Review
This is one to pick up if you liked all the quality hard rock the 1970s had to offer. This double-album Styx release is is one of their best live performances and it comes later in the band’s career (filmed on November 9th, 2010 at the historic Orpheum Theater in Memphis, TN) — and without staple singer Dennis DeYoung. (!) The main reason for this accomplishment is performing the classic albums The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight in their entirety, back-to-back. The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight are outstanding albums and there were always unrecognized cuts like the snarky pomp of “Miss America” and “I’m Okay.”
New-found singer Lawrence Gowan has all the nuances of the classic songs down. Die-hards may miss DeYoung but they have to appreciate the exceptional fanfare here. Not to mention Tommy Shaw does a fantastic job on lead guitar (in case you forgot how good he is).
This is as close to five stars as you will get for a live disc.
Note: This audio 2xCD also comes with a video release which makes the experience much better. The box set can be purchased here.
Label: Eagle Rock
