Note: This article is about the tribute band Smokin’ & Renegade. The bands Boston and Styx are not performing at The Athens Theatre in DeLand.
The American rock band Boston was formed in 1976 by musician and songwriter Tom Scholz. With their distinctive sound, catchy melodies, intricate guitar harmonies, and a unique blend of hard rock and pop elements, their music played a significant role in the development of the rock music scene of the late ’70s and early ’80s.
In a similar vein, legendary rock band Styx has left an indelible mark on the music industry since its formation by Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, James “J.Y.” Young, and brothers Chuck and John Panozzo in the early 1970s. Known for their distinctive sound, powerful vocals and complex musical arrangements, they have become synonymous with progressive rock and arena anthems.
On Friday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m., the Athens Theatre in DeLand celebrates the music of these two powerhouse bands with Smokin’ & Renegade, tributes to the music of Boston and Styx!
Tom Scholz, the driving force behind Boston, had an impressive background in engineering and an undeniable passion for music. He spent years meticulously crafting his sound in his home studio, experimenting with recording techniques, and even inventing new musical tools.
An MIT graduate and former employee of Polaroid, his engineering know-how led him to develop various Rockman amps, pedals and other equipment. His attention to detail and perfectionism resulted in a polished and layered sound that set Boston apart from their peers.
Released in 1976, their self-titled debut album spawned the now iconic hit singles “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind” and “Foreplay/Long Time.” To date, it remains one of the bestselling debut albums in history.
The album’s success was a testament to the band’s ability to craft anthemic radio-friendly songs with impressive hooks and soaring guitar solos. Their second album, Don’t Look Back, arrived in 1978 and featured the title track and “Feelin’ Satisfied” as notable hits. Boston’s music resonated with a wide audience, as it appealed to both rock enthusiasts and mainstream listeners.
Their sound managed to combine the raw energy of hard rock with easygoing melodies and harmonies. The band’s signature sound, characterized by Scholz’s distinctive guitar work and Brad Delp’s powerful vocals, became their trademark and influenced numerous rock acts that followed. Come celebrate the music of this iconic band as Smokin’ captures the spirit of the late 1970s and early 1980s with Boston’s legendary blend of rock, pop and masterful melodies.
Formed in Chicago in 1972, the legendary rock band Styx drew inspiration from various genres, including progressive rock, hard rock and pop. With a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies and intricate instrumentation, Styx quickly gained attention for their unique sound and songwriting prowess.
After years of being the opening act for greats such as Bob Seger, the band’s true breakthrough came in the late 1970s with the release of their seventh studio album, The Grand Illusion, in 1977. Hit singles such as “Come Sail Away,” “Fooling Yourself” and the title track “The Grand Illusion” showcased Styx’s ability to craft complex, multilayered songs that blended catchy tunes and thought-provoking lyrics. Following the success of The Grand Illusion, Styx released a string of hit albums, including Pieces of Eight in 1978 and Cornerstone in 1979. These albums featured memorable tracks like “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man” and “Babe,” which further solidified Styx’s status as one of the premier rock bands of the era.
In the early 1980s, Styx continued their chart-topping success with the release of Paradise Theatre in 1981, an album that spawned hits like “Too Much Time on My Hands” and “The Best of Times.” The album showcased the band’s ability to create cohesive conceptual works while maintaining their signature sound.
Kilroy Was Here, released in 1983, followed as another ambitious concept album, featuring the “very ’80s” New Age hit single “Mr. Roboto.” Although the band faced some internal conflicts and lineup changes during this period, their music continued to resonate with audiences, as they seamlessly incorporated elements of hard rock, pop and even theatrical elements into their music.
Styx’s dedication to crafting intricate compositions and their emphasis on strong vocal harmonies set them apart. Beyond that, Styx’s music tackled a range of themes, from personal introspection to social commentary, resonating with listeners on multiple levels. Songs like “Renegade” and “Come Sail Away” have become timeless classics, evoking a sense of nostalgia and lofty dreaming. The band Renegade captures Styx’s ability to combine technical proficiency, accessible melodies and masterful songwriting.
On Friday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m., get ready to celebrate the golden era of rock when Smokin’ & Renegade, tributes to the music of Boston and Styx, will be under the spotlight. Come celebrate the Best of Times; we assure you, you’ll leave Feelin’ Satisfied!
More information and tickets can be found at www.AthensDeLand.com or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500.
