Styx at The California Center For The Arts

October 10, 2018

Styx at The California Center For The Arts

California Center for The Arts Escondido, Ca
September 30, 2018

Thundering into the beautiful California Center for the Arts Escondido on September 30th, Styx put on a measurably superior show of musicianship above their customary outstanding performances. The venue was the perfect place, great acoustics, ample stage, comfortable seating to hear and the see one of rock and rolls most loved and enduring bands. Styx's respect and loyalty for their fans old and new is always apparent. Every member of the band, Tommy, Ricky, JT, Lawrence, Todd, performed with a level of energy that of someone half their age.

As always Styx covered every inch of the stage and then some including Ricky Phillips rocking out on a platform behind the drummer. From the very moment, they hit the stage the audience was up on their feet vigorously clapping and cheering... a testament to Styx's longevity and ultra huge fan base. The sold-crowd was treated to blazing guitar work, strong stellar harmonies, striking keyboards, and top-notch drumming... a hallmark of the band for over 40 years. The concert was two hours long with an intermission. During the second half, Chuck Panozzo joined in. Panozzo along with his late brother John formed the band in 1972.

Tommy Shaw spoke about the bands 40th anniversary of "The Grand Illusion" of which they played a rousing rendition, and how he came to be part of Styx. The band played selections from many of their multi-platinum albums including Shaw's beautiful tune " Man of the Wilderness", "Too Much Time on My Hands", "Lady", "Come Sail Away", "Mr. Roboto" and from the new album "Radio Silence", "The Greater Good", "The Outpost".

There was a striking instrumental solo number "Khedive" from the new concept album "The Mission" that came out in June of this year. Lawrence Gowen performance demonstrated his keyboard expertise including the speed and grace he has while walking and spinning the keyboard around without missing a beat. Bravo! The project is the first new studio album in many years of which Tommy Shaw co-wrote the storyline. It marks an interesting and extremely successful departure for the band.

This was a night to remember!

Article and photography by Connie Bolger

Check out their website for tour dates.

1. Gone Gone Gone
2. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
3. The Grand Illusion
4. Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
5. Lady
6. Radio Silence
7. Lorelei
8. Man in the Wilderness
9. Light Up
10. The Greater Good
11. Rockin' the Paradise
12. Miss America
13. Lights
14. Crystal Ball
15 Khedive
16. The Outpost
17. Suite Madame Blue
18. Too Much Time on My Hands
19. Come Sail Away

http://styxworld.com/band

New album "The Mission"

©2018 Connie Bolger Photography. Copyrighted and All Rights Reserved. All Images are registered with the United States Copyright Office. Unauthorized use, copy, display, or distribution of any photographs taken by Connie Bolger, is strictly prohibited. You do not have permission to use or pass this photo(s) on in any form without the written consent of Connie Bolger or Connie Bolger Photography. If you have any questions email @photogalsd@gmail.com.

https://www.instagram.com/styxtheband/?hl=en

All photographs are copyright images. Connie Bolger Photography