Dennis DeYoung Live At The Wolf Den In Mohegan Sun

by Matman

When I think of the music that moulded me as a young rocker, Styx has got to be one of most influential.  I love sensative songs, heartfelt lyrics, soaring vocals, heavy riffs and a chameleon like quality.. all the things that made Styx one of the biggest acts in the 70's and 80's.  As with many bands and much success, Styx would eventually part ways with singer Dennis DeYoung and continue on.  As a fan who needs to hear 'the voice' I was excited beyond reason for the chance to finally see Dennis De Young perform the hits of Styx in the intimate setting of the Wolf Den.

At 70, DeYoung still has the voice that help sell millions of records.  On Lady, Come Sail Away and The Best Of Times, DeYoung sounded like he did in his heyday.  His band; Suzanne DeYoung (backing vocals), August Zadra (guitar and vocals), John Blasucci (guitar and vocals), Jimmy Leahy (keyboards) , Craig Carter (bass) and Michael Morales (drums) were amazing and provided the incredible and sometimes difficult music that didn't miss a beat! 

​Some of the surprises in the set was Blue Collar Man and Too Much Time On My Hands, both songs originally sung by Tommy Shaw but rendered beautifully by August Zadra. If you are going to celebrate the music of Styx those songs along with all the ones Dennis sang is a must. BUT... one of my all time favorites, Desert Moon was performed and yes, I had to fight back the tears. 

Three things I took away from the show tonight...  

What an incredible showman DeYoung is. Not only does he have 'the voice' but he is incredibly funny and quite charming.  

How much he loves his wife, who is not only the inspiration to many of his songs, but is his backing vocalist. 

What an amazing catalog of hits Styx has... 35 million albums sold, 16 top 40 hits...8 of them top 10.

If Dennis DeYoung and his band show up in your town.. GO!!! This is an incredible night of music that song for song is one of the best set lists ever!!!
​
(set list)
The Grand Illusion
Lady
Lorelei
Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
Desert Moon
Too Much Time on My Hands
Mr. Roboto
Miss America
Babe
Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
The Best of Times
The End
Renegade
Come Sail Away

www.dennisdeyoung.com for more tour dates and information!!!