STYX’S BROTHERHOOD OF ROCK TOUR COMBINES DECADES OF LEGENDARY MUSICIANS IN MOLINE

“Come on in and see what’s happening. Pay the price, get your tickets for the show. The stage is set, the band starts playing. Suddenly your heart is pounding.”

These lyrics from Styx’s 1977 hit “The Grand Illusion” resonated throughout the night, and described my feelings that evening to a tee. Styx is currently on their Brotherhood of Rock Tour, and this past Thursday night, July 3rd marked the halfway point, putting on an epic performance at Vibrant Arena at the MARK in Moline, Illinois. Currently on tour with them is former longtime frontman and songwriter of REO Speedwagon, Kevin Cronin (who is co-headlining), and former lead guitarist/songwriter for The Eagles, Don Felder.

Don Felder, who left The Eagles in 2001, still sounds as amazing as he always had. His vocals and guitar skills brought me back to when I last saw them perform at the Miami Orange Bowl in July of 1994 while on their Hell Freezes Over Reunion Tour. This evening also marked the third time I had the privilege of photographing Kevin; the last two being prior to the name change to The Kevin Cronin Band. Kevin performed numerous REO Speedwagon hits with guitarist Dave Amato, drummer Bryan Hitt, keyboardist Derek Hilland, and bassist Matt Bissonette, all the same members who were touring with him until the end of REO Speedwagon in 2024.

Both Kevin Cronin and Styx had not exactly “unique” setlists, but rather ones that reflected their past tours and platinum-selling albums. The first part of Kevin Cronin’s setlist consisted of REO Speedwagon’s 1981 album, Hi Infidelity in its entirety, and Styx was no different in this makeup.

Styx kicked off the night with “The Grand Illusion,” and continued with the first part of their setlist performing all of their songs, in order, from their 1977 album of the same name. Had I not been only 7 years old at the time, I would imagine the fans in attendance had the same amount of excitement and energy as they did for this show almost 50 years ago.

Lead vocalist and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan (often going by just Gowan), who replaced founding member Dennis DeYoung in 1999, is an absolute showman! Donning a purple paisley jacket with a tail of silver tassels dangling out from beneath it, Gowan tickles those keys like the maestro he is. Gowan’s custom-built spinning keyboard allows him to showcase his talent a bit more. Rather than just stand behind a keyboard throughout the set, he has the ability to interact with the fans. He’ll frequently turn his back to the keyboard, face the crowd, and still move those fingers along those keys without missing a note! Guitarist Will Evankovich and bassist Terry Gowan shredded throughout the entire night.

After performing their mega hit “Come Sail Away,” the lights went out, the base of the keyboard stand lit up, and the intro to “Miss America” began. Multidirectional flashing strobes lit up the arena, and fans continued to exert their energy, sending waves of screams throughout the crowd.

Low fog effects, strobes, and an enormous LED screen were frequently used throughout the performance, providing eye-catching visuals during each song. Drummer Todd Sucherman, who has “been with Styx since ‘96”, was often backlit with bright white lights, providing more of a dramatic effect during some of his highlighted solos.

After finishing The Grand Illusion portion of the setlist with “The Grand Finale,” the “Best of” portion of their set was about to commence. Band member intros were conducted, and Gowan made a minor costume change. Now sporting a predominantly gold sequined jacket and black hat (complete with one single feather), Lawrence Gowan stepped away from his keyboard to do a little dancing while singing “Rockin’ the Paradise,” a song originally released in 1997 from their live album Return to Paradise. Boy, can he move!

Following this, lead vocalist and guitarist Tommy Shaw took over the lead vocals to perform one of my personal favorites, “Too Much Time on My Hands,” a song originally written and performed by Tommy. This song was their second single released in 1981 from their Paradise Theatre album.

Bringing the tempo down a tad, they immediately followed this with an earlier hit off of their second album. It was “Lady”’s turn to shine. A couple of spotlights aimed solely on Lawrence Gowan, the band’s logo changing back and forth to a variety of colors and patterns was the sole image on the LED screen, and the familiar classical sound of the Alberti bass pattern twinkled on the piano. The display then changed to a lighted outline of a ballerina, dancing gracefully to the 1973 hit song, their first true power ballad. Leaving his rotating piano pedestal once more, Lawrence moved to the music, singing alongside Shaw for a few moments.

No new music has been introduced by Styx in over 50 years…until this tour. “Build and Destroy” was released this past May, and has been making the rounds on their current tour. Only being performed a dozen times so far, this song delves into the tension between human ingenuity and the discarded dreams they become. Visuals were displayed yet again for this song, but in the form of the official music video, which captured the attention of thousands of fans.

“The Best of Times” fittingly completed their tribute to their Paradise Theatre album, and then ended their set with “Blue Collar Man.” The entire band let ‘er rip for this finale! Tommy Shaw’s long blond locks were flying while darting across the stage during his guitar solo, and the crowd’s energy was at its highest level of the night…so far.

Anticipating their 1983 hit, “Mr. Roboto,” the fans were not disappointed. Hearing the iconic 80s synth pop sound of the first few notes, fans were cheering, and couldn’t resist singing along to this megahit. The night didn’t end there. One more song joined “Mr. Roboto” for their encore. The soft, slow-tempo beginning of “Renegade” began with the vocal introduction by Tommy Shaw. Smoke and bright lights went into overdrive by the third verse when the tempo increased. Founding member James “JY” Young’s guitar solo dominated the stage, and it was an epic way to end their encore.

Prior to them exiting the stage, fans were showered with guitar picks like candy being tossed in a parade. The legendary Tommy Shaw was the last to depart the stage, smiling and waving to his adoring fans.

The remainder of the tour continues along the east coast of the United States, with several dates afterwards around the mid south and midwestern portions of the U.S., with the final show of this tour on August, 24 in Milwaukee, WI at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater-Summerfest Grounds. Styx will continue their tour without Kevin Cronin and Don Felder on September 11 in Evansdale, IN at the Old National Events Plaza as part of their Home Town Jams concert series.