Written by Dave Clements
The Windy Cities Tour blew into The Woodlands Pavilion this Thursday night with not a whisper of air moving through the venue as the first of the two true co‑heading bands, Styx, took the stage just before the sun dipped behind the lawn at this beautiful venue.
Tommy Shaw, JY Young, Lawrence Gowan & Associates delivered a full sixteen‑song set — including a two‑song encore — and reminded everyone why their show hasn’t changed much over the last several years: because it works. In this reviewer’s opinion, that’s a very good thing.
Their energy remains high, their musicianship tight, and their chemistry unmistakable. And of course, keyboardist Lawrence Gowan continues to do his thing atop the pedestal planted stage right. He’s all over that keyboard, spinning, pointing, posing, and absolutely worthy of every second of camera time.
I did think that the graphics behind the guys was better than I’d seen in the past…would describe it as very creative, vivid and bold.
They kicked off the evening with Build & Destroy, Too Much Time On My Hands (wish I had that problem), and Lady, one of my personal favorites. From there, it was a parade of classics: The Grand Illusion, Fooling Yourself, Blue Collar Man, The Best of Times, and Come Sail Away, another favorite of mine.
Their encore — Mr. Roboto and Renegade — sealed the deal.
Styx continues to perform like a band that wants to be out on tour, and the audience continues to show up wanting exactly The Styx Experience as‑is. That sure seems like a winning combination to me.
Before moving on let me add that it was fun seeing Tommy Shaw play the banjo as he sang Our Wonderful Lives and also good seeing Chuck Panozzo join the guys on stage late in the set and play bass guitar . Chuck was there in the beginning with his twin brother John plus Dennis DeYoung in the early 60’s.
About twenty after nine, actually a little earlier Chicago took the stage. This “rock band with horns” carries a catalog that earned them a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 — at least the original members: Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, Walter Parazaider, and Danny Seraphine.
During their set the hits were all there: If You Leave Me Now, Make Me Smile, Colour My World, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, You’re the Inspiration, Saturday in the Park, Feelin’ Stronger Every Day, Free, and of course 25 or 6 to 4.
If you’re going to ask me who “they” are, I’m going to have a difficult time answering. There were nine guys on stage, if I counted correctly. Of the three men who currently own the band Chicago — James Pankow, Robert Lamm, and Lee Loughnane — only Loughnane was present this night playing his trumpet and standing center stage. The other two, although active behind the scenes, no longer tour due to health and medical limitations.
Chicago also has a newcomer singing the parts nicely once handled by Peter Cetera. His name is Rudy Cardenas, who joined the group in June 2026, replacing Neil Donell… who replaced Jeff Coffey… who replaced Jason Scheff… who replaced Peter Cetera. Band lineage can be complicated, but Cardenas handled the role with confidence and respect.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Two legendary bands, Two full sets, One terrific hot Texas night.
Styx brought the fire. Chicago brought the horns. And The Woodlands Pavilion brought the setting that made it all feel timeless.
If you love live music — and I know many of you do — this tour is absolutely worth attending.