When a classic rock powerhouse like Styx pulls into town on their Windy Cities tour, expectations naturally run high, but bringing their iconic anthems to Citizens Live at The Wylie added a whole new layer of excitement. The brand new venue in Pittsburgh was eager to host its very first major rock show, and Styx was the perfect choice to christen the stage. Having built a massive legacy since the 70’s with their signature blend of progressive rock and arena-ready hooks, Styx showed up ready to deliver a full-throttle show. The atmosphere inside the new, sold-out venue was electric, with local fans buzzing about both the shiny new surroundings and the classic riffs about to come.
Kickstarting the night with a burst of Southern rock energy, The Outlaws took the stage first and immediately got the Wylie rocking. Their signature sound, packed with blazing guitar solos and infectious grooves, was a hit with the early crowd as people continued filing into their seats. The band moved through a tight set that highlighted their quadruple guitar attack. Bluesy vocals and high intensity rhythm warmed up the brand new sound system at The Wylie in style, making the room feel like a classic rock sanctuary within minutes. Their cover of “(Ghost) Riders In the Sky” hit particularly hard, the riffs dancing through the Wylie sounding better than ever.
When Styx finally stepped into the spotlight, the sheer musicianship on display across the stage was nothing short of breathtaking. Keyboard master and vocalist Lawrence Gowan owned the stage with boundless charismatic energy, while drummer Todd Sucherman provided a thunderous, relentless beat alongside guitarist Will Evankovich and bassist Terry Gowan. However, the crowd reserved its warmest cheers for the remaining original and long-standing foundational members who carry the core Styx legacy forward. Guitarist James JY Young hit trademark fiery solos, while Tommy Shaw captivated the entire room with pristine vocals and flawless fretwork. Seeing these seasoned legends trade licks and share huge smiles was magical, their genuine passion for performing live shining as bright as ever.
The setlist was a masterclass in arena rock craftsmanship that kept the crowd danging and singing along to every word. Styx seamlessly wove their massive radio anthems together, delivering huge renditions of classics “Grand Illusion” and “Rockin’ the Paradise” that brought down the house. “Come Sail Away” instantly became a massive singalong, thousands of voices all blending together to become one. This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Crystal Ball.” This one song has been so important to so many people across generations, and for Styx to not only still play it but play it live with original members is an incredible feat, something that everyone who has the opportunity to experience very much appreciates as Tommy Shaw’s vocals are still stunningly beautiful. Alongside all of these beloved, time-tested staples, Styx also dusted off a few newer tracks, “Our Wonderful Lives” from their 2023 album Crash of the Crown and “Build and Destroy” from their most recent album Circling From Above, that fit right in with the classic catalog. It’s truly amazing that after all these years, Styx can still put out world-class albums. The pristine acoustics of the Wylie highlighted every rich vocal harmony and soaring riff, making the classic jams sound as fresh and crisp as the day they were recorded.
The vibes inside Citizens Live at The Wylie were warm, joyful, and deeply nostalgic, with music uniting generations of fans under one roof. Parents rocking out alongside their grown kids created a shared experience that really underscored the timeless appeal of great classic rock melodies. Being the very first official rock show held at the new Pittsburgh venue, this show set an incredibly high standard for every act that will cross the stage in the future. Closing out the spectacular night with a roaring performance of “Renegade” felt especially perfect, as the iconic jam sent the crowd out into the night feeling completely satisfied, full of classic rock and Pittsburgh pride.
October 3rd, 2026
