“Styx is one of the greatest American rock bands!”
In the much loved 1999 movie “Big Daddy,” the little blonde boy Julian utters these very words to a filled courtroom during Sonny Koufax’s custody trial.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, young fans like Julian helped Styx become the first musical act to release four consecutive triple platinum albums. In addition to this accomplishment, the 1980 Gallup Poll named Styx the most popular rock band in North America.
With an extensive catalogue of rock hits, including “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade, Lady,” “Too Much Time On My Hands,” “Babe, ‘ Blue Collar Man,” Styx created a unique brand of pop/rock music. Currently, Styx remains one of the hardest working bands in rock ‘n’ roll.
Although the band no longer includes legendary keyboardist Dennis DeYoung (as well as drummer John Panozzo, who passed away in 1996), Styx continues to perform hundreds of concerts each year for hoards of loyal fans.
This past May, I was able to attend a Styx performance during their tour with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra from Cleveland, Ohio. On the night of the concert, this award-winning orchestra consisted of 115 musicians and 65 chorus members, all of whom were 13 to 19 years old.
Along with Styx, the orchestra performed full versions of Styx classics, cover songs, and brand-new songs. Fortunately, this historic concert was recorded and recently released on CD and DVD.
“One with Everything,” which kicks off with the Styx classic “Blue Collar Man,” immediately reveals to listeners that this is not your ordinary Styx live album. Before guitarist Tommy Shaw’s ageless voice even begins the first verse, the horns and strings add complexity and power to “Blue Collar Man”‘s recognizable introduction.
Other lesser known songs that receive orchestral treatment are the songs “One With Everything,” “Crystal Ball,” “Miss America,” “A Criminal Mind” (originally recorded by current keyboardist Lawrence Gowan), and “I Am The Walrus” (originally recorded by The Beatles).
On Sunday Nov. 19, I was able to attend another unconventional Styx performance another in Brooklyn, NY. The concert, which raised money for two charities, and was labeled a “CD/DVD Release Party”, was performed for a crowd of 350 fans in a very intimate club, The Hook.
Inside the seat-less venue, the small group of enthusiastic Styx fans stood in a condensed mob right at the edge of a two-foot-high stage.
This offered an unprecedented, intimate experience, since the musicians performed at a distance of less than 20 feet from much of the crowd. Audience members had the opportunity of a lifetime to witness Styx classics as they were almost performed on their laps.
The concert, which included many of the songs that were performed with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, proved that the members of Styx are still masters of rock ‘n’ roll. Vocalist Tommy Shaw easily hit insanely high notes that he originally recorded in 1978, while fellow guitarist, James “JY” Young and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan perfectly duplicated guitar and keyboard solos that were originally created decades ago.
At the show’s conclusion, the band members even threw towels, Frisbees, and beach balls into the crowd with the Styx logo on them, along with personalized guitar picks. Overall, the concert was a special night for the musicians and fans. Everyone will remember that night when they experienced one of rock’s greatest bands in such an intimate and personal atmosphere.
Overall, “One With Everything” is a very strong live album by a much loved classic rock band. In reality, Styx has released multiple live albums in the past six years. Although some fans might be hesitant to purchase yet another Styx live album, this one proves itself to be an original presentation of classic songs.
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