STYX: Mr. Roboto To Renegades, Show Review & Photos at Place Bell , Laval Quebec, Canada Oct 26, 2026

The Metal Voice

4 minutes ago

4 min read

STYX proved once again that they are absolute masters of the arena-rock experience during their 2026 Canadian run, bringing a deeply personal, high-octane energy that made the show feel like one massive family homecoming.

Review by Jimmy Kay and Perrin Wolfson

All Photos By Lizane Jean - https://www.facebook.com/LiliBlue44

Special Thanks to Ondes Chocs - Webzine Metal- https://www.facebook.com/OndesChocs

And for anyone who takes digs at bands because they're lacking original or classic members, I dare you to attend a Styx show and not walk away impressed.

Five decades into their career, this version of Styx, a perfect balance of original and classic members, 30-year veterans and "newbies," tore the roof off Place Bell in Laval, Quebec, in front of an arena-sized crowd of 10,000.

Two Gowans, Twice the Energy

Leading the charge was Canada's own Lawrence Gowan, at the helm of Styx since 1999, now joined by his brother Terry Gowan on bass.

Having two Gowans on stage seems to have kicked the energy level up another notch.

Lawrence Gowan is a human Energizer Bunny. Watching him perform in his home country takes the experience to another level, especially when he connects with the Quebec crowd in French.

L. Gowen's energy was nonstop. Whether spinning around on his trademark 360-degree keyboard, playing it blindly behind his back, leaping across the stage or throwing his signature high kicks, Gowan never seemed to miss a note.

He doesn't simply perform the songs. He makes the entire arena feel like it's part of the show.

A Band Firing on All Cylinders And Gowan is hardly alone.

Tommy Shaw is every bit the rock god he was in the '70s and '80s. Just watch him take command of "Crystal Ball" and it's hard to believe five decades have passed.

James "J.Y." Young and founding bassist Chuck Panozzo may play lesser roles these days, but their presence remains important. They are living links to the band's history and help anchor the current lineup to the Styx legacy.

Then there's drummer Todd Sucherman, who deserves special mention. Calling him a powerhouse almost doesn't do him justice. He has to be in the conversation as one of the finest rock drummers performing today.

Add guitarist Will Evankovich, who beautifully fills out every inch of sonic space, and this is not a band trying to recreate what Styx once was.

This is Styx in 2026.

And they are one hell of a live band.

The Setlist: Classic After Classic

The set was basically the best of Styx, filled with songs so many of us grew up hearing on the radio.

Classic after classic was backed by pristine visuals, lighting and musicianship, with songs like "Suite Madame Blue," "The Best of Times" and the both lauded and loathed "Mr. Roboto" transporting the crowd back to another era.

Gowan also gave the Canadian audience an extra treat with one of his solo classics, "Moonlight Desires."

Another special moment came when Gowan performed Quebec legends Harmonium's "Pour un instant," adding a distinctly Quebec flavour to the evening.

The Final Four-Song Knockout

Then came the finishing blow.

Styx unleashed an incredible four-song knockout punch:

"Suite Madame Blue"

"Come Sail Away"

"Mr. Roboto"

"Renegade"

With Chuck Panozzo joining the band for "Come Sail Away," "Mr. Roboto" and "Renegade," the connection between Styx's past and present was right there on stage.

By the time the final notes of "Renegade" rang through Place Bell, the band had absolutely brought the house down, and the crowd was still ready for more.

There's an old saying about an honest day's work for an honest day's wage. Styx might have its roots in Chicago but in Laval they gave the Quebec audience everything they had.

Styx delivered two hours of musicianship, energy, showmanship and classic songs performed by a band that still clearly loves being on stage.

More than five decades into the Styx story, the names and faces may have evolved, but the spirit, musicianship and sheer power of this band remain very much alive.

Styx didn't just play a concert. They delivered a celebration of more than five decades of classic rock, with a distinctly Canadian heart.

An excellent show.

9-10 No hesitation.