🎸 A Grand Illusion: Styx Brings Heart, History, and High Voltage to the BMO Center

Photos and Story by Scott Margolin

Last night’s Styx concert at the BMO Center in Rockford was an absolute triumph — from the opening chords of Loverboy to the final encore, it felt like a celebration of classic rock done right. The lights, the energy, the crowd — everything came together beautifully.

🎸 Loverboy Kicked Things Off with Flair

Loverboy opened the night with a blast of high-energy hits. Their set felt perfectly calibrated to get the audience fired up: big choruses, driving riffs, and unmistakable ’80s swagger. By the time they closed with “Working for the Weekend,” the crowd was fully warmed up and ready for Styx to take over.

🌟 Styx Took Us on a Journey

When Styx finally stepped on stage, the audience erupted. They launched into “Build and Destroy” from their latest album, "Circling from Above" and then followed that with "Too Much Time on My Hands" and "The Grand Illusion" setting a tone of both nostalgia and grandeur. The performance was polished yet passionate, with each band member clearly feeding off the crowd’s excitement.
Other standout moments included “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)”, where the crowd sang every lyric under the shimmering lights, and the ever-iconic “Come Sail Away,” which brought a wave of emotion. The band also delivered “Lady” and “Lorelei” each song landing just as powerfully as it has for decades.

🎤 A Heartwarming Birthday Tribute

One of the most touching moments came when the band paused mid-show to serenade James “JY” Young with “Happy Birthday.” The audience joined in, and you could feel a genuine warmth radiating through the arena — a real family moment on a large stage. It was a beautiful reminder that even rock legends are still very much human, and that their bond with each other (and their fans) runs deep.

🥁 Playing Close to Home: Todd Sucherman

As a friend, I especially appreciated drummer Todd Sucherman, who hails from Lincolnwood, Illinois not too far from the Rockford area. Watching him behind the kit, driving the tempo with his signature precision and flair, felt like hometown "Wooder" pride. His fills and cymbal accents were crisp & tight — a musician clearly in his element. It was a privilege to capture his performance up close, knowing he’s performing so near to his roots.

📷 Staging, Lighting & Visual Spectacle

Visually, the show was a masterpiece. The lighting design complemented every song: soft blues for ballads, fiery reds and golds for the anthemic numbers. Smoke and haze added depth to the stage, framing each band member beautifully from behind. As I snapped photos, I felt like I was capturing not just a concert, but a story — decades of music, friendship, and legacy.

💥 Final Impression

By the end of their encore of "Mr. Roboto" and "Renegade", Styx had reminded everyone why they remain a force on the classic rock scene. Their blend of technical skill, emotional resonance, and showmanship is timeless. Combined with Loverboy’s energetic start, it was a concert that felt carefully crafted to deliver both nostalgia and excitement.

If last night was any indication, Styx is still sailing strong — and for fans old and new, that ship is well worth boarding.

More photos at Margolin Photography - Styx and Loverboy