Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Danny Zelisko Presents (https://dzplive.com/ )
Venue: Celebrity Theatre (https://celebritytheatre.com/ )
Date: Friday January 9th, 2026
WOW…. What a way to start off the 2026 concert season, then with an iconic performance by STYX. There are just certain bands that are much better live then on their studio albums, and STYX is one of them. They are just damn fun to see and listen to. They are one of the great rock bands that came out of Chicago area in the 70s and they have been rocking crowds now for 50 years.
The current line-up for STYX is guitarists Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, drummer Todd Sucherman, guitarist Will Evankovich, and bass player Terry Gowan, along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo. We were lucky enough to have Chuck perform on 4 songs.
One of the things that stood out to me tonight was the unique drum kit that Todd had. It had a beautiful wood grain shell. I have seen some beautiful drum kits including Carl Palmer’s all Stainless-Steel kit, but Todd’s kit was by far the most beautiful I have ever seen.
STYX loves to play at the Celebrity Theatre here in Phoenix. They really seem to enjoy the round stage and the band was constantly roaming around it and playing to the fans. The entire lower ring of the Celebrity Theatre was standing throughout the entire show. And at times, they would sing along to their favorite songs. When STYX ended the encore with “Renegade” it was thunderous in the venue between the band and all of the fans singing along.
Every member of the band did a stellar performance. Tommy and JD on guitars were fantastic. And Tommy and Lawernce voices were great. Todd on drums was spectacular. He is one of the under-estimated drummers today.
Lawrence was especially energetic tonight as he danced around on the circular stage. At one point he climbed up onto the drum kit platform, sang and then jumped off. The ladies expressly loved it when he came to the front of the stage and sang directly to them.
STYX did a little over 90-minute set with encore of 17 songs. The songs covered a wide range of their albums, but included a few deep cuts that I have not hear live before including, “Build and Destroy” and “Aku-Aku”. The rest of the show was a tour through memory lane of their greatest hits. When they did “The Grand Illusion” the crowd roared with approval. Then to end the show with “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade” with Chuck joining them on stage put the cherry on the top of the night.
I have to admit, STYX is one of my favorite rock bands. I have seen them now more times than any other band and each time I come away amazed. If you want to see a fun show with amazing rock music then I can very highly recommend seeing STYX. Unfortunately for other bands, I will be comparing their performances this year against tonight’s show. They will definitely have a long way to outdo STYX’s performance.
Their tour here in Arizona is over, but they will be doing a short residency in Las Vegas at the Venetian Theatre starting January 23rd till 31st. Check out their website to see when STYX will be coming to a city near you.
Starting the evening was a Phoenix fan favorite, Max Gomez. I would call his style an Alternative/Folk/Southwest Americana. He has been compared to Jackson Browne and John Prine because of his seasoned blend of Americana and folk. I have seen Max a number of times and have enjoyed him every time. The first time I saw him, he had not yet produced his first album, Rule The World. This latest time, he has just released his second album, Memory Mountain.
Max is a solo singer/songwriter that plays acoustic guitar. You don’t get a lot of flash with Max. But what you do get is some amazing songs performed by a great artist. Up to this tour his best know song was “New Mexico” which is also one of my favorite songs. I love how he takes a dig at people (including TSA) that don’t realize that he is from New Mexico and it is part of the US.
Max did a 30-minute set that included songs from his new album, Memory Mountain. He started the set with “Good Friends”. Having seen Max multiple times, this is how he thinks of his fans, good friends. For the next 30 minutes we got some of the best Max has to offer.
If you get a chance to see Max Gomez, I would recommend it. Check out his website to see if he will be performing in a city near you.
STYX Social Media sites:
Website: https://styxworld.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styxtheband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styxtheband/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@styxtheband
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebandstyx
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2025, All Rights Reserved
Max Gomez Social Media sites:
Website: https://maxgomezmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxgomezmusic
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/maxgomezmusic
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/maxgomezmusic
Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2025, All Rights Reserved
STYX Setlist: (Album)
Build and Destroy (Circling From Above)
The Grand Illusion (The Grand Illusion)
Too Much Time on My Hands (Paradise Theatre)
Lady (Styx II)
(With Chuck Panozzo)
Lorelei (Equinox)
Great White Hope (Pieces of Eight)
(Sung by Lawrence Gowan and Will Evankovich)
Crystal Ball (Crystal Ball)
Light Up (Equinox)
Pieces of Eight (Pieces of Eight)
Aku-Aku (Pieces of Eight)
Rockin’ the Paradise (Paradise Theatre)
(Band Introductions)
Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) (Pieces of Eight)
The Best of Times (Paradise Theatre)
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) (The Grand Illusion)
Come Sail Away (The Grand Illusion)
(With Chuck Panozzo)
Encore:
Mr. Roboto (Kilroy Was Here)
(With Chuck Panozzo)
Renegade (Pieces of Eight)
(With Chuck Panozzo)
Max Gomez Setlist: (Album)
Good Friends (Memory Mountain)
What’s In The Well
Lost Train Of Thought (Memory Mountain)
Too Afraid To Fall In Love (Memory Mountain)
Make It Me (Me & Joe)
New Mexico (Memory Mountain)
