STYX AT THE CELEBRITY THEATER – PHOENIX, AZ CONCERT REVIEW - 01-10-26
- Allie Jorgensen
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Concert Review and Photo Gallery By Roc Boyum
Perennial Rock Legends STYX Illuminate the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ with Back-to-Back Sold-Out Shows on January 9 and 10, 2026.
Saturday, January 10, 2026 was the second night of a sold-out show for Music Legends Styx . On the second night of their Phoenix engagement, their opening act Max Gomez (from New Mexico) captivated the audience with an uplifting acoustic performance. His set showcased tracks from his latest album, Memory Mountain, with the song “New Mexico” earning a standing ovation.
Max Gomez
After his performance, the stage was quickly cleared to prepare for the arrival of Styx.
You could feel the anticipation growing throughout the venue as many people mentioned that this was their second night to come out and see the band – and others mentioned that they traveled to Arizona just to see this show.
STYX wasted no time in taking the stage following Gomez's performance, and immediately launched into a dynamic set of 14 songs that featured one hit after another, celebrating the band's extensive career.
At the beginning of the show - Tommy Shaw remarked, “We’re going to drop the needle on various points of time in our catalogue throughout our set; sit back and enjoy!”
A Night of Timeless STYX Hits
The band launched their performance with “Build and Destroy,” from their recent 2025 album, Circling from Above. This track captures the quintessential STYX sound that fans have come to love, showcasing why this band has maintained such a devoted following for 54 years.
Each subsequent song that was featured was a remarkable journey through their powerful catalogue and every song was a certified hit.
From the epic prog anthem “The Grand Illusion” to the ever timeless “Too Much Time on My Hands.” In the latter song, the audience joined in on the song's iconic rhythmic clapping while each song that followed seemed to unfold musical journey back in time with everyone joining in singing, every moment resonated.
Suddenly the lights dimmed and the incredible vocal ballad “Lady,” performed by the incomparable keyboardist and vocalist Lawrence Gowen, added a special musical moment, with every everyone singing every word. This evening of music offered something for every STYX enthusiast.
Concert Highlights
Additional song highlights featured “Light Up,” “Rockin’ the Paradise,” “Blue Collar Man,” and “Sail Away.”
Before launching into “Rockin’ the Paradise,” Lawrence Gowan took a moment to introduce the band members, including Gowan’s younger brother, Terry, on bass, who joined the band in place of longtime bassist Ricky Phillips.
Will Evankovich was introduced as a guitarist and the band’s producer. Both Terry Gowan and Will Evankovich were made permanent members of the band in 2025.
Drummer Todd Sucherman waved to the audience, receiving an overwhelming ovation that continued even after he sat down, prompting him to rise once more to express his gratitude for the warm reception. Guitarist James Young was recognized as the individual who signed the original record contract for STYX, earning a thunderous cheer from the crowd.
As always, Tommy Shaw was met with a roaring ovation from the fans, particularly those in front who eagerly tried to get closer to this beloved artist. Lawrence Gowan was introduced by Tommy Shaw as the masterful keyboardist who plays a vital role in preserving the STYX legacy with his incredible vocals.
“Come Sail Away” was the highlight of the evening, generating the most enthusiastic fan interaction as the entire venue transformed into a massive STYX choir; it was truly enchanting!
The band wrapped up the night with an exhilarating two-song encore featuring “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade,” leaving the audience in awe and eager for more!
But don’t worry—STYX will return alongside Chicago at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ, on September 1, 2026, for a show that promises to be unforgettable.
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