STYX LIVE!! | WALNUT CREEK
Coverage by Larissa Blankenship
Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh, NC lit up on July 9th as Styx took to the stage as part of their Brotherhood of Rock tour. The venue welcomed many excited fans who had been waiting in anticipation for the show. I had a chance to speak with one dedicated fan at the barricade who shared that she had already been to two shows this year and was planning to attend another later in the tour. She even showed me pictures of the many times she had met Tommy Shaw, guitarist and vocalist for the band.
The rock legends were met with a thunderous welcome from the crowd and the show started off strong with “Grand Illusion”. The band members were energetic and smiling as they looked out over the venue. Shaw played guitar and provided vocals while also performing multiple high kicks throughout the set. Chuck Panozzo, James Young, Will Evankovich, and Terry Gowan were also on guitar and vocals. At multiple points throughout the night the members came together to form a guitar line and rock out with each other, which elicited cheers from the crowd. Lawrence Gowan and his keyboard were situated on a rotating pedestal, allowing the singer to showcase his skills such as turning around and playing the keyboard behind his back. He also hopped on and off the pedestal throughout the songs, pointing at the fans as he did. The crowd was equally energetic and sang along as the show continued and the band played their hits “Fooling Yourself” and “Superstars”.
Unfortunately the show was cut short due to incoming weather, but the band gave it their all for the three song set. The Brotherhood of Rock tour will continue through August of this year and it is well worth it to experience a legendary band that helped shape the rock scene. However if you do get your ticket for the show and join them in their blind ambition, just remember it’s all a grand illusion.
