“Goo goo g’joob.” What makes that sound? Is it a lion, a cheetah, a whale, a plane, a fan? Some might say that is the sound a walrus makes.

The only thing for sure though was it was one of the many sounds Styx made Wednesday, Nov. 11.

In Luhrs Performing Arts Center, a minimalistic industrialized set, with the backdrop of a brick tunnel and the Styx logo largely plastered on it, the dramatic set was only a fraction of what the group brought to Luhrs.

The revolving keyboard stand and large drum set helped Styx with the dramatic flare on the opening song, “Grand Illusion.” The crowd was already on its feet, singing loudly.

Styx, which has been around since 1972, is in its 20th year, averaging 100 shows a year.

The band says it is determined to make every show better than the next, and they do not disappoint. Between the drums beats and guitar riffs, audience members could feel the weight of sound in their chests as they danced along to an unforgettable show.

During “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” original bassist, Chuck Panozzo, walked out and later performed. The band informed the audience later that he was part of the group, touring as much as he could with Styx.

James “J.Y.” Young, guitarist and vocalist, reminded the crowd of why audience members still came to the shows, all these years later.

Young, at one point screaming into the microphone, said, “We had some fun!” The crowd responded with loud cheers and even some talk of what the ’70s were really like.

Tommy Shaw, the lead vocalist and also guitarist, had similar remarks. While laughing he commented, “I survived it,” referring to Woodstock.

The comment led to shouts from the crowd, almost louder than the first. But even with the shouts, the crowd became calmer with the more mellow song of “Man In The Wilderness.” The crowd listened intently as Shaw sang out soulfully.

But Styx quickly brought the up mood back with “I Am The Walrus,” originally by The Beatles. Keyboardist, Lawrence Gowan, was as animated as any of the other members, constantly spinning the keyboard on the platform as he played.

Styx even seemed to change its sound with “Boat On The River.” It almost sounded like a folk song. Shaw jokingly commented that the single was a hit around the world, except for America.

After an intermission, the band came back a bit more subdued. Instead of the intense rock ballads, and jumping across the stage in leaps and bounds, the members were a bit more stationary. For “Lights” and “Crystal Ball” it was more focused on the music and less about the show that accompanied it.

Gowan showed his skills during “Pieces of Eight.” Between the powerful lyrics and beautiful piano solo, Gowan kept the crowd enthralled.

Young, Shaw and the other guitarist, Ricky Phillips, only added to the wonderful piece with guitar and back up vocals to carry the piece even farther.

“Come Sail Away” seemed like a great ending to a spectacular show, the crowd singing along from the beginning as well as the crowd coming to its feet to add dancing to the singing.

Gowan even jumped up on his keyboard.

But this was far from the end, because as soon as the band left, they were back.

Gowan, in a glitzy black jacket and top hat and slid across the stage while singing during “Rockin’ The Paradise.”

To end the song, confetti was blown into the audience to add even more flare to the performance.

To finally end the night, Styx played “Renegade,” arguably one of its most famous songs.

It started off dark, with much of the light landing only on Shaw.

Then, the lights came up. The talented players were running all across the stage. “Renegade” was topped with lots of confetti while the crowd screamed out the lyrics. Cheers almost drowned out the speakers, as Styx concluded a remarkable night.

Share