Tampa, FL (June 4, 2025) – The humid Florida air crackled with anticipation this past Saturday night (May 31st) at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater, and Styx didn’t just meet expectations – they shattered them with a powerhouse performance that proved their brand of classic rock is timeless, powerful, and incredibly alive. From the first chord to the final encore roar, the band delivered a masterclass in musicianship, showmanship, and pure, unadulterated kinetic energy.
The Engine Room: Relentless Rhythm & Electrifying Presence The source of that energy was undeniable: the band themselves. Tommy Shaw, ageless and spry, was a whirlwind of motion. Darting across the stage, peeling off searing guitar solos with a grin, and hitting those iconic high notes with astonishing clarity, his enthusiasm was infectious. He engaged constantly with the crowd, sharing smiles, pointing, and radiating sheer joy. Behind the keyboards, Lawrence Gowan is more than a replacement; he’s a force of nature. His theatrical flair was on full display – spinning the keyboard, leaping onto the top of it for dramatic solos (especially during “Come Sail Away” and “Khedive”), conducting the audience with effortless charisma, and providing powerhouse vocals that soared. He is pure, captivating dynamism.
The engine room of bassist Terry Gowan and drummer Todd Sucherman was locked in and thunderous. Gowan provided rock-solid, melodic bass lines while constantly interacting with Shaw and Gowan, anchoring the groove with a cool intensity. Sucherman, arguably one of the finest rock drummers today, was a marvel to watch. His complex fills were precise yet powerful, driving the tempo relentlessly and adding jaw-dropping flourishes that elevated every song without ever overshadowing it. James “J.Y.” Young, the stoic founding member, provided the bedrock rhythm guitar, crucial vocal harmonies, and unleashed several blistering solos of his own, his presence a grounding counterpoint to the others’ flamboyance. Will Evankovich (guitar/mandolin) filled out the sound expertly, adding texture and backing vocals seamlessly. The interplay between all members was seamless, a testament to decades of experience and genuine camaraderie
The Soundtrack: A Hit-Packed Journey
The setlist was a near-perfect encapsulation of Styx’s journey, leaning heavily on their golden 70s/early 80s era while sprinkling in a couple of surprises. The crowd sang along passionately to almost every word:
1. The Fight of Our Lives (A recent track, setting a determined tone)
2. Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) (Instant energy surge, Sucherman’s drums pounding)
3. The Grand Illusion (A fan favorite, establishing the thematic core)
4. Lady (Early classic, showcasing Shaw’s vocals and Young’s guitar)
5. Light Up (Gowan shone here, great audience participation)
6. Sound the Alarm (From their latest album, fit well with the classics)
7. Rockin’ the Paradise (Massive singalong, pure anthem)
8. Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) (Another huge crowd moment, Gowan’s spinning keyboard intro iconic)
9. Khedive / Drum Solo (Gowan’s keyboard showcase transitioned into Sucherman’s breathtaking, technically astonishing drum solo – a true highlight)
10. Too Much Time on My Hands (Irresistible groove, Shaw owning the stage)
11. Lost at Sea (A deeper cut showcasing their prog roots and harmonies)
12. Crystal Ball (Shaw acoustic intro building into a powerful rocker)
13. Suite Madame Blue (A majestic, sprawling epic featuring Young’s powerful vocals and guitar)
14. Come Sail Away (The inevitable, transcendent singalong. Gowan standing atop the keyboard, arms outstretched, as the crowd roared the chorus is an image burned into memory)
15. Mr. Roboto (Played with gusto and a wink, the crowd loving every robotic moment)
16. Renegade (The perfect, explosive finale. Shaw leading the call-and-response, the band firing on all cylinders, leaving the audience breathless and roaring).
The Verdict: Pure Rock Alchemy
This wasn’t just a nostalgia trip; it was a vibrant, vital rock show. Styx performed with an energy and precision that bands half their age would envy. The kinetic energy flowed from the stage like electricity – Shaw’s restless energy, Gowan’s flamboyant theatrics, Sucherman’s powerhouse drumming, the locked-in groove of Gowan and Young. It created an atmosphere of pure celebration. The light show was dynamic and effective, complementing the music without overwhelming it, and the sound mix was remarkably clear, letting the intricate vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess shine.
By the time the final chords of “Renegade” faded, the Tampa crowd was on its feet, hoarse from singing and buzzing with the shared experience. Styx didn’t just play their hits; they re-lived them, injected them with fresh power, and delivered a concert that was a masterclass in classic rock performance. They proved, beyond any doubt, that the “Grand Illusion” is very much a thrilling reality when they take the stage. An absolutely electrifying night.
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