Shaw Blades at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA

[StyxCollector]

Just got back to the hotel from the show. I will post a formal review up on the site by the weekend, but other than some of the special DDY shows like like Lost Treasures ones, this was one of the best Styx-related shows I've seen. The difference from a Styx show was shocking actually. I'm not saying Tommy doesn't enjoy himself with Styx (even with DDY), but I haven't seen Tommy enjoy a live show like this since maybe I saw him in Damn Yankees. Jack and Tommy have a chemistry that is undeniable and Tommy looked very comfortable on stage doing this.

They didn't do much in the way of unexpected stuff as they did at some other shows, but what they did was fantastic. A mixture of covers, DY, Styx, Shaw Blades, and Night Ranger. Tommy even played some slide.

I also got some pics. My camera battery died so I don't know how they all came out, but I'll try to post them at the same time.

Tommy's daughter Hannah was on the couch on the righthand side of the stage all night.

Setlist:
Not Fade Away
Summer Breeze
Too Much Time On My Hands (he even said the "Criminal Mind" thingy)
The Night Goes On
I Am A Rock
The Butt Song (if you've seen the VH-1 special, you know what I'm talking about)
High Enough
(bit of Dust In The Wind)
Nature's Way
Your Move
For What It's Worth
Stop In The Name Of Love
You Can Still Rock In America
Sound Of Silence
Dirty Work
Down That Highway
Sister Christian
Fooling Yourself/Love The One You're With
Coming Of Age
California Dreamin'

Encore:
Crystall Ball
Blue Collar Man

[stmonkeys]

glad you were able to make it to a show! incredible, huh! i hope T&J decide to tour more regularly. i need to see them again! once wasn't enough (especially since T was ill). Post those pics soon. i'll put a link up to mine.

[StyxCollector]

glad you were able to make it to a show! incredible, huh! i hope T&J decide to tour more regularly. i need to see them again! once wasn't enough (especially since T was ill). Post those pics soon. i'll put a link up to mine.

I would see this show 10x more than I would a Styx show. If Styx had a looser show like this, it'd be much more enjoyable.

[stmonkeys]

glad you were able to make it to a show! incredible, huh! i hope T&J decide to tour more regularly. i need to see them again! once wasn't enough (especially since T was ill). Post those pics soon. i'll put a link up to mine.

I would see this show 10x more than I would a Styx show. If Styx had a looser show like this, it'd be much more enjoyable.

no argument there! i'd LOVE to see more "impromptu" shows such as this. I know some of them have been recorded. i hope they do decide to release the footage as a dvd or special. the only other time i had a chance to see T&J perform together was at the rock to the rescue show in NJ 2002. they did a few DY tunes and that was it, if i recall. While having a DY reunion would be something, i think i'd prefer the small, intimate acoustic shows such as this. i hope the album does well, and that VH1 classics gives it a good push. I've heard only positive things, which is great, and hope that the sucess of Influence leads to a longer tour and another shaw/blades album.

[StyxCollector]

I know some of them have been recorded.

I know at least one has

and hope that the sucess of Influence leads to a longer tour and another shaw/blades album.

I get the feeling it will - maybe not a longer tour (since Styx is on the endless tour), but I wouldn't be surprised to see a S/B album in the next 2 years.

At my show the pretty much went on promptly and played for just shy of 2 hours.

[stmonkeys]

I know some of them have been recorded.

I know at least one has



make that atleast 3! LOL!!!

and hope that the sucess of Influence leads to a longer tour and another shaw/blades album.

I get the feeling it will - maybe not a longer tour (since Styx is on the endless tour), but I wouldn't be surprised to see a S/B album in the next 2 years.

At my show the pretty much went on promptly and played for just shy of 2 hours.

Another original S/B album would be amazing. i think tommy & jack write so well together. it might give each of them the creative spark they need. who knows, if they release a few singles from this album and they do well, we just might see a few fall dates. :::keepingfingerscrossed::: I'd love to hear Sound Of Silence, Summer Breeze, & I Am A Rock released. Acompanying videos would be nice too! i already have one for SOS scripted in my head. LOL!

[StyxCollector]

I like Tommy singing "Sister Christian". It sounds great.

What these shows also prove is that songs like "You Can Still Rock In America" and "Coming of Age" (which Tommy played on mandolin, no less) still work even without the heavy guitars.

I'd definitely rank this show up there in at least the top 10 or 20 overall for me. Wish I could see another. Glad I made the effort.

[Renegade79]

Allan, thanks for the great review! I'm waiting (not so patiently) for them to come to California. I was lucky to see them perform together twice last year. They have a wonderful repore with each other, and kept us totally mesmerized. I love the way Tommy sings Sister Christian.

[stabbim]

I'm flying out to catch three of the four California shows. I was already excited just to see the duo in action (Hallucination is my favorite Styx-related album) but now getting the actual reviews and hearing how relaxed and fluid the show/setlist is, I'm definitely glad to be hitting multiple dates.

[Zan]

I'm flying out to catch three of the four California shows. I was already excited just to see the duo in action (Hallucination is my favorite Styx-related album) but now getting the actual reviews and hearing how relaxed and fluid the show/setlist is, I'm definitely glad to be hitting multiple dates.

SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH!!!

[stmonkeys]

I'm flying out to catch three of the four California shows. I was already excited just to see the duo in action (Hallucination is my favorite Styx-related album) but now getting the actual reviews and hearing how relaxed and fluid the show/setlist is, I'm definitely glad to be hitting multiple dates.

SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH!!!

that's it.. no phone call for you!

[stabbim]

I'm flying out to catch three of the four California shows. I was already excited just to see the duo in action (Hallucination is my favorite Styx-related album) but now getting the actual reviews and hearing how relaxed and fluid the show/setlist is, I'm definitely glad to be hitting multiple dates.

SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH!!!

Heh. Saw that response coming like Omar Sharif approaching the well.

(Just breathe deeply and remember what Jolea had to say....)

[Concert Queen]

Hey Styx Collector post the pictures! Sorry I am impatient! I am catching the show next tues in Indy and can't wait!