On June 13, we arrived at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN at 2:00 PM to get our ticket situation sorted out. The show didn’t start until 8:30, and right when we pulled into the parking lot we were greeted by the sounds of Boston rehearsing. At first we thought it was a tape playing, but as we walked closer we saw the whole band out on stage getting ready for the night’s show. They played for over an hour and a half, and it was a real treat getting to see them rehearse.
After all that excitement, we were ready for the show. Unexpectedly, Styx came out right on time at 8:30. The band walked out from the right side, and I began to get some shots of this great group. The band was incredibly tight and they sounded phenomenal. They are a slick, well-oiled touring machine, having performed thousands of shows in the past 15 years. James “JY” Young, Tommy Shaw, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips, and Todd Sucherman all look fantastic and were extremely energetic on stage. They started out with “Blue Collar Man”, then played “Grand Illusion” and “Lorelei”. Gowan knows how to work the keys; he was constantly swinging the keyboard and jumping around. The highlight of the show was when JY, Tommy Shaw, and Ricky Phillips would all jam guitar together right in the middle of the stage. The band really enjoyed themselves throughout the performance.
The rest of the set was as follows: “I Am the Walrus”, “Man In The Wilderness”, “Crystal Ball”, “Fooling Yourself”, “Miss America”, “Come Sail Away”, “Renegade”. The band truly owned the stage during the show and they had a blast doing it. JY was all smiles and the whole band just sounded like a CD. They tossed out handfuls of guitar picks, drum sticks, STYX branded beach balls, mesh bags, and even frisbees. Styx was a very hard act to follow.
After 30 minutes, Boston roared onto the stage with the Star Spangled Banner featuring guitarist Tom Scholz. The band, on its third of many tour dates this summer, featured two new members – Tommy DeCarlo and Michael Sweet, who shared lead vocal duties. After the tragic loss of Brad Delp, Boston is back and sounding great. Tommy DeCarlo is an amazing vocalist, and although he was a bit nervous up on stage (and understandably so!), he enjoyed the crowd and the crowd enjoyed him. Tom Scholz was amazing on the guitar as always, and he wore shirt that read “Don’t Worry, I’m with the Band”. The band tried to get as many songs in as possible, and it seemed that they were going non-stop at times, ripping into one hit after another.
The band didn’t move around as much as Styx, but they were still very energetic in terms of their performance. Kimberley Dahme provided great backing vocals, although her bass guitar was rather overpowering, and Tommy’s vocals could have been turned up. Gary Pihl was at his best and he nailed every note on his guitar. It was an unforgettable night of Boston, and when Michael Sweet announced “To Be a Man” as a tribute to Brad, it added a bit of remembrance of Brad Delp to the show. Both Sweet and DeCarlo do a great job performing the Boston catalog, DeCarlo especially so. Although he has no prior experience being in a rock band, the former Home Depot employee is living the dream and his voice is simply amazing.
Although Boston seemed harder to hear and the sound just wasn’t as clear as with Styx, it was still an incredibly enjoyable performance. As for the vocals, Michael Sweet took the lead on “Amanda”, and most of “To Be a Man”, and provided roughly 25% of the total lead vocal. Tommy took the rest, and he did a great job. Michael added more of a metal element to the songs that he sang, and his long hair seemed to be in his face quite a bit, making it a bit difficult to get a good photo.
Drummer Jeff Neal was always grinning during the show and he seemed to be having a great time. His drumming skill is very impressive, and he really shined during the night. The set list was: Star Spangled Banner, I Had a Good Time, Rock and Roll Band, Peace of Mind, Cool the Engines, Feelin’ Satisfied, Don’t Look Back, Something About You, Amanda, The Launch, Walk On, Get Organ-ized, Walk On (Some More), More Than a Feeling, To Be A Man, Hitch A Ride, Don’t Be Afraid, Foreplay/Long Time, Smokin’, Party
The pairing of these two bands for a full summer tour was a great idea. Styx is a top-notch live act and Boston will only improve as the tour goes on as its members new and old continue to grow as a band. I look forward to seeing both bands once again on separate occasions in mid-July.
