Styx Brings a Parade of Rock Classics to Arizona

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Robert Kinsler

I am a long-time music writer and co-host the "Music Is Still Good" video show with TJR.

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Styx, Jay Psaros

Where: Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ

When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024

Next: Styx will perform a string of special concerts at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas, performing the album "The Grand Illusion" in its entirety and other hits on Jan. 24, 25, 29 and 31, and Feb. 1, 2025

Information: https://styxworld.com/

Tommy Shaw performing on Nov. 9, 2024.

Lawrence Gowan on Nov. 9, 2024.

Styx is one of the few classic rock bands to emerge in the early 1970s that continues to tour and record essential new music a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Evidence of the enduring rock troupe's power came with an outstanding performance at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ on Nov. 9. The 100-minute concert was an entertaining run through Styx's rich catalog of hits and showcased a band still at the height of its powers.

Styx performing at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Opening with the title track from their 1977 masterwork The Grand Illusion, the six member's signature harmonies draped the anthemic favorite that blends progressive, arena and classic rock styles. The uptempo "Too Much Time on My Hands" followed, the crowd on its feet.

From left, Terry Gowan, Will Evankovich, Lawrence Gowan and James "JY" Young.

Drummer Todd Sucherman behind the kit in Prescott Valley, AZ.

The power ballad "Lady" featured Lawrence Gowan's soaring tenor and masterful keyboard playing in the song's melodic opening, before the collective power of the band carried the song to its dramatic finish.

Whether performing their biggest hits or album favorites, Styx presented each selection as if it was the jewel of the set. Take "Lorelei," a modest hit from early in the band's career that flat out rocked the house in Prescott Valley.

Lawrence Gowan, left, and Will Evankovich.

Every member of Styx was showcased across the night. Founding member James "JY" Young sang lead vocals and unleashed his fiery lead guitar work on "Miss America." Singer-guitarist Tommy Shaw sang the affecting "Crystal Ball" alone to the accompaniment of his acoustic guitar to launch the song before the rest of the band came in as the song built in force; Shaw used an electric guitar to play a dynamic lead sortie to close the track.

Another highlight of the night was a luxurious version of the 2021 original "Crash of the Crown," an ambitious song showcasing the band's dazzling harmonies and signature songcraft.

Tommy Shaw performing in Arizona on Nov. 9, 2024.

Other favorites of the night included the evocative "Man in the Wilderness" featuring Shaw's soaring vocals, the hard rocking "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)," the Beatlesque "Our Wonderful Lives" and "Come Sail Away," the latter showcasing Gowan on keys and lead vocals. The rhythm section of Todd Sucherman, bassist Terry Gowan and guitarist Will Evankovich added firepower to all of the selections.

Guitarist James "JY" Young.

From left, James "JY" Young and Tommy Shaw rocking
Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ.

Styx's rousing encore included a rousing "Mr. Roboto" and blistering "Renegade," both songs thrilling the appreciative crowd.

Singer-songwriter Jay Psaros opened the bill with a 30-minute set of acoustic songs, including originals and a sparse take on Prince's "Purple Rain." Armed with a winning voice and solid guitar playing, the country-flavored original "Ballroom Singer" was among the inviting originals that impressed the audience on Saturday night.

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler