Sep 187 min read

Styx: Turning Hershey Theatre Into Paradise Theatre

What could possibly be said about Styx that hasn’t already been said a thousand times over? We all know these mighty rockers are legendary musicians of the finest kind, we all know that their solid platinum catalog can dazzle audiences to no end, and we all know that they have amassed a tirelessly loyal fanbase across all generations. They’ve been at it (officially) since 1972, so surely every press review of them by now has got to sound like a broken record of praise.

Well, time to put the needle back on the broken record, because here's another one for the books.

On the night of Sunday the 15th, the people of Hershey, Pennsylvania placed pennies over their eyes, crossed the river Styx, and arrived at the salvation of the historic Hershey Theatre. As Styx singer and pianist Lawrence Gowan would proclaim later that night, “Let’s turn Hershey Theatre into Paradise Theatre!” Maybe it was just a grand illusion, but to me, Gowan’s intentions were beyond fulfilled. This gilded venue has been around since the early 1930’s, and is a well-renowned aspect of the city’s history. With a venue of such high honor, I just knew Styx was sure to be right at home on this sweet Hershey stage.

Prior to Styx’s set, we were introduced to Jet Black Roses; a group of wild-eyed Southern boys who make “rock and roll with a country soul”. It’s opening acts like theirs that make you want to explore all they have to offer, even if their style of music isn’t what you normally go for. They’ve got flavor, originality, and not to mention a boatload of passion for what they do. One probably wouldn’t expect Styx to tour with a southern rock band, but Jet Black Roses has a musical personality that contrasts from Styx in such a perfect way, that they’re somehow a great fit together on the bill.

When the time finally came for the main event, Styx’s presence exploded onto the stage with the extravagant “The Grand Illusion”. I can say with complete certainty that my heart was, indeed, suddenly pounding. I found myself swiftly rushing to different sides of the stage, quickly but steadily trying to photograph each member, and attempting not to get mesmerized by one person through the lens for too long. I’d never been so close to such a larger-than-life act before, and to say it was surreal wouldn’t even begin to scratch the surface of how it felt to be at the forefront of it all. They all photographed very well in their own ways, and I wish I could’ve been up in the pit for the entire show to further capture each member’s unique stage persona. It felt so ironic to me that the next track they played was “Too Much Time On My Hands”, as time moves far too fast during those first three songs you’re allowed to shoot for. Trying to stay still was tough during this time, as you can’t not dance during that song. Go on and try it, it’s incredibly difficult. The thrill of shooting the event was beyond intense, but before I knew it, “Lady” had come and gone, and I was back in my 3rd row seat with my camera filled up and put away.

Now, this was my fourth time seeing Styx, yet they still have the ability to surprise a frequent Styx-goer multiple times during the course of their set. Before the show even began, I got an expected peek of a banjo offstage, and several excited questions arose in my head upon spotting it. As far as in-show surprises go, not only was I suddenly deemed “Lorelei” and “Miss America” from the stage by guitarist James “JY” Young himself, but I was also taken aback by a few of my favorite Styx songs I’d never heard live before. Of course, you’re going to hear classic rock radio staples such as “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)” and “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” at a Styx gig, but don’t go thinking they always stick to the same old routine.

The first surprise track of theirs that made my heart leap out of my chest was the classic party anthem “Light Up” from their 1975 album Equinox. I must say, despite the context of the song, this is probably the first time I’ve seen Styx where I didn’t catch a whiff of that particular smell (if you know what I mean). Next, the trademark hit “Crystal Ball” also took me by surprise, as they tend to cut this song from their setlist when they’re co-headlining with another act. For this reason, I’d never been able to hear it until now! I had waited so long to hear that ethereal Tommy Shaw guitar solo that just transports the listener’s soul to a higher state of being, and he certainly did not disappoint.

Another song I had yet to hear live, and one that is also usually dropped from the setlist, was “Our Wonderful Lives”; a bittersweet, uplifting, banjo-oriented song also written by guitarist Tommy Shaw during the height of the pandemic in 2020. The song that swept me off my feet the most, however, was none other than the haunting and passionate “Man In the Wilderness” from the 1977 The Grand Illusion album. Being another epic Shaw ballad, it was introduced by him as one of those songs “that just come to you for no particular reason, but you just have to write them.” I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re all glad that he did write that one, because I do think that song was the crowd’s favorite of the evening. Considered a deep cut by many, it was the perfect unexpected gift to such a seasoned, united, and faithful audience.

