Styx’s performance at the Count Basie theatre was a warm, welcoming blast from the past. A true rock band, Styx performed hits like “Lady,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Wanted Man,” and “Come Sail Away.” The music, with its four-part harmonies, was tight and Tommy Shaw’s voice sounds as strong as it did 20 years ago.
The show started on-time, an unheard of phenomenon in the concert scene, and ended just after 10 p.m. There were many die-hard Styx fans with their kids, singing the words to every song. The band was generous to the audience, randomly giving away Styx merchandise to elated fans.
A grateful Shaw thanked the audience for making it possible to come to the N.J., and dedicated the song “High Enough” to them. Keyboardist Lawrence Gowan said that to overcome his intimidation of playing at the Count Basie theatre, he needed to play a little Beethoven so that the band could fit in better. We can understand that, the Count Basie is an awesome venue. The band then segued into a song that they said they shouldn’t do, but dared to, “I am the Walrus” from the Beatles. Well performed, the audience couldn’t get enough of Styx.
The two hour concert was a great show and experience — the way a rock concert should be. The band looked like they were having fun, and that’s one of the main ingredients of a great show. If you missed Styx at the Count Basie this time around, we’ll let you know when they’re coming back to town. It’s a show you won’t want to miss.