It started
raining when Styx took the stage yesterday at the Arrow Rock Festival in
Lichtenvoorde the Netherlands, for a one hour gig. Yet that was hardly
noticed by the crowd that had feasted on a show that had the intensity of
a full two hour performance.
For obvious reasons, some of the
older bands present at Lichtenvoorde had taken their live performance to a
somewhat more sedate level. Not so with Styx. They are alive as ever, and
maybe even played more sharply and aggresively than ever before. Without
any doubt, the present line up with Ricky Phillips on bass and Lawrence
Gowan as a worthy replacement for Dennis DeYoung, has given Styx a more
rocky sound that nevertheless still does justice to the unique character
of the Styx feel and spirit. And though relishing the older Styx hits like
Blue Collar Man, Lady, The Grand Illusion, Too Much Time on my Hands and
Miss America, the crowd easily consumed the new songs I am a Walrus and I
don't need no Doctor.
To the surprise and delight of many, Chuck
Panozzo made his appearance half way along, receiving a heart-felt warm
welcome. Chuck replaced Ricky Phillips on bass with his more modest and
cleaner sound, giving Phillips the opportunity to prove he is equally
competent on the six-string. This three guitar line up did very well on
Fooling Yourself and especially during Come Sail Away and Renegade, which
were the highlights of the show. Chuck, wearing a classy black
leather suit, visibly enjoyed playing and interacting with the crowd.
On the whole, Styx proved to very open and receptive to their
audience. Tommy Shaw did a lot of in between talking and all band members
frequently made eye-contact with their fans and threw out lots of "stuff".
This added to the warm spirit of this long-expected reunion party.
Thanks for the show guys, and especially thanks to Chuck for being
there. You made my
day.
Jools |