Classic 1970s Rockers Team Up For Philly Area Show: Review

CAMDEN, N.J. — The songs are timeless.

Anyone who grew up in the 1970s heard this band on the radio practically every day for the entire decade and way into the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The other band came out of the progressive rock format before establishing themselves as a theatrical band with hits from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s.

On Wednesday night, these two bands performed on their "Windy City" tour at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion — a show rescheduled from the night before due to storms in the region.

Chicago and Styx have undergone numerous personnel changes throughout the decades, but both are still delivering solid sets of Top 40 hits and deep cuts.

Styx started off the evening, anchored by guitarists Tommy Shaw and James "JY" Young and a stellar band that effectively recreates the band's hits of yesteryear.

The 15-song set also featured an appearance for the last three songs by original bassist and founder Chuck Panozzo.

Meanwhile, drummer Todd Sucherman has served as a tour de force on the skins for 30 years in replacing Chuck's late brother John.

Keyboardist Lawrence Gowan plays up all the theatrics, flamboyant synthesizer sounds, and soaring vocals once presented by Dennis DeYoung.

His brother Terry Gowan handles the bass while guitarist Will Evankovich has given the band a boost by helping to produce and write several recent albums over the past few years.

Shaw, as always, was in fine vocal form. His song "Fooling Yourself" led off the show, while his signature song "Renegade" closed it.

In between, Shaw showcased his skills with plenty of wailing guitar solos and solid songwriting on "Too Much Time On My Hands," "Blue Collar Man," and his first Styx song, the now 50-year-old "Crystal Ball."

Gowan is ever the showman for over two decades now, firing away on "The Grand Illusion," "Lady," "Rockin' The Paradise," and "Come Sail Away."

Two newer songs — "Build and Destroy" and "Our Wonderful Lives" with Shaw on banjo — fit into the setlist perfectly.

As long as Shaw remains in the band, Styx will always deliver the goods.

The show could have ended there after this Chicago band's rocking performance.

But then Chicago took the stage.

Chicago has toured every year its inception in 1967. This band has seen a transformation as members have come and gone, but the core always remained intact — until this past year.

Longtime originals Robert Lamm and James Pankow have retired, and singer Neil Donell left after nearly a decade with the group, leaving the band in the hands of original horn player Lee Loughnane.

The group has a hit parade dating back to 1970. But over the past few tours, the songs have gotten stale.

On this tour, the band has new energy, with several members taking lead vocals and new lead singer Rudy Cardenas providing a spark. (It didn't hurt either that the band brought along five women to play violins and dance during the show.)

The horn-powered band delivered 25 songs, among them were 17 Top 40 hits.

What always makes seeing Chicago in concert special is when they perform the entire Side Two of Chicago II.

This side features the band's first hit "Make Me Smile" and leads into the classic "Colour My World," with Loughnane taking the vocal from the late great guitarist Terry Kath.

While no one can fill the void of Lamm, bassist Eric Baines proved worthy enough by handling the classics "Beginnings," "Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?" and "Saturday in the Park."

But it was the arrival of Cardenas that has given this band a boost.

First off, no one on Earth can replace the legendary voice of Peter Cetera. His replacement, Jason Scheff, came close enough. Since Scheff left, Jeff Coffey and Donnel filled the role.

Along comes Cardenas who offers some flair, showmanship, smiles and joy in performing these songs that really made "You're the Inspiration," "Hard To Say I'm Sorry," "Old Days," and "Hard Habit to Break" come to life.

And, of course, the always fiery showstopper "25 or ^ To 4."

The Season 6 "American Idol" contestant really seemed overjoyed as he danced through a cover of "You're Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher."

The song allowed the band to play a little looser.

Chicago has transitioned through decades as it continues to showcase a songbook to new generations.

With Cardenas behind the mike now, this legendary band can keep lifting our spirits higher for years to come.