The vast majority of people tend to hold Styx in high honor for their contributions to rock and roll in the 1970’s, but they also like to give the public a healthy taste of their more recent passion projects. A live staple in their setlist since 2021, the title track from their most recent album, Crash of the Crown, is definitely one that united Styx fans of all ages in the crowd. It’s got such a timeless Styx sound to it, yet a unique, new, punchy swagger that hooks you right in. The band’s enthusiasm while performing this track just goes to show how much tireless devotion they still have to their craft, even after several decades of great success. They love their work, and they love the people who love their work!

If, by some miracle, you’re not completely hooked on Styx’s unparalleled showmanship by the tail-end of their set, just wait until it’s time for “Khedive”. One does not simply hear “Khedive”- you experience it. Lawrence Gowan seemingly speeds up the tempo of the solo piano piece with each performance he executes, and you simply can’t look away. His impeccable flair on the keys kept the audience hypnotized during the musical tale, and I could feel an intense impatience in the air. There were some in the crowd who were so blown away, they could not hold their applause until the end of Gowan’s solo. When he came to the song’s striking and sudden conclusion, a roaring ovation instantly erupted through the entire theatre.

Those familiar with the “Khedive” instrumental know that it comes from Styx’s 2017 Star Trek-esque concept album The Mission, and that it gets its inspiration not just from the crew of a spaceship, but from the crew of a Royal Navy ship. In accordance with this maritime theme, “Come Sail Away”, one of the holy grails of Styx creations, was set to follow— though not without Gowan leading the crowd in a few loud vocal warm-ups first. After all, we were expected to be the choir!

And what happened next? Styx proceeded to take the audience on the epic journey with angels gathering above our heads as we headed for the skies. Todd Sucherman’s heart-pounding percussion and James Young’s searing guitar solo is truly a combination that shows no mercy, doing justice to this highly acclaimed song.

When a performance comes to a peak like that, how could a band simply end their set there?

Simple answer: they don’t.

Whether you like it or not, you have to agree that the Kilroy Was Here album is essential to Styx’s back catalog. To kick off their encore in Hershey, they brought to life the fan-favorite opening track, “Mr. Roboto”. Many, like myself, are absolutely thrilled they brought this track back into live performances in recent years. Just like “Rockin’ the Paradise”, it’s another Dennis DeYoung song that turns the whole concert experience into one big party.

As for the grand finale to this party, Shaw took to the microphone in the darkness of the theatre, and quietly uttered the acappella opening to his dark, melodic hymn, “Renegade”. I think every person in attendance was all too excited to do that iconic scream before the chorus, but wouldn’t you do the same? Such a singalong was the perfect way to end an intimate concert with this wonderful group of gentlemen. Through Gowan’s keys and JY’s strings, through Terry Gowan’s bass and Will Evankovich’s guitar, through Sucherman’s drums and Shaw’s harmonies, Hershey Theatre became Paradise Theatre for a brief moment in time.

Styx is well aware that they’re the stuff of legends— that they could make any audience their own without ever playing a single note— yet they still give a hundred-and-five-percent at every show they put on. I had the esteemed privilege of briefly speaking to a few of the band members afterwards, and they were just as lovely and good-natured as they come across as onstage. A handful of us Styx fans bonded over this collective experience by the tour buses, each sharing our own stories and artifacts, while also having our own quick moments with each of the three Styx gentlemen who so kindly took the time to chat with us. It's normally not easy to be the youngest person in the crowd by a few decades (which is something I know all too well), and sometimes you get a crowd that flat out won’t put up with you in the pit as a photographer. It's crowds like those in Hershey that make you feel strangely welcomed and respected, though, and I can imagine all parties left Hershey that night definitely feeling a whole lot sweeter than before.

Call it “The Best of Times”, I would recommend getting to a Styx show at an intimate venue like this at all costs. Put them on, play them loud, and come sail away with them the next chance you get.

(Special thanks to Lawrence Gowan, the nicest man on the planet, for making this gallery and review possible. Love ya, Larry! Gowan tour in the States NOW!)

Setlist:

The Grand Illusion

Too Much Time On My Hands

Lady

Lorelei

Miss America

Light Up

Crash of the Crown

Crystal Ball

Rockin the Paradise

Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)

Man In the Wilderness