August 8, 2025 – Styx stormed the stage at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ, celebrating the release of their newest album, CIRCLING FROM ABOVE. CIRCLING FROM ABOVE showcases the band’s powerful, expressive artistic talents, and on this night, they brought it to life with unstoppable energy. Though Styx has been rocking audiences for over 53 years, their precision and drive remain as sharp as ever.
Captures + Review by Steve Cerf ( @stevecerf )
Original member James “JY” Young, along with longtime bandmates Tommy Shaw, Lawrence Gowan, and Todd Sucherman, were joined by new additions Will Evankovich and Terry Gowan—all of whom contributed to CIRCLING FROM ABOVE.
Shaw and Young were as dynamic as ever on guitar, trading off leads with expertise and flair. The powerhouse rhythm section of Terry Gowan on bass and Todd Sucherman on drums played with flawless precision from start to finish. Sucherman went berserk at the end of several songs, highlighting his dexterity and sheer speed behind the kit.
Vocally, the band may be at its strongest point yet. Shaw and Gowan delivered soaring lead vocals, while the harmonies from the entire band were pure bliss. JY added depth to their tight vocal blend, and Lawrence Gowan’s spinning keyboard, theatrical flair, and “slayer” dance moves brought visual fireworks to match his unique voice. Shaw’s vocals remain impressively high and strong—an anchor to Styx’s unmistakable sound.
With a rich history of timeless hits and devotion to delivering unforgettable live performances, Styx has solidified their place as one of the greatest rock bands in history. Their stage presence is as energetic and engaging as ever, proving that they still know how to rock—and reminding everyone in Camden why they’re among the finest practitioners of the genre.
