STYX – Artpark Amphitheater, Lewiston, NY – 06-02-2023

BY THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR.

Lewiston, NY – The iconic classic-rock band STYX made a triumphant return to the majestic Artpark outdoor amphitheater yesterday evening and delivered an impeccable performance in front of a sold-out audience of passionate fans. The band has a bit of a history performing at this amphitheater; they also had headlining concerts here in 2016, 2014, and 2006.

The last time that STYX performed in the Western New York area was on August 11, 2021 at the Erie County Fair racetrack. However, seeing STYX perform their legendary, powerful songs in the beautiful scenic surroundings of Artpark is unlike any other concert experience. It was simply magical, especially on a warm late spring evening.

STYX, who originally formed in 1972 in Chicago, Illinois, currently consists of founding members James “J.Y.” Young (guitar) and Chuck Panozzo (bass), with classic line-up member Tommy Shaw (guitar/vocals). Shaw joined the band in 1976 and instantly helped catapult the band to a higher level of popularity with his contributions to the sixth STYX studio record, “Crystal Ball.”

Lawrence Gowan (keyboards/vocals) joined STYX in 1999. Gowan had a successful solo career in Canada prior to STYX with his Juno-award winning band GOWAN. (See our exclusive interview with him below).

Rounding out the line-up is Todd Sucherman (drums) who joined in 1995, Ricky Phillips (bass) formerly of the BABYS and Bad English, who joined STYX in 2003, and Will Evankovich (guitar), who helped co-write and produce the last two STYX studio records “The Mission” (2017) and “Crash of the Crown” (2021).

STYX hit the stage at 8:25 pm and their performance featured most of their popular hit rock anthems coupled with 4 tracks from ” Crash of the Crown” strategically crowbarred in. The band was in great spirits, and the affable Shaw is a truly a likable rockstar. Gowan was energetic and entertaining, and Shaw referred to him as the master of the ceremony. He often was prancing around the stage, showing off on his spinning keyboard stand, playing behind his back and making funny gestures throughout the performance. It’s almost impossible to take your eyes off of him. He is a vituoso musician, and one of the most animated and entertaining performers in rock music today.

It was immediately noticed from the first song played, ” To Those,” that the STYX performance is 100 percent live, all real, with no backing tracks or any off the other sound enhancements that seems to unfortunately be the trend for many other bands these days.

The second song of the evening, “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),” from the “Pieces of Eight” album was played with intensity as Shaw belted out the lyrics and slammed into the guitar riffs of one of the band’s hardest hitting songs in their catalog. He declared, “We got ourselves a real rock show tonight!”

Next up was the classic track “Grand Illusion” in which Gowan did an admirable job singing and performing. There is no other musician that could have replaced original STYX singer/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung the way that Gowan has. Guitarists Shaw and Young traded jaw dropping solos on this song, with Shaw utilizing his wah petal and Young keeping it nasty with his piercing guitar tone.

Young took center stage for a performance of the rocking classic “Miss America,” singing it like a carnival barker on a mission. You could sense that Young took performing this song, his baby, very seriously.

Shortly after, a moment many in the audience were waiting for – the performance of “A Criminal Mind.” This song was originally from GOWAN’s 1985 Canadian chart topping second studio album, ‘Strange Animal.’ This song has transitioned well from a GOWAN song to a STYX live song. This single has been in past STYX setlists, but they haven’t performed it in years. Since this venue is right across from the Canadian border, it was exciting for many that this song was added back into their setlist for this special event.

In addition, Gowan’s performance of the piano driven composition “Khedive” from the “Mission” release was also very impressive. This was nicely segued into “Lost at Sea” from the new record and then into an epic performance of the powerful hit “Come Sail Away.” Gowan’s vocals were memorizing and passionate, and when the band slammed into the chorus with the crowd singing along, it was one of those concert moments that will be remembered forever.

The band returned with a two-song encore which included fan favorite hits “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade,” closing out a wonderful start to the summer concert season for many in the audience.

(Due to medical reasons, Panozzo usually only performs a few songs with band, he did not play on this evening)

Even at this point in their 51-year career, STYX is still one of the most entertaining rock bands to see live. The band has had members come and go throughout their career, but this current line-up could very well be their best. The combination of the dynamic duo of Shaw and Gowan is untouchable. This truly was an EPIC performance and evening, a fabulous trip down memory lane, listening to the soundtrack of our lives.

Opening the show was the trio, Jet Black Roses. Their music is described as “rock and roll with a country soul.” They performed a well-received 30-minute set.

For more information on STYX, please visit www.styxworld.com For more on concerts at ARTPARK please visit Artpark.net

STYX setlist 06-02-2023

To Those
Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
The Grand Illusion
Lady
Light Up
Crash of the Crown
Lorelei
Miss America
Crystal Ball
Rockin’ the Paradise
Our Wonderful Lives
A Criminal Mind
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
Too Much Time on My Hands
Khedive
Lost at Sea
Come Sail Away

Encore
Mr. Roboto
Renegade