Styx Whips Out The Big Ones

The albums are 1977’s The Grand Illusion, which features Styx classics like the LP’s title track along with “Come Sail Away,” and “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” and 1978’s Pieces Of Eight, which was responsible songs like “Renegade” and “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights).” Both albums took ‘70s AOR radio by storm and songs on each album are now considered must-play tracks on classic rock stations.

In addition to presenting the two albums live, the band will also dig into its catalog of hits. So expect a few surprises as well.

“This is the most unique Styx concert ever,” singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw said. “It’s a hybrid experience of enjoying the artistry of the vinyl album and the energy of our live performance. Some songs have never been performed live!”

Styx is also offering a seven-song EP, called Regeneration, Volume 1, containing newly re-recorded versions of “Crystal Ball,” “Lorelei,” “Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man),” “The Grand Illusion,” “Sing For The Day,” and “Come Sail Away” plus a new track, “Difference In The World.” The EP will be sold at every October and November tour stop.

The Grand Illusion / Pieces Of Eight run begins Oct. 14 in Evansville, Ind., at The Centre Oct. 14, plays Merrillville, Ind., at the Star Plaza Theatre Oct. 15 and stops in Waukegan, Ill., for a gig at Genesee Theatre Oct. 16. Other stops include New York, Baltimore, Toledo, Washington, Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, Atlanta, Columbus, Ohio, and Fort Myers, Fla.

Tickets for some dates go on sale as early as Aug. 6. For more information, click here for the Styx website, and here, here, here and here for the band’s Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube pages, respectively.