Styx Live at The Lyric Baltimore: A Night of Timeless Hits
At The Lyric Baltimore on Friday the 13th, the only misfortune facing Styx fans was that the show didn’t last longer. After a lively opening set from Jet Black Roses, there was no doubt who was taking the stage next as Styx launched into “The Grand Illusion,” the opening track from their seventh studio album, released almost 50 years ago on 7-7-77. This flowed seamlessly into “Too Much Time On My Hands,” prompting any seated fans to jump to their feet. “Lady” concluded the first three songs, marking the end of the photographer’s window (typically, show photographers are permitted to shoot the first three songs of an artist’s set).
The Lyric is a classic venue with rows of seats extending uninterrupted across the auditorium – no centre aisle and no “pit” unless you’re lucky enough to snag front-row seats. This layout creates an intimate feel throughout the show.
Lawrence Gowan literally shone on keyboards and lead vocals, perfectly illuminated under the Lyric’s lights as he worked the stage with ease. His younger brother Terry Gowan added power on bass. Master guitarist Tommy Shaw delivered an awe-inspiring performance on an 18-string guitar later in the show, while James “JY” Young was a steady presence, donning a Homburg hat and wielding a bright green guitar, embodying a stylish and seasoned performer.
A Styx concert is inevitably a greatest hits evening, though the band mixed in a few newer songs, including “Crash of the Crown” and “Our Wonderful Lives,” both of which were warmly received by the crowd. Some deeper cuts included Shaw leading on “Suite Madam Blue,” the band’s five-part harmony on “Light Up,” and the clapping intro to “Miss America.”
The audience reflected the fact that Styx is now performing in its sixth decade, yet that did nothing to dampen the festive atmosphere. At one point, Gowan subtly referenced the crosstown competition – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band were playing to a sold-out crowd at Camden Yards – by quipping something along the lines of, “I’d like to thank everyone for your good taste in coming to the Lyric tonight for this excellent event when you had choices,” or something to that effect.
Photos (c) David Fang
