The Chamber invites you to “Come Sail Away” on the banks of the Coosa River as it announces the first confirmed performer for Riverfest 2013: the band Styx will headline rock night on Friday, May 31.
Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early 1970s, Styx would eventually transform into the virtual arena rock prototype by the late ‘70s and ‘80s – the era of big rockers and soaring power ballads, according to a press release from The Chamber, Gadsden & Etowah County.
Performers Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman and Ricky Phillips (along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo) have performed more live since 1999 than in all the previous years of the band’s career combined, including two Super-Bowl appearances and Pollstar Box Office chart topping tours.
Styx broke through the main stream in the ‘70s with “Lady,” which proved to be a hit with substantial airplay, then earned Platinum Certification and spawned hit singles including “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” “Blue Collar Man,” and “Fooling Yourself.” In the ‘80s, Styx became one of the top U.S. rock acts with such big hits as “Too Much Time on My Hands.” Styx was the first band in history to release four consecutive triple platinum albums.
Riverfest is a two-day music festival that fills Albert Rains Boulevard and Morange Park with vendors and activities as well as bringing performers like Styx to Gadsden. May 31 is rock night, and June 1 will feature country performers.
The Chamber plans to release more Riverfest 2013 acts as they are confirmed. Text 22411 to get Riverfest updates and special offers.
