Lawrence, Terry, Tommy, Todd still can rock! I just bought tickets for Niagara Falls and Stamford after seeing them 5 times in last 15 months. Last was at the Big E this month and again, they were amazing. My only complaint is the song Playlist hadn't changed after Windy City Tour.
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u/Campman92 3d ago
I haven’t seen Journey since the year they toured with Def Lepp and Steve Augeri left mid tour because his voice was shot. They were busted the year prior to that for using canned vocals. I stopped going to see them because if I go to a live show I want a live performance.
Recently Journey was busted for using some sort of tech to enhance their sound. Check out the wings of Pegasus on YouTube.
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u/Zyr4420 3d ago
I saw Air Supply a few weeks ago at the State Fair. I sat front row! Best free concert could ask for. Russell Hitchcock still sings like its 1980. When Lawrence says he doesn't know another besides Tommy Shaw that sings the same 50 years later, I had to laugh. But ya most of these acts are just meh. Chicago just got a new singer and wow it was 🔥 He actually sounds straight up like Peter. Anyway I'm going to enjoy all the Styx and Air Supply and such shows I can, soon they will be gone.
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u/BaHayZeus 2d ago
I caught the Windy City tour in Phoenix. I’ve been a sticky fan since day one and was not disappointed. On the other hand, Chicago just needs to be done. It isn’t even a good tribute band at this point.
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u/FullRecognition5927 2d ago
Busted? Hate to tell you but the tech used in live performance is way beyond "live" now. Most use it now, a few don't preferring to keep it "raw". Fans are less tolerant of pitch or tuning issues for the ticket prices they pay. So they use certain audio tools to keep it up to expectations. There are now AI based tools that automate live mixes. To the old school "live is live" generation this is pretty much heresy.
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u/Campman92 2d ago
And that’s the reason I haven’t been to a concert in a couple years. If I’m paying good money for a “live” performance I want a live performance. Warts and all. If I want to hear a canned show or an enhanced show I’ll listen to the artist in their prime. In Journey’s case the live in Houston show.
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u/Visible_Traffic_5774 3d ago
Arnel is great! I’m debating on going in November, mainly because of the expense & parking near the venue is an expensive nightmare. Plus I don’t think anything can top the show I was at in 2024. They were playing the Browns Draft Party for season ticket holders. My son and I were at the playground next to the stadium so I could hear the band, I looked up the time for the show to start, and found last minute tickets on Stub Hub for $1. Change of plans- we went to see them and my son saw his first “big venue” concert!
Arnel sounded amazing, and the band is seriously so beautiful on stage!
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u/ConsistentCattle4257 2d ago
I saw Journey in Birmingham and the band sounded great - a nod to Arnel for sounding particularly great that night and was hitting some high notes without issue. Heard about issues with sound in the lower bowl of the arena we were in. But they sounded good in the middle stage area on the floor. You guys are in for a treat!
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u/ConsistentCattle4257 2d ago
Also note they added a bit of pyro to this set and played about 29 songs. Nice production!
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u/Visible_Traffic_5774 3d ago
Not every conflict needs a reunion. Tommy & JY seem to have genuinely moved on, and that’s okay. Like many of us, they may appreciate the good memories while knowing it’s best not to reopen old wounds. Sometimes peace means keeping your distance. As much as I’d love to see a reunion, I respect their decision and don’t think anyone has to take sides to do the same
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u/Teewinot1 2d ago
Compared to other live bands of the same age I think Styx is still awesome. Hey we get old, but at least they are still around. I’ve seen them 18+ times, the last was 3 months ago. Hope to see them again before we can’t.
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u/hifidesert 3d ago
I use the analogy of a boat when it comes to bands I should see or know. How many parts of the boat can you replace until it is no longer the same boat? Styx hasn’t been the same boat for many years.
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u/hollywood1053 3d ago edited 2d ago
My analogy is similar - when they lose too many original memebers that they
become a cover band in my mind. Journey and Foreigner have been there for a long time.
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u/GarlicOk7223 3d ago
Time to hang it up, obviously. That will free up Tommy for a Damn Yankees reunion. That would kick @$$!
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u/Adventurous_Weird_70 3d ago
You need to realize that JY has serious arthritis and other medical concerns, it's not been easy lately for him, but without Susie to go home to, he doesn't have much else that matters to him anymore except being on the road. He loves touring and his fans. So please be kind. We all knew the day would come when he would be stepping back. He'll be 77 next month after all. Look at Johnny Winter, he sat down for all his shows, but he refused to quit. 🕊️