Styx at Pacific Amphitheatre – Live Review
Styx, Pacific Amphitheatre, Costa Mesa, CA., July 24, 2019
It was a hot summer night at the OC Fair , and the legendary Styx was certainly on a mission to rock music fans in nothing short of an epic space opera way. The sun was beginning to set and a sonic liftoff was imminent, as communication headquarters announced the arrival of Styx to a capacity house.
In addition to their many hits, Styx would also present selections from the critically acclaimed new album The Mission. The band took to the stage the wild and wonderful applause, and kicked off their set with the spiraling Gone Gone Gone from The Mission. Those seeking the hit would receive instant gratification tenfold, as Blue Collar Man, The Grand Illusion, and Lady arrived and had the crowd on their feet early on and singing along.
One of the shimmering highlights of the night was when Styx presented Light Up from their Equinox album, encouraging audience members to take out their cellphones and illuminate the Pacific Amphitheatre – and what a stunning display this was!
Radio Silence from The Mission was especially effective, impassioned and memorable, clearly demonstrating that the almighty Styx is more than capable of writing powerhouse hit songs after all of this time.
In 2019, Styx is an amazing rock and roll extravaganza, taking their fans on a vibrant journey through a galaxy of songs that are absolutely inspirational. Longtime members Tommy Shaw and James J.Y. Young, both on guitar and lead vocals, continue to bring the thrilling Styx legacy into the new millennium and beyond. Lawrence Gowan is always a treat to watch perform with his magnetic lead vocals and trademark revolving keyboards. Bassist Ricky Phillips and drummer Todd Sucherman are an outstanding rhythm section, kicking it out into the stratosphere with a supremely skilled professionalism.
The amazing moments kept on shining through, including a mesmerizing rendition of the Queen classic Bohemian Rhapsody. Lawrence Gowan delivered an infinitely cosmic performance on Come Sail Away, singing his heart and soul out on a song that is as timeless and captivating as ever. And what an encore Styx had in store for the fans, featuring a visit from Mr. Roboto and an explosive presentation of the dynamic fan favorite Renegade. Be sure to catch Styx the next time they launch into your section of the universe, and prepare to be transported through time by their grand and progressive rock and roll tapestries.
(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)
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