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June 13, 2024

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Three classic rock acts graced the stage of Blossom Music Center last night and brought fans back to the '70s and '80s with their timeless hits.

 

Due to excessive long traffic to get into Blossom, I missed John Waite completely.  It is really unbelievable that Blossom hasn't figured out their traffic issues after fifty plus years.  And this show wasn't sold out!  In what would normally take me thirty minutes to get to Blossom took me almost two hours!

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Styx delivered seventy-five minutes of pure classic rock which should solidify them as the next band from the '70s to get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  

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The current lineup of Styx consists of original members, James Young and Chuck Panozzo, long time member and the ever youthful Tommy Shaw, two guys with over twenty-five years experience of being in the band, Todd Sucherman and Lawrence Gowan, and two newcomers, Will Evankovich and Terry Gowan. 

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All seven members are true professionals and they look like they are having a blast on stage. 

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The band kicked off the show with "The Grand Illusion" featuring Gowan on lead vocals.  He is quite the entertainer, spinning his keyboard in circles, dancing and keeping the crowd enthralled. 

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Tommy Show was next to take over lead vocals on "Too Much Time On My Hands" while playing a black Gibson Explorer.

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In the middle of the set, James Young took center stage to sing "Miss America" from The Grand Illusion album.

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After "Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)" the band dusted off the classic, "The Best Of Times" which hasn't been played by the band in years.

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Closing out the main set was the Top Ten hit, "Come Sail Away" which featured Chuck Panozzo on bass.

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The band returned to encore with "Mr. Roboto," and the ever popular rocker, "Renegade."

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Foreigner was up next and the boys came out with a triple shot of rockin' tunes "Double Vision," "Head Games," and "Cold As Ice."

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Even though not one member of the current lineup on stage created these classic songs, they are definitely keeping the bands legacy alive.  Kelly Hanson is a great front man and the rest of the band are all expert musicians.

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Hanson thanked all the fan for coming out and supporting the band since 1977.  He said because of the fans, Foreigner is getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  

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An honor that is long overdue.

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The band closed their main set with "Juke Box Hero" but soon returned to encore with "I Want To Know What Love Is" that featured a choir from New Philadelphia High School.

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Ending an incredible night of classic rock on a perfect summer evening was "Hot Blooded."

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Review and photos by Greg Drugan

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