Ya gotta love STYX drummer Todd Sucherman!

August 21, 2024, at Coastal Credit Union Music Park was a throwback to the days when rock ‘n’ roll still had teeth. Kicking off the night was John Waite, the extraordinary voice from Lancaster, England, who’s been crooning since the ’70s with his unmistakable blend of rock and pop. Backed by a tight-knit crew—Tim Hogan on bass, Rhondo on drums, and Mark Ricciardelli on guitar—Waite ripped through a set that was equal parts nostalgia and raw emotion. With his latest release, Wooden Heart, Vol. 3, Waite reminded the crowd that he’s still got the chops, effortlessly delivering classics like “Missing You” and cuts from the new record. You can find his latest musings and more at johnwaiteworldwide.com, a portal into his ongoing journey through the landscape of rock.

Then the lights dimmed, and Styx emerged from the darkness, those Chicago titans of progressive rock who’ve been blending bombast and melody since before most of the crowd knew what a power chord was. Tommy Shaw on guitar and vocals, James “JY” Young on guitar, Lawrence Gowan on keys, Ricky Phillips on bass, and Todd Sucherman on drums lit up the night with their signature mix of arena rock anthems and intricate musicianship. Dennis DeYoung may be a ghost of Styx’s past, but the band’s latest album, Crash of the Crown, shows they haven’t missed a beat. You can delve into their legacy and latest exploits at styxworld.com, where their prog-rock odyssey continues to unfold. As they tore through tracks like “Renegade” and the newer “Reveries,” it was clear: Styx is still the grand illusion.

It was great to see Chuck Panozzo, the original STYX Bassist with his historic “Smirk” grace the stage!

STYX

The Undeniably Great John Waite!