Styx performs at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Aug. 24, 2024.
By Ian Storck
Classic rock legends Styx and Foreigner team up for the “Renegades and Juke Box Heroes Tour,” their first tour together after 10 years. The tour saw British vocalist John Waite as support for the Styx/Foreigner co-headlining event.
Singer John Waite brought the pop rock flavor to the mix, with a selection of tracks from his time as a lead vocalist for The Babys, as well as Bad English, and from his era as a soloist. Between opening with “Midnight Rendevous” by The Babys, and cruising through several cover songs, the middle of the set saw Waite perform his chart-topping hit “Missing You.” Instantly recognized by the fans, the crowd finally got to their feet to sing along, and stayed standing until the end of the set, which wrapped up with covers of “Whole Lotta Love” and “Let Me Love You Baby.” Waite’s stage presence and crowd interactions made up for the small setup, and you could see the energy that the crowd gave back to him once “Missing You” hit, and things started feeling like a rock show.
John Waite performs at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Aug. 24, 2024.
Foreigner took the first headlining slot of the night, offering up a full set jam packed with their greatest hits. The entertaining Kelly Hansen still has the frontman power to last another 20 years in the group, bringing a wild rockstar energy to the stage, especially for the exciting opening performances of “Cold as Ice“ and “Double Vision.” Hansen mentioned how their previous headlining set was a farewell run, and while this is an extension of that, they also don’t plan to retire after all. Foreigner will continue, but in short bursts, and select shows. Understandable, after being on the road for nearly 50 years.
Their performance of “Juke Box Hero” featured Hansen suspended above the crowd, belting the classic chorus and the fans sang along, before running through the crowd back to the stage. The final moments of the set featured Foreigner joined on stage by a local high school choir to accompany them on the power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is,” before unleashing the pyrotechnics for the encore performance of “Hot Blooded.”
Styx followed up Foreigner’s performance with another full-length headlining set, giving the white hot crowd no break for their vocal chords. They opened with the crowd-pleaser “Too Much Time on My Hands” and the ballad “Lady,” which had fans singing once again. Semi-retired bassist Chuck Panozzo joined the group to perform onstage throughout the set, alongside new Styx bassist Terry Gowan, the younger brother of vocalist Lawrence Gowan. Terry Gowan’s excitement was clear from the get-go, and it looked like he was thriving and bringing new energy to the group.
Styx performs at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Aug. 24, 2024.
Much like his brother, vocalist Lawrence Gowan continues to be an incredible showman, dancing at his rotating keyboard, or across the stage during “Lady” or “Rockin’ the Paradise.” His eccentric outfits complement the fun and psychedelic moments of the Styx songs perfectly. Longtime Styx guitarists Tommy Shaw and James Young handled some vocal duties as well, with Shaw running about the stage, juxtaposing Young’s stoic front and center presence. Though some of the audience seemed to be getting exhausted from singing for the nearly four-hour outdoor show, they stuck it out, belting the iconic “Come Sail Away,” and “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade” for the encore. The double-feature of Foreigner and Styx is not one to miss, but be prepared to lose your voice after singing along to so many recognizable hits.
Photos and Review by Ian Storck – IG @i_storck
