The train just keeps a ‘rollin on ‘The Midwest Rock ‘N Roll Express’ tour, featuring the triple bill of Styx, REO Speedwagon and Ted Nugent. The classic rock collective that earned a prominent spot on our ‘Must-See Rock Concerts of 2013’ list recently made a pit stop in Springfield, Mass. on April 23. Check out our photos from the show below.
Classic rockers Styx and REO Speedwagon -- along with tour mate Ted Nugent -- have come to the rescue once again. The heartland rockers will donate a portion of the proceeds from their current Midwest Rock 'N' Roll Express tour to victims of the recent Boston Marathon bombings.
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder recently released a solo album titled 'Road to Forever,' and on Monday (March 18) he released the second single from the project, a mid-tempo electric-acoustic hybrid titled 'Wash Away.' And while it might not be the second coming of 'Hotel California,' the track is a deserving effort with many strong elements, and more than worthy of a listen for any fan of his prior work.
There probably isn't a heck of a lot of overlap between their fanbases, but that didn't stop Slayer guitarist Kerry King from showing up for Styx's Feb. 8 concert -- or hanging out with Tommy Shaw and James 'JY' Young backstage after the last encore.
Styx were one of the biggest American rock groups of the '70s, with a string of hit albums and songs including 'Lady,' 'Come Sail Away,' 'Renegade' and 'Blue Collar Man.' The group scored two of their biggest successes with concept albums -- 1977's 'The Grand Illusion,' and 'Paradise Theatre' in 1981. On Feb. 28, 1983, Styx released 'Kilroy Was Here,' their most ambitious concept album yet. But within a year, tensions in the group came to a breaking point, bringing the classic era of Styx to an end.
A successful two-month run in 2012 has lead to more shows together for REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent in 2013. The Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express tour will begin again in April, with 20 dates announced through May 19.
Former Styx front man Dennis DeYoung hasn't been an active member of the group he helped found since 1999, but he still makes his living by playing their greatest hits. DeYoung's current solo band is geared toward recreating the classic Styx sound as closely as possible, and the singer, songwriter and keyboardist has revealed that he is hoping to re-stage the superstar rock group's most successful tour for an upcoming DVD release.
Register to win a pair of tickets to see Styx in concert at Billy Bob's in Texas! World's Largest Honky Tonk. Doors open at 6pm. Styx performs beginning at 10:30pm
As 1976 came to a close, Styx was a moderately successful band still breaking in a new guitarist/singer.
Two years (and two albums) later, the band — fueled by the fresh songwriting and six-string contributions of Tommy Shaw — was among the best-selling acts in America.
Styx recently revisited its platinum-selling one-two punch of 1977′s ‘The Grand Illusion’ and 1978′s ‘Pieces of Eight’ on tour, and Eagle Rock will release the sights and sounds from one show on Jan. 31.
