Update: Here's a review of their 8/10/12 performance.
Styx will be coming to Corbin, KY to perform at their 60th annual NIBROC Festival on August 10th at 9pm on the Main Stage (3rd St & Depot St). Best of all, this event is FREE to the public! For those poor souls who don’t know who Styx is, Styx is a famous American rock band consisting of Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman and Ricky Phillips (along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo). The band melds together prog-rock with hard rock and is known for its strong ballads and elements of American musical theater. Some of their hit songs include “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” and “Mr. Roboto.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of their self-titled debut album.
Louisville.com had the privilege to interview Styx bassist, Ricky Phillips.
Louisville.com: So, you’re the bassist for Styx.
Phillips: (laughs) Yes I am.
Louisville.com: Last time Louisville.com talked to you was back in 2010 when Styx played at the Louisville Palace. How long have you been with Styx now?
Phillips: I will have played over 1,000 shows with STYX this year. Before Styx I played bass in Bad English and The Babys. I also did a project with Jimmy Page and David Coverdale and we released an album called Coverdale/Page. I joined Styx in 2003, although I had first met the guys in 1979 when I was playing with The Babys, so I had known them for a while before. I also did and still do a lot of producing and writing. I love producing and writing songs, but it’s great to be back on the road performing live. Styx is an incredible organization and was a no brainer when I was asked to join.
Louisville.com: So you’ve obviously played with some legendary people. (Jimmy Page, Joe Cocker, Roger Daltrey, Mick Jagger, Sammy Haggar, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Julian Lennon, Ted Nugent, Eddie Money, Steve Stevens, David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Joe Lynn Turner, Steve Lukather, Vinnie Caliuta, Alan White, Jeff Porcarro and Terri Bozzio) What’s so special about playing with Styx? What sets them apart from the other bands you’ve played with?
Phillips: Styx is one of the few bands I’ve seen who really depends on all the parts, not just one. The music comes from various sources and has three lead singers. It’s driven by all the parts. We’ll come off stage dripping with sweat and start discussing how we can make it better. We try to raise the bar night to night. If it was another band I probably wouldn’t have said yes.