Nice review. I will see this show in August.
I was told that both bands are playing their full set (about 90 minutes each) Is that correct?
You did not mention Styx playing Lady or an 18 song medley which they have played the last several time I have seen them. Are they still playing these?
Did they play Suite Madame Blue?
Thanks.
Jim
I saw the show in Dallas and Styx played a shorter set than Boston. Showed started exactly on time as the ticket stated (08:00 PM) and although there was no Styx medley, they did play “Suite Madam Blue”. Boston was great and I mean the following comment with NO disrespect as I LOVE their live sound: when it’s just music, I heard Boston. With vocals, I heard a Boston cover band. Yes, Tommy and Michael do a great job with the songs. Definitely a show worth every dollar paid, but something was “missing” from the Boston sound. And I am not specifically referring to Brad…
Anonymous, thanks for the information. Do you recall if Styx played “Lady” and/or “Snowblind”?
The information I received from Styx’s website indicated both bands were playing their full 90 minute sets.
Thanks!
Jim
I too was at the Dallas show and NO Styx did not play Lady. I was waiting for it all night and they did not do it. Only disappointment. Styx and Tommy Shaw were excellent.
Boston was also excellent, but I agree that there was someting different about them.
Thanks everyone for the information. I have never seen Boston live but have seen Styx 10 times. I guess I am biased.
I believe the reason you feel Boston may be missing something is in what I just stated. I have seen Styx so much because they have continually toured over the past 9 years. Boston has never been around my area so I assume they do not tour much. This gives Styx a huge advantage—they are seasoned pros at playing live.
Styx’s non original members have been with them for many years—with the exception of Ricky Phillips who joined them around 2004. Their amazing drummer, Todd Sucherman has been with them since 1996 and Lawrence Gowan since 1999. In my opinion, Todd is one of the best rock drummers playing today!
From information I received from Styx’s website, I was told they are playing “Lady” but no mention of “Suite Madam Blue”. It sounds like Styx is changing a song or 2 at each concert.
Can’t wait for TONIGHT!! Going to the concert in Las Vegas. $25!! I couldn’t believe it!
Excited to hear all those songs, will be disappointed if they don’t play Lady and my 14 year old really wants to hear Mr. Roboto but I don’t think they play that live anymore.
Can’t wait!
Please post your thoughts after tonights concert. “Lady” is probably hit or miss. They have always played it but seems they may substitute another song, possible “Suite Madam Blue”
I am sorry to hear they are no longer playing their 18 song medley. Mr Roboto was one of the songs in the medley.
I know Styx will be amazing. I haven’t seen Boston yet but from what I am reading, they are very good but not as polished as Styx.
Enjoy.
Yes, It looks like Lady has been cut from the set this year. I’m not sure why, but maybe it will be brought back in later in the tour.
I just saw Styx / Boston last night. I honestly can’t believe how many comments are so down on Boston. I thought they were phenomenal. Styx was great too, but their stage antics are, well… pretty gay (Tommy Shaw being the exception). I go to hear great music, and see cool performers – not to watch 40+ year olds prance around on stage. It just wasn’t working for me. Meanwhile, Boston and all six(!) of their lead and harmony vocalists just nailed all their parts. One of the best arena shows I’ve seen. There will never be another Brad Delp. Listeners need to get over that. I love Brad’s voice as much as anyone, but the new vocalists are awesome in their own way. It’s artistic freedom — and they bring different life to the songs. They rock!
Boston’s shows are getting better and better as the tour wears on. I think there are just a lot of disgruntled fans at the moment, not sure why this is so.
I’d have to disagree with you on Styx. I love how they are so active on stage and there is always something to watch whether it’s a spinning keyboard or a 3-person guitar jam. I’m a big fan of their stage antics as well as their music.