Styx | Place Bell | Montreal Concert Photographer

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There is old school rock, and then there is Styx.  The legendary rock band, which originally got together back in 1972, has gone through some lineup changes over the years, mostly noticeably with new singer Lawrence Gowan.  Some fans believe that Styx songs should only be sung by ex-singer Dennis De Young, others like me, are in the camp that not only does Gowan have the range and vocal chops to pull it off, he has such an amazing stage presence that only adds to the show.  He has been the frontman for what, 15 years now?

I was waiting for our escort into the pit at Laval’s Place Bell and I had an idea in my mind that Styx would be like so many other nostalgic rockers.  A few moves, some smiles, some old tunes.  People would have whiter hair that I do and would just be happy to hear the songs from yesteryear.  I was a weee bit off.  The guys on stage were so full of energy and fun.  Constant movement, jumps from both Tommy Shaw and Gowan as well as some high kicks.  The stage was nice and big, and the lights were what you expect in a good rock show.  Many of today’s newer rock bands can learn a thing or two about how to put on a show.

The guys were great to see and photograph.  But making our way out of the photo pit during the song “Lady” had that extra nudge of “this was great”.  I wanted to stay for longer, but sadly I had to drive home and edit images.

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Quick note about the other photographers.  If I don’t mention the few who shot more than half their time with cell phones, I have to say that the photographer community, for the most part, that we have in town is just great.  The chats, the laughs… When Tommy Shaw jumped, I was standing beside fellow photog Eric Brisson.  We stopped shooting just to compare who got the better shot (he got the shot at it’s apex, mine is a bit low).  So while we are all vying for the best images, we (and again, for the most part) are a fun group of people who love what we do and try and ensure that everyone can get the best shots possible.

Photos shot for CHOM 97.7 and iHeartradio.fr.  You can see the full media gallery HERE.

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