Styx with Tesla and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts @ PNC Music Pavilion Charlotte, NC 6-13-18

The sweet, sweet sounds of classic rock filled the air at PNC Music Pavilion Wednesday night as Styx made a stop in Charlotte on their 2018 North American Tour. The band is touring in support of their latest album “The Mission” and brought along Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and Tesla to give fans a night of rock and roll they will never forget.

Tesla got things started early in the evening with a strong set of all their biggest hits. The band has been out celebrating 30 years of Tesla and gauging from the night’s performance they haven’t missed a beat. Vocalist Jeff Keith sounded better than ever and worked his charm on the crowd even taking a moment to climb down on one of the speakers to touch hands with one of the children in the front row. Guitarist Frank Hannon was on fire all night long with fiery leads as the band ran through crowd favorites “Signs” and “Little Suzi.” Closing out their set like true “Modern Day Cowboys,” Tesla came to rock leaving the audience on their feet and begging for more.

After a short break, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts took the stage to the delight of the crowd as a thunderstorm brewed in the distance. Kicking off her high energy set with “Bad Reputation,” Jett sounded great as the rain began to pour. Despite the weather, fans danced and partied along with Jett and some of her biggest hits. Things really got going when Joan began the chorus of “Cherry Bomb” from her time in the Runaways. I have to give major props to the rest of her band as well. The Blackhearts are one hell of a backing band as they ran through their set with technical precision and true rock and roll showmanship. Jett closed out her set with an extended version of “Everyday People” by Sly & the Family Stone. Not wanting the moment to end, Joan hung outfor a few minutes tossing out picks and slapping high fives to the lucky fans up front.

The rain began to subside just in time for the Styx to light up the arena with an outstanding performance. As the stage lights came on, the musicians took the stage one by one posing on top of the massive risers at the rear of the stage behind the drum kit. As they took their respective spots, they launched into “Gone Gone Gone” a newer tune from their latest record, an epic concept album called “The Mission.”

Things went into overdrive quickly with “Blue Collar Man” (Long Nights)” and “The Grand Illusion.” Vocalist and guitarist Tommy Shaw explained to the audience that he had come down with laryngitis and might need some help singing. Although his voice cracked when he spoke, his vocals were spot on all night. Keyboardist and vocalist Lawrence Gowan was on a rotating riser as the LED screens and lights changed behind him. Shaw and James “JY” Young were absolutely incredible giving fans an epic evening of rock and roll. JY took over lead vocals for “Miss America” and original bassist and founding member Chuck Panozzo came out to perform during “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man). It’s good to see Chuck on stage and being able to continue touring even if in a limited way. Gowan led the audience through a portion of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” before the familiar notes of “Come Sail Away’ began bringing the capacity crowd to its feet. Cellphones were up and out and the voices from the pavilion must have carried all the way to Interstate 85 as everyone was singing along. It was a powerful performance and a perfect ending to their set. As the band exited the stage, the “Styx!” chants began and the band returned for a two song encore. The backdrops changed and lit up with Japanese characters for “Mr. Roboto” as the crowd sang along “Domo! Domo!” The best was still yet to come though as the stage got dark and one spot light lit up Tommy Shaw as began softly singing the opening lines of “Renegade.” The lights came up as the song launched into overdrive as Styx tore up the stage in true rock style.

This wasn’t just a rock concert but an experience shared by all who were there, fans, bands, and staff included. Over the years, Styx has taken us on a fantastic musical voyage as we sailed away in the seventies, rocked the paradise in the eighties, and have now embarked on a mission for the ages. This is the must see tour of the summer. Don’t miss your chance to experience all they have to offer.

Set List:

Gone Gone Gone

Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)

The Grand Illusion

Lady

Light Up

Rockin’ The Paradise

Radio Silence

Miss America

The Outpost

Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)

Too Much Time On My Hands