By photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering
Two of rocks most enduring acts, Styx and Chicago, blew into the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre on July 15th as part of their ongoing “Windy Cities Tour”. Surprisingly, though both bands hail from the Windy City of Chicago, they have never previously shared the same billing. Given their great popularity in the 70s & 80s, it seemed long overdue, and judging from the full house attending on a Wednesday night, their devoted fans definitely agree! With both bands delivering powerhouse, full-length 90-minute sets, the evening was a true masterclass in arena rock showmanship.
Styx marched in procession onto the stage with a video backdrop of a giant AM/FM radio dial, signifying the glory days of album rock dominance during which the group was forged. They kicked off strong with classics from their power rock glory days, including “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)” and “Lorelei”, which got the sing-alongs started straightaway! I was torn over whether to simply sing along or take photos! They also sprinkled in newer material like “Build and Destroy” and “Our Wonderful Lives”, proving they’re not just a nostalgia act. Classic rock fans should take note, Styx is still creating compelling new music, so if you haven’t heard their latest three albums, you’re in for a real treat, as the music and the message are as powerful as ever, so be sure to give them a listen!
The emotional peak came, not surprisingly, with “Come Sail Away”, as thousands of phones lit up the arena while the crowd sang out every word; including myself! Gowan’s theatrical keyboard work and soaring vocals, Shaw’s gritty guitar and ageless charm (the guy still has model good looks and a thick shock of blonde hair most guys would die for!) and Young’s blistering guitar leads carried the night. Lawrence Gowan remains one of the most charismatic frontmen in rock, actively bounding across the stage and playing his signature spinning keyboard, a la Keith Emerson. He is a true band leader, and the combo of himself and his brother Terry on bass makes for a real dynamic duo, with their flowing hair and optimistic energy. Cannot fail to mention backing guitarist Will Evankovich, who is a class act himself, with the perfect chiseled rock star demeanor and chops to back it up. Will is also a key composing contributor to their recent album releases and a solid component of their live act. Drummer Todd Sucherman was also an absolute monster behind the kit, driving the dynamic shifts that make Styx’s music so compelling live. His drum set was a piece of art itself.
Video montages on a giant LED screen added to the ambiance and really gave the show a theatrical feel. The encores of their classic Mr. Roboto and Renegade capped off a perfectly energized set. A real highlight was the inclusion of founding bassist Chuck Panozzo, who took the stage and played several songs. Chuck has been battling HIV but still travels with them on the road and remains a real inspiration.
After a short break, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Chicago took the stage and delivered a powerful wall of sound that only a world-class horn section like theirs can provide. Their material spans the trail end of the 1960s psychedelic blues-rock era of hippie optimism and self-expression, while they were one of the first to incorporate jazz sophistication with a full horn section on top of rock band compositions. A turn towards romantic ballads during the 80s made them chart toppers, a staple of classic rock radio and wedding first dances to this day.
After nearly six decades of uninterrupted touring, it would be easy for Chicago to settle into routine. Instead, they continue performing with the energy, precision, and passion that have defined their stellar career. After all this time, the legendary rock outfit demonstrated that their music is much more than a mere collection of classic hits, it indeed remains a vibrant and powerful live experience.
Under the Florida steamy summer night sky, Chicago delivered an expansive 25-song showcase, reminding fans old and new alike why they remain the gold standard for horn-driven rock and one of America’s most beloved touring bands.
Overall, the current Chicago tour reflects a balance of both legacy and continuity, preserving the band’s signature sound through longtime non-founding members while remaining firmly rooted in its origins with original trumpeter Lee Loughnane serving as the enduring presence on stage. A somber remembrance was paid to Walter Parazaider, founding saxophonist and woodwind player with Chicago, who passed recently at age 81 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Founding member and keyboardist Robert Lamm also retired in 2025, along with trombonist and arranger James Pankow.
Real highlights of the show for me as a personal long time fan, were a marvelous cover of the Jackie Wilson R&B classic “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher”, which really got the crowd shaking, along with the always-powerful Spencer Davis cover “I’m a Man”, which Chicago made a signature tune for themselves back in the late 60’s.
Special shout outs to vocalist Rudy Cardenas, who is a recent addition on the tour, and had the enormous challenge of singing in so many vocal styles from the band’s huge catalog. Rudy was a contestant on season 6 of American Idol in 2007, and did a fine job, with a charismatic stage presence and easy grace about him. Guitarist Tony Obrohta also provided the grit and fury of original beloved guitarist Terry Kath, delivering smoking leads on a beautiful Les Paul cherry sunburst.
As they finished the evening with the beloved “25 or 6 to 4”, fans were left with feelings of nostalgia that endures in the best and truest sense, and a testament to the timelessness of some of America’s greatest music, born in the heartland of our Second City, Chicago.
Chicago and Styx remain on a short list of acts capable of uniting music lovers spanning the generations, as we saw smiling parents and children in the crowd, honoring their monumental legacy while demonstrating that their catalogs remain vibrant and alive. For devoted followers and first-time concertgoers alike, the Windy Cities Tour offered definitive proof that exceptional songwriting, executed with passion and conviction, will surely waft through succeeding generations, welcomed as warmly as a summer breeze.
