Styx performing May 2, 2016 in Pensacola, FL (Uncredited photo from styxworld.com)
We wonder if this is a new trend, where North Carolina fans are still able to see their favorite acts perform while the artists demonstrate their generosity. Styx—Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitars), James “JY” Young (vocals, guitars), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Ricky Phillips (bass), along with the occasional surprise appearance by original bassist Chuck Panozzo—and special guest, the former Eagle Don Felder, will donate proceeds from their concert at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC next Wednesday, May 18 to various local charities. Tickets to the show are available here.
Related: Jackson Browne has announced a similar arrangement
While the band condemns the North Carolina law that reinforces discrimination against LGBT citizens— especially because Chuck Panozzo has been an openly gay man since the late ‘90s—they do not want to let down their fans in the state. And, like all Styx concerts, a raffle will be held by the band’s own Rock To The Rescue for one lucky fan to win a guitar signed by the band members (and Felder). Funds raised as a result of the raffle, as well as ticket sales and donations taken at the venue, will benefit Girls Rock Camp Foundation, as well as local LGBT charities such as Equality NC (the oldest LGBT rights action group in the U.S.) and The LGBT Center of Raleigh.
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As James “JY” Young explains: “Ever since original bass player Chuck Panozzo let the world know that he was gay at the turn of the century, we’ve been incredibly enlightened in regard to LGBT social issues. Styx’s music has always been inclusive for everyone and this is just us doing our small part to continue to be a band that excludes no one from our fan base or our concerts. As humbled stewards of the universal language that music is, we intend to project peace, love and non-exclusion as we always have.”
“Our nation was founded on liberty and justice for all and should remain the core essence of freedom for all people,” says Felder. “I look forward to seeing fans from all walks of life, race, religion and sexual orientation in North Carolina. I am proud that we are able to do our part to contribute to organizations fighting for equality.”
Styx has earned eight Top 10 singles including “Babe,” “Lady” and “Come Sail Away.” They have concert dates into November. Tickets are available here.
About Rock to the Rescue:
Rock to the Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by the band and spearheaded by Tommy Shaw’s daughter, Hannah, whose mission is to build strong, healthy communities through the support of grassroots organizations across the country. They research local nonprofit organizations and pick one to see if they are interested in volunteering to help the band sell tickets for a drawing to win a signed Styx guitar at each of the shows. They give these organizations a percentage of the sales as their way of supporting their local cause and thanking them for supporting the band’s cause.
Rock to the Rescue started in 2001 as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is the brainchild of Styx singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw and REO Speedwagon singer/keyboardist/guitarist Kevin Cronin. The two musicians brought together bands and artists such as Bad Company, Journey, Survivor, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others to be part of “Volunteers For America” concert events in Dallas and Atlanta that ultimately raised over $775,000 for victims of 9/11, as well as the Port Authority police department in New York City.
On November 19, 2015, Rock To The Rescue donated $25,000 to The Sweet Stuff Foundation to help victims of the Paris terrorist attacks.
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