Styx Hits Home At Pompano Beach Amphitheater (Live Review)

With a name like Styx, you better have a good drummer. And the ‘70s rock hit makers have one of the best with Todd Sucherman.

Sitting behind a Sonor drum kit that likely arrived on its own truck for sheer volume and value, Sucherman dominated the night at Pompano Beach Amphitheater delivering a performance that was nuanced, meticulous and yet chest pounding enough for the fist-pumping crowd.

Good drummers shine live. And Sucherman dazzled.

The sold-out audience Feb. 22 was appropriately aged and on their feet most of the night especially for the arena anthems that built the brand in the late ‘70s and ‘80s including “Renegade,” “Babe,” “Mr. Roboto,” “The Grand Illusion” and “Come Sail Away.”

The night had just enough edge for the recent converts and enough nostalgia for the faithful.

The band lineup includes the classic and contemporary members most fans associate with Styx including founding member and guitarist James “JY” Young; guitarist Tommy Shaw; keyboard player Lawrence Gowan, who joined in 1999; bassist (since 2003) Ricky Phillips; guitarist Will Evankovich, an official member since 2021; and Sucherman, who joined in 1996 after the passing of founding member John Panozzo.

The band has released 18 studio albums including their latest Circling From Above, which was released in 2025 via Alpha Dog 2T/Ume and produced by Evankovich, who also co-wrote the album with Shaw.

The concert was a satisfying mix of new music and classic catalog. Known for hard and progressive rock with a splash of rhinestone pop, the band delivered with Gowan’s lush keyboards, the ensemble’s trademark harmonies and big guitar riffs. 

A mix of rock mainstays and emotional concept songs, a highlight was “Crystal Ball,” which was released in 1976 and was the first song written and sung by Shaw after he joined the group. Fifty years later, Shaw led off the song playing a 12-string acoustic that stilled the crowd before the full band roared in on the chorus with theatrical flair.

And then there was Sucherman, who is widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled and respected drummers in classic rock today.

He possesses the musical chops, taste and speed to enthrall.

Possessing a traditional stick hold and proficient with both hands, Sucherman moves around his massive kit with ease and laser focus. Following his reach is mesmerizing enough with the placement of his high hat, but then you remember he’s also playing two bass drums. 

And Sucherman plays it cool. There are other drummers with massive kits that are equally impressive but underutilized.  Sucherman mines every part with precision and power – skills on full display during “Come Sail Away” with his numerous clean, drum fills. 

He could easily dominate every song, but his musicianship is stronger than timekeeping. He shows restraint when it’s called for but is still explosive on the difficult arrangements, making them sound effortless. 

Sucherman has a genuine appreciation for the original parts but elevates the beloved hits live.

The 3,000-cap. venue was up to the task. Pompano Beach Amphitheater is owned by the city and operated by AEG Presents. 

The South Florida amphitheater, north of Fort Lauderdale, is completely covered and still feels airy and comfortable. The sound feels more like an intimate club setting than outdoor facility. 

“We aim to consistently deliver events that resonate with the community – resulting in multiple artists choosing to return and perform at our venue time after time,” operations manager Jesse Gurtis told Pollstar. “The unique layout of our amphitheater offers fully covered seating and ensures an intimate and up-close artist and fan experience.”

Open since 1993, the amp is designed to handle the elements but Gurtis admits there are still challenges.

“Weather is often our biggest challenge, but our strong partnership with the City of Pompano Beach has allowed us to continually adapt,” he says. “Thanks to their ongoing support, the venue now features a full roof covering over both seated and standing areas, enabling shows to play rain or shine. Newly installed industrial-grade fans also help keep guests cool and more comfortable during the summer heat.”

Gurtis says the upgrades have preserved numerous performances.

“Our goal is to grow the legacy of The Pompano Beach Amphitheater and celebrate the City of Pompano Beach by creating unforgettable experiences for fans and performers alike for generations to come,” he says.