James, JY, Young -photo by Pat Krause

STYX and CHICAGO at Acrisure Arena

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

Acrisure Arena hosted another sold-out dual concert on Wednesday, September 2. The iconic STYX and CHICAGO came together to perform at the same venue, one after the other. Fans of both bands were thrilled to see both on the same stage on the same night.

Terry Gowan, Will Evankovich, Tommy Shaw and James, JY, Young -photo by Pat Krause

STYX came on stage first. This time, there was no barrier in front of the stage. Fans had a special opportunity to get close to the stage for photos. STYX still has ties to its original lineup. James “JY” Young, a founding member of STYX, still performs with the band. He was front and center many times and decided to sit and let the rest of the band take over for a bit while he played his guitar near the drummer.

Lawrence Gowan-photo by Pat Krause

So many of the musicians have been with the band for a long time. They have enjoyed chart success and have a huge following after so many decades of performing. They create their own sound and continue to produce new material to keep their fans in awe of their music. They are best known for songs like “Renegade,” “Too Much Time on My Hands,” “Babe,” “Lady” and “Come Sail Away.” They have built an extensive collection of songs since becoming STYX in 1972.

Ray Herrmann-photo by Pat Krause

Chicago came on stage next with a full group of musicians. They, too, have been among the top bands for decades.

They came out playing and waving at the fans. They are nonstop performers. Their guitars and horns blend perfectly.

Chicago Band members- photo by Pat Krause

They said they are a rock and roll band with horns. They incorporate some classical, pop and jazz into their music. Their history stretches back 59 years, giving you an idea of their lasting popularity. That is quite an accomplishment!

Ray Herrmann and Eric Baines - photo by Pat Krause    

They continue to play their old hits, bringing back memories. The songs never die and create new memories for everyone every year. They say the fans want to hear the older hits every time. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and were ranked the highest-charting American band on Billboard’s Top 125 Artists of All Time list. Some of the songs they performed were “If You Leave Me Now,” “Alive Again” and “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon,” with “25 or 6 to 4” as the encore.

Check out upcoming shows, as there will be many that fans will want to hear.