Live Review: Styx + Kevin Cronin + Don Felder @ Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta,GA - July 6th 2025

Chris Collett
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 8 hours ago

On a sultry Sunday evening, July 6, 2025, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta transformed into the ideal stage for Styx’s legendary Brotherhood of Rock Tour. Vocalist and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, guitarist Tommy Shaw, drummer Todd Sucherman, guitarist James “JY” Young, and percussionist Chuck Panozzo, along with a few more talented friends, delivered a performance that skillfully blended iconic nostalgia with a refreshing burst of energy.

The band opened with the full The Grand Illusion album, beginning with the sprawling title track. Gowan’s emotive keys and vocals breathed new life into the classic, conjuring a palpable hush before the crowd erupted. That sense of reverence continued through every track, from the introspective “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man),” the ambitious “Superstars,” to the yearning anthem “Come Sail Away.” This album-long journey delighted longtime fans, with even deeper cuts like “Miss America,” “Man in the Wilderness,” “Castle Walls,” and “The Grand Finale” showcasing the band’s tight dynamics and musical precision.

Once the album concluded, Styx shifted gears into their radio hits. The transition to “Rockin’ the Paradise” and “Too Much Time on My Hands” got the crowd moving, while the tender ballad “Lady” brought a sweeping sing-along that highlighted Shaw’s timeless vocals. In a nod to their ongoing evolution, the group then introduced “Build and Destroy,” the lone track from their latest release, Circling From Above. Its punchy riffs and sharp lyricism suggested the band remains creatively vital.

They closed the main set with “The Best of Times” and the still-ripping “Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),” the latter resonating as a gritty, working-class anthem that encouraged a collective fist-pump moment.

The encore arrived with two fan favorites. First, the theme-heavy “Mr. Roboto” turned the amphitheatre into a playful chorus of robotic voices, blending synth-pop flair with camp and absolutely smashing. The grand finale, “Renegade,” then sealed the night with a thunderous crescendo. The dual guitar freight-train attack from Shaw and Young, backed by Sucherman’s precise drumming, made for a thrilling climax.

Visually, the show was stripped down but effective. It was a world of color from the LED backdrop, spot lighting, and the minimal stage props kept the focus on the musicianship. Gowan’s charismatic stage presence and expressive keyboard solos anchored the performance while riding his spinning platform, while Shaw and Young traded lead lines with assured flair. The rhythm section powered everything expertly, never overplaying but always propelling the energy forward.

Opening acts Don Felder and Kevin Cronin set a high bar. Felder delivered Eagles classics like “Hotel California,” and Cronin offered up REO Speedwagon staples like “Keep on Loving You.” But Styx clearly drew the lion’s share of adoration. By the time the band hit their stride, the audience felt unified in appreciation, from die-hard rock fans on the lawn to casual concertgoers in the pavilion.

In total, Styx’s July 6 set was a masterstroke of balancing nostalgia with contemporary edge. Their deep dive into The Grand Illusion provided a rare treat for longtime fans, while interspersed hits and new material kept the set feeling fresh. With powerful vocals, sharp musicianship, and undeniable chemistry, Styx continues to prove why they remain to be one of the greats.