The Windy Cities Tour, With Styx and Chicago, Has A Thunderous Start

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Metallicougar- (Belinda Reedy Hinton) in News // 0 Comments

Ourdoor shows in Florida are always a gamble withinclement weather, The Windy Cities Tour had a weather disruption or about fourty five minutes. The pouring rain and lightnig thinned the crowd but not the spirits of the crowd.

One of the best reasons I have for covering shows at the Ithink Amphitheater in West Palm Beach is it frequesntly hosts the opening night of many tours. It is the uniquie opprtunity to see the tours before thousands of others. My love of music runs deep. Nothing brings me out of a negatvie frame of mind like seeing alive show. Ins some ways it’s a reunion of dear friends whom I only see during concert season. In other ways it is also revisiting a time whenlife was easier and all there was for me was a turntable and a room filled with posters and time. Styx and Chicago were two of the many posters lining my walls from end to end. This show was lile going home.

Lawrence Gowan directs the crowd during tje openimg night ot the Windy Cities Tour in Wets Palm Beach

Styx opened the show with their standard flair. They are a joy to watch. The show itsself with a large back screen dsiplaying some beautiful backgrounds. Styx turned in a musically tight set for the entire 15 songs. Tommy Shaw proved he is still able to hit the iconic notes he is famous for. Lawrence Gowan continues to show there was no other person that should be there, his brother by his side on base, is one of the best sites I have ever seen. The vide is electric. James “JY” Young still one of the best guitarists to come out of the 70’s continues to own his part of the stage with a level of cool that can’t be matched. Will Evankovich, who has produced several of the current era Styx albums just look like he is having the time of his life. Todd Sherman, an incredible drummer in his own right appears to play efforetlessly. Chuck Panozzo, who typically makes appearances, continues to be a fan favorite moment and receives a love filled stadning ovation. As I said, like coming home. The crowd is more that fans, it’s family.

Chicago came on in full force. WIth their tradmark brass, the energy was fun and a great time to reminise over some fun music. Jazz fans can certainly apprecite the compompsitions and style while still appealing to a mass audience. Seeing James Pankow, a member since 1967, play trombone is inspirational and just a beautiful site. The man still has the chops. He enjoys the fans as much as they enjoy him. Personally I can really apprecite a trombone player.

About 20 minutes into the show, the approaching storm but their set on hold for at least 45 minutes and forced fans to either huddle under the shleter or seek shelter in their cars. Some did not return. For the faithful few, it was worth dealing with the torrential rain and lightning until the all clear was given.Chicago, or at least the current inderation, certainly made the night a fun filled sing along. I highly reccomend catching this tour.These are two bands clearly playing for the love of music and the feeling we all get when something familiar touches our soul. Upcoming dates and full set list below