Styx Basks in Sun : ‘70s-Vintage Rock Band Christens Anaheim Concert Venue With Old, New Songs

In 1980, the band Styx released an album titled “Paradise Theater,” a nostalgic look at a classic concert venue, long since demolished. It may have been fitting that Styx was the debut headliner for the grand opening Thursday night of Anaheim’s Sun Theatre, which aims to blend contemporary acoustics with a hint of Art Deco elegance.

“Welcome to an evening of just us,” singer-guitarist Tommy Shaw declared early in the band’s two-hour concert, which will be reprised tonight at the 1,200-seat house. “Is this cool or what?”

As the Chicago-based quintet launched into the thundering progressive-rock strains of the title song from their 1977 “Grand Illusion” album, Shaw looked out over a box-shaped room filled with dinner tables and ecstatic fans.

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There were two big video screens flanking the stage magnifying the faces of Styx members for those seated way in the back. But it was hardly necessary in the huge, airy room, where no seat was either too far from the stage or had an obstructed view. The sound quality was better than average in every corner.

While the Sun Theatre lacks the rich character of such comparable older venues as the Wiltern Theatre, it is a roomy, modern venue with much to offer in the way of comfort. The exterior still looks much like a movie sound stage, reflecting its previous incarnation as Tinseltown Studios, with a silver marquee and a front patio where smokers gathered between songs.

A huge bar in the lobby was surrounded by framed posters of such pop figures as Van Morrison, Ben Harper, Lenny Kravitz and Jennifer Lopez. Video screens and speakers above the bar meant never missing a note.

Styx performed with real enthusiasm, not as faded pop heroes. But beyond the band’s biggest hits, memorable hooks were few. New songs such as “Heavy Water,” from the band’s recent “Brave New World” album, too often resorted to flat metal passages led by guitarist James “JY” Young.

At mid-show, all five members of Styx sat on stools for a surprising acoustic session, including a piece of “Sweet Home Alabama,” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, which was scheduled to play Friday.

The acoustic part of the Styx show had its warm moments but cost much in the way of momentum, almost as if it were just an excuse to sit down.

While much of the band’s repertoire was forgettable, Styx’s best-known hits still carried some nostalgic weight. It was music that was upbeat and positive in tone, including “Lady,” still one of the band’s best-known radio hits. Fans couldn’t have been disappointed, despite the absence of founding keyboardist Dennis DeYoung.

During the band’s 1970s heyday, Styx was an act best enjoyed by adolescent boys in search of big, simple themes and slick rock ‘n’ roll. Many of the fans happily shouting along likely were teenagers when Styx enjoyed its greatest commercial successes.

Meanwhile, the Sun Theatre’s calendar is already filling up with such names as Dwight Yoakham and former Clash member Joe Strummer, which is no small thing. The sound quality could be great and the comfort level high, but whatever success the Sun Theatre enjoys will depend mostly on the kind of talent its booking manager, Ken Phebus, brings to its stage.

Styx plays at 8 tonight at the Sun Theatre, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. $50. (714) 712-2700. Some tickets are still available but must be purchased at the door.