Styx Concert Review Celebrity Theater Phoenix AZ – 2-26-25
Concert Review and Photos by Roc Boyum
Styx marked their triumphant return to the lavish Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, AZ, with two sold-out shows on February 26 and February 27, 2025. Notably, while Styx has the option to perform at any venue in the Phoenix area, they consistently choose the Celebrity Theater, and fans eagerly respond with an impressive turnout. The evening also featured an auction at the start of each show to support St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, AZ. During the February 26 show, a guitar signed by all the Styx members was auctioned off, fetching an astounding $12,000. Styx truly knows how to draw a crowd!
The band never fails to impress their fans with a diverse selection of songs that highlight their illustrious career, and this night was no exception. They delivered an incredible 14-song set to the enthusiastic audience in Phoenix, wrapping up with an extra two-song encore.
Kicking off the performance with the iconic masterpiece “Grand Illusion,” the band instantly got the crowd on their feet, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with unforgettable hits. The Tommy Shaw classic, “Too Much Time On My Hands,” invited great audience participation, with its famous double hand clap rhythm prompting the Phoenix crowd to join in on every clap, adding to the evening’s fun.
Styx followed up with three more classic hits: “Lady,” “Lorelei,” and “Miss America,” before delivering a fantastic rendition of the title track from their latest album, “Crash of the Crown.” featuring James Young on lead vocals. Keyboardist Lawrence Gowan showcased his emotional vocals while skillfully playing the keyboard during “Lady” and “Lorelei.”
James Young-Vocals, Lead and Rhythem Guitar
The band maintained an electrifying atmosphere with a series of fan favorites, including “Crystal Ball,” “Rockin’ the Paradise,” “Our Wonderful Lives,” and “Superstars,” prompting fans to dance in the aisles and raise their fists in appreciation.
“Blue Collar Man” is a quintessential Styx anthem that even casual fans recognize, and it truly enhanced audience engagement, resulting in some of the loudest singing of the night.
The band concluded their regular set with an impressive array of songs, featuring “The Best of Times,” “Fooling Yourself,” “Khedive” (which included a breathtaking keyboard solo by Gowan), and “Come Sail Away,” leaving the audience craving more. Notably, “Come Sail Away” inspired the highest level of audience participation, as everyone boldly sang along.
Lawerence Gowan-Vocals-Keyboards
The encore, featuring “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade,” concluded a night rich with classic Styx hits that certainly left the audience longing for more. “Renegade” begain with an inspiring acapella vocal and ryhthmic hand clapping that had everyone joining in the fun. Tommy Shaw let the audience vocally carry the first chours to “Renegade” which was followed by a blistering guitar solo by James Young. At the conclusion of “Renegade” the band joined together to throw sticks and picks out to the audience to further commerate this fantastic evening of music and celebration at the Celebrity Theater.
While all good things must come to an end, there’s no need to worry; Styx will be back at the Celebrity Theater soon for another sold-out show. Don’t miss your chance to see Styx live and enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with iconic songs from a band that played a pivotal role in shaping the progressive rock scene of the ’70s.
Styx Photo Gallery 2-26-25:
