Styx ‘The Grand Illusion/Pieces Of Eight – Live’ (DVD)

The DVD (also available on BluRay) version of the double live CD of Styx performing tow of their entire classic 70’s albums. The show was recorded at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis and includes a guest appearance by original bass player Chuck Panozzo.

Starting with a young kid putting on his headphones to listen to the albums on vinyl this DVD captures a very visual and energetic show by the band. All the band members get a chance to shine although Lawrence Gown steals the show with his swirly keyboard and infectious enthusiasm when he sings (he covers the songs Dennis de Young would have sung), none more so than on his grand church organ solo on ‘I’m Okay’. Not to be outdone though James Young whips up a storm on ‘Miss America’ and Tommy Shaw has lost none of his vocal prowess, plus he is a damn fine guitarist. It is great to hear these two albums played in entirety even ‘Aku-Aku’ which closes the set and sees the band winding down slowly musically as the crowd starts to increase in their sound and appreciation.

The bonus feature is a series of interviews with the people behind the scenes who help keep the show on the road, including the flamboyant merchandise guy and an in-depth, if sometimes slightly Spinal Tap-esque, look at the drum set-up. Nice little feature and better than back stage band member ‘jokes’ and footage you normally get on a live DVD.

Pretty damn essential for fans and great for UK/European based fans as its unlikely they will perform both albums in one night over here.

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
RIOGHAN Hands (Inverse Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)