Boston, Styx bring big hits, changes to Encore Park
For accessAtlanta
Monday, August 11, 2008
The summer concert season has been dominated by classic rock shows, and a major player in that distinction has been Alpharetta’s Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. As the venue’s summer concert season winds down, Boston and Styx provide another double bill of bands that reached their peaks in the ’70s and ’80s. Here’s a look at each band’s accomplishments and how they pair up.
Tim Barrett
Tom Scholz (second from left) of Boston has stuck with the band since its formation in the early 1970s
Styx (pictured in 2006) has had several breakups and reunions through the years, altering the group from its ’70s makeup.
CONCERT PREVIEW
Boston and Styx. $30-$79. 8 p.m. Aug. 17. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5012, www.vzwamp.com.
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Forming in the early ’70s, this aptly named band (from Boston) rose to prominence with its 1976 self-titled debut, which included hits like “More Than a Feeling” and “Peace of Mind.” Known as much for its anthemic sound centered around guitarist Tom Scholz as for its sci-fi inspired album covers featuring a guitar-shaped UFO, Boston is one of the best-selling rock acts of all time with more than 30 million albums sold. The lineup has fluctuated over the years with Scholz being the only remaining original member. Other than longtime guitarist Gary Pihl, the rest of the current lineup has only been together for the past few years, with Michael Sweet of Christian metal band Stryper replacing the late Brad Delp, who was the most recognizable voice of the band.
Perhaps best know for the effects-laden synth-rock hit “Mr. Roboto,” Styx also formed in the early ’70s. The band’s progressive rock leanings went on to spawn hits like “Come Sail Away,” “Too Much Time on My Hands” and “Renegade,” making Styx the first band to have four back-to-back multiplatinum albums. Despite selling more than 30 million records, the band broke up in the mid-’80s with members exploring solo projects and vocalist/guitarist Tommy Shaw eventually forming Damn Yankees, a rock supergroup with Ted Nugent. Styx reunited with a new lineup in the early ’90s, which resulted in the hit “Show Me the Way.” After a couple more splits and reunions, Styx has maintained a steady touring schedule in recent years with guitarist/vocalist James Young the only constant member and Shaw returning in the mid-’90s.